10 reasons to visit the Wadden Sea

Popular holiday destinations in the Wadden Sea are the many islands off the North Sea coast. Here you can see Baltrum, the smallest of the East Frisian islands. The islands all have the same feature: between the side facing the mainland and the coast is the tidal flat. Twice a day at low tide the water retreats. Then you can explore the seabed — without any diving equipment.

On a guided hike with a ranger, you can learn a lot about the inhabitants of this extreme habitat: a lugworm, for example, rearranges about 25 kilograms (55 lbs) of sand every year and supplies other marine life with oxygen. A total of more than 10,000 animal and plant species live in the mudflats, including fish, shellfish and birds.

Everyone wants to see the seals. The sandbanks of the Wadden Sea are their home, not only do they lounge in the sun, but seal babies are also born here. This happens between the beginning of June and July. Excursion boats then take tourists out to the seal banks, but at a respectful distance.

The Wadden Sea ecosystem is not only made up of silt and water. Dunes, beaches and salt marshes also define the landscape. The plants of the salt marshes in particular are true survival artists — they are regularly flooded by the sea. This makes it a perfect resting and breeding area for many bird species. It's always wise is to have a pair of binoculars in your bag.

Thatched gabled houses with low-drawn roofs that protect against the harsh wind are typical of the German North Sea. Many are rented out as holiday homes. This pretty specimen is located on the island of Amrum. The roof is made of reed, which grows virtually in front of the front door. To cover such a roof requires real craftsmanship, which only a few people still master.

Many coastal towns have a long tradition as port cities. The same applies to the enchanting Husum. The inland port of Husum has existed since the Middle Ages. Today tourists bustle around in the maritime backdrop. Restaurants have moved into the old warehouses. First a stroll through the city, then head out into the mud flats — Husum is a wonderful place to do that.

From Husum you can visit Hallig Hooge. It can only be reached by boat at high tide. A tiny patche of land at the mercy of natural elements. The inhabitants traditionally build their houses on so-called dwelling mounds to protect them from storm tides. If "land under" is declared, only the mound of a Hallig can still be seen — the rest is flooded. Living here clearly demands an adventurous spirit.

Life on the islands is much more relaxed. They promise pure summer fun. The islands with their kilometer-long fine sandy beaches are definitely booked out in the summer months. And so are the beach chairs. In these you can take a nap, put your feet up or take a snack sheltered from the wind. Beach chairs are a kind of mini house by the sea.

Sailing, surfing, diving, swimming, — the Wadden Sea leaves nothing to be desired. Kitesurfing is particularly popular, like here in St. Peter Ording. But where birds and seals have their protection zones, special conditions apply for these sports activities. They are assigned special areas, which are marked by buoys. The Marine police force ensures that athletes adhere to these rules.

If it rains — which happens frequently — the Multimar Wattforum in Tönning is a good place to visit. It is the largest visitor center in the national park and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site in Schleswig-Holstein. Highlights are the 37 North Sea aquariums with 280 animal species, a real sperm whale skeleton and the diver who feeds the shoals of fish in the large aquarium twice a week.