The Wadden Sea is an enormous pantry, where resting seals, huge and accessible banks of shellfish and 12-15 million migratory birds attract visitors from near and far. The food chain in the Wadden Sea starts with the microscopic lifeforms found on and under the seabed, where there is a whole microcosm of underwater life which mostly goes unnoticed.
Lying in the shared territories of Denmark, Germany and Holland, with its 4700 km2 of sand- and mudflats, the Wadden Sea is the world’s biggest continuous tidal area of its kind. The Dutch, German and Danish areas have all been designated as UNESCO sites of World Heritage, and the Danish area comprises Denmark’s largest national park.
In the Wadden Sea enclosure you can explore the seabirds of the Wadden Sea – eider, shelduck and widgeon. Out in the open and downstairs through the large underwater window you can watch the birds in close-up. Watch the fast and elegant eider dive for food.
The Wadden Sea is Denmark’s biggest national park, and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
But what does this actually mean?
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum is a partner in Nationalpark Vadehavet (Wadden Sea National Park).
Click here to see what we are working on.
When you are out and about in the Wadden Sea, you must be aware of many things.
Take care not to disturb breeding seals and sea birds, and watch out for rapid incoming tidal waters which can take beachcombers unaware.
Learn more about how to be careful and caring in Denmark’s biggest – and wettest – national park here.
You can also read more about the Wadden Sea National Park here, and watch their film here.