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The Wadden SeaNatural jewel on the North Sea coast.

Wilhelmshaven is located on the German North Sea coast and thus on an internationally renowned natural wonder - the Wadden Sea. The influence of the tides over thousands of years has created one of the most fertile ecosystems in the world on this huge area. It stretches over 450 km from the Netherlands via Germany to northern Denmark and extends up to 40 km out to sea from the mainland. This makes the Wadden Sea on the North Sea the largest of its kind in the world.

At low tide, the sandy areas seem to stretch out to the horizon and merge with it. The extremely fertile mudflats are a breeding ground for countless organisms, animals and plants and even attract birds to spend the winter. During your vacation in Wilhelmshaven, you have the opportunity to discover this unique ecosystem and learn all there is to know about it.

World Natural HeritageProtection and preservation of the unique natural wonder.

The UNESCO World Heritage List includes monuments, sites, ensembles and natural phenomena that have a unique value worldwide and are therefore under special protection. As the Wadden Sea is such an exceptional natural area, the neighboring territories, i.e. the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark, have a special responsibility to preserve the World Heritage of Humanity. The Wadden Sea owes its title as a "World Heritage Site" to the unique geological and ecological processes that contribute to its exceptional biodiversity.


Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Center
Biosphere reserves
Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Center
Biosphere reserves
Nationalpark Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer

Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park

In the spirit of preserving unique nature, the German part of the Wadden Sea is protected by three national parks. The Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony Wadden Seas are the two largest of 16 German national parks.
Vogelbeobachtung am Wattenmeer

UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Center

The educational center for the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park provides information about the Wadden Sea and its inhabitants, biological and ecological characteristics and processes. The knowledge is conveyed in a playful way at interactive…

Biosphere reserves

The UNESCO biosphere reserves of the Wadden Sea are model regions that test innovative approaches to sustainable development. The focus is on economic island management, renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly tourism.
Nationalpark Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer

Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park

In the spirit of preserving unique nature, the German part of the Wadden Sea is protected by three national parks. The Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony Wadden Seas are the two largest of 16 German national parks.
Vogelbeobachtung am Wattenmeer

UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea Visitor Center

The educational center for the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park provides information about the Wadden Sea and its inhabitants, biological and ecological characteristics and processes. The knowledge is conveyed in a playful way at interactive…

Biosphere reserves

The UNESCO biosphere reserves of the Wadden Sea are model regions that test innovative approaches to sustainable development. The focus is on economic island management, renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly tourism.

Mudflat hikesDiscover the Wadden Sea.

There are countless ways to get to know the natural wonder of the Wadden Sea. One of the most popular and recommended are the so-called mudflat walks. These are much more than just a simple walk along the beach: at low tide, the seabed is exposed over a large area and can be explored extensively. But beware: you should never go on a tour on your own, but always with an experienced mudflat guide! Inexperienced people can be surprised not only by the changing tides, but also by the different bottom conditions.

On a guided mudflat hike, you can immerse yourself in the seemingly endless expanse of the mudflats and take in the unique panorama. You can also experience the biological diversity of the flora and fauna up close. And who knows: if you're lucky, you might even spot a few seals from afar on your mudflat hike. You can find out about all guided tours and events in advance on the Wadden Sea National Park website.

The Jade BayA place of tranquillity and unique nature.

The Jade Bay is an important area, especially for migratory birds. The bay narrows near Wilhelmshaven to form an almost five-kilometre narrow funnel, which widens again towards the North Sea. The area used to be largely covered by raised bog until several storm surges in the Middle Ages formed the bay we know today. At low tide, the water drains away completely twice a day and the area becomes a resting place for seals and water birds.

As most of the Jade Bay near Wilhelmshaven is dry, it is ideal for walks and cycle tours. There are also interesting excursion destinations here, such as the so-called "floating moor" or the "Neuenburger Urwald". Both places are characterized by unusual natural formations that cannot be found anywhere else. Dangast beach, one of Germany's oldest North Sea resorts, is also located directly on the Jade Bay. At high tide, you can swim here on the free sandy beach or simply enjoy the view of the sea in peace.