Why you should visit the Wadden Sea National Park

Did you know that we have the largest mud flats in the world right here in Denmark? We do. The Wadden Sea National Park covers a huge area along the North Sea, and it’s the largest national park in Denmark.

For a really long time, I’ve talked about revisiting the area, so we recently took a trip there. You know why? I wanted to try walking on the bottom of the ocean – without any diving gear. I mean, that’s a pretty unique experience and you can get it right here!

So, I’ve gathered all the tips from my trip, plus a lot of background info about the Wadden Sea. That way you can have a fun and exciting trip yourself.

Let’s dive in.

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Table of Contents

What is the Wadden Sea National Park?

The Wadden Sea is an area of very shallow sea waters that stretches from The Netherlands through Germany to Denmark. The total National Park covers an area of 13,500 km², while the Danish part is 1,200 km².

The Wadden Sea is unique because twice a day at low tide, the water retreats. When that happens, you can walk or drive out and explore the seabed, pluck oysters or watch seals. During autumn and spring, you can also catch a glimpse of the super unique Black Sun phenomenon.

A Danish UNESCO site

The Wadden Sea became a UNESCO site in 2009. The main reason for that is because it’s such a productive ecosystem.

Formed by storms back in the 14th century, it’s the largest costal sand and mud flat area in the world. The rich mud provides a home for worms, oysters, fish, shrimps, snails and mussels. In turn, this becomes food for millions of migrating birds that pass through the Wadden Sea each season.

More than 10,000 animal and plants live in the mudflats, and it’s considered one of the 10 most important wetlands in the world.

Experience The Black Sun (murmuration)

Birdwatching is probably the most popular thing to do at the Wadden Sea. Especially in spring and autumn when millions of starlings make stops there and create one of the most impressive nature experiences in Denmark – murmuration. We call it “Black Sun”, because the birds collectively create enormous moving shapes that can block out the sun.

Even if you aren’t a bird person, it’s a really unique experience. If you’re in Denmark during this time, it’s worth checking out.

When to see the Black Sun:

Autumn: August – End of October
Spring: Mid March – Mid April
It lasts about 20 minutes during sunset

Road trip in Denmark — *This is a mini Black Sun. They’re usually much larger*

Spot wild seals

From early July to late October

Another animal experience is to spot seals.

The Wadden Sea has the largest population of harbour seals in Denmark. They like to lounge in the sun, but you can also see tiny baby seals be born. This happens between the beginning of June and July. If you join an organised tour, the boat will take you out to the seal banks at a respectful distance, but still close enough to take videos and photos.

Put on waders and go oyster hunting

From October to April – 4 hours duration.

Another fun thing to do at the Wadden Sea National Park is to pluck fresh oysters straight from the sea.

Fun fact: The oysters that live in the Danish Wadden Sea is an invasive species from Asia and, according to the Nationalpark Vadehavet, it has a negative effect on other indigenous species living there. So, by collecting and eating the oysters, you actually help maintain the indigenous nature in Denmark.

You’ve got several tour options, both from the mainland (Ribe) and the islands. On this tour for instance, you just show up. There are waders, buckets and knives on board. Once you’ve picked oysters on the oyster banks, you go back on the boat where you can taste your fresh, self-plucked oysters with a glass of champagne. As a bonus, you’ll also see seals.

Drive across the bottom of the sea to Mandø

The three Wadden Sea islands lie right next to each other: Rømø, Mandø and Fanø. The islands all have the same feature: between the side facing the mainland and the coast is the tidal flat.

Mandø island is the most unique of the three, because you can only get there during low tide. The public road, Låningsvejen is raised above the seabed, but is flooded twice every 24 hours by the tide. You can drive there yourself or take one of the tractor busses that cross the Wadden Sea during summer.

Find out how to take the tractor-ride here.

Rømø – visit the widest beach in Scandinavia

The other two Wadden Sea islands, Fanø and Rømø, are particularly popular during summer. Rømø is famous for its exceptionally wide white beaches, which are up to 2km wide. In fact, it’s home to the widest beach in Scandinavia.

Rømø is also known for its oyster festival in October. Here, more than 30 renowned chefs cook up delicious dishes with oysters straight from the sea.

Spend time in Ribe (dates back to the Viking Age)

I’ve already talked about how charming Ribe is. But in case you missed it, Ribe is right next to the Wadden Sea and absolutely worth a visit.

Ribe has existed since the Viking Age. Some studies even suggest that the Viking Age started in Ribe. It’s the oldest town in Denmark and also in Scandinavia, and it has kept much of its charm.

Visit the Wadden Sea Centre (Vadehavscentret)

If you’d like more info about the Wadden Sea National Park, you should visit the Wadden Sea Centre (Vadehavscentret). Here, you’ll find displays about the Wadden Sea, activities and the Black Sun.

Where to stay along The Wadden Sea National Park

Unless you’re just passing through, you can spend the night at the Wadden Sea. Either at the mainland or one of the islands. We stayed in Ribe, which is super charming and historic. You can also go for Rømø or Fanø if you’re more interested in beaches and sheer relaxation.

Mainland: Go for a full eco experience and stay at Danhostel Ribe. You can walk directly from the hostel to the Wadden Sea National Park. Find prices here.

Island: Another option is to stay at one of the islands. I haven’t yet been to Fanø, but I really like Rømø and its beaches. A popular and affordable choice there is Danhostel Rømø where you’ll get to stay in a historic Sea Commander’s house. They offer 100% organic breakfasts and a great location, just 1km from the beach and the Wadden Sea National Park. Find prices here.