Netherlands> Destinations

Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea (German: Wattenmeer) is a body of water and wetlands located between the northern coast of Europe and the North Sea. It stretches from Den Helder in the Netherlands to Ebsjerg in Denmark for 500 kilometres. Its width is over 10 km on average, and it spreads over a total area of 9000 square kilometres. It is the biggest wetland in the world, and the last undamaged natural territory in Europe. Contrary to popular belief, it is far from a dead wasteland swept by destructive tides. It is home to many animal and bird species, as well as flora, and incorporates salt marshes, islands and dunes.

This fascinating terrain has been evolving for over 10 millenniums. It is shaped by a large number of natural processes, which affect the sea bottom, rivers, mudflats, sandbanks, islands, and reefs. The incline of the seafloor is small, and therefore sand and clay easily accumulate upon it. The river currents move sand and clay into the mudflats, which undergo a dry phase twice a day. The sand layers dry up and are blown toward the land by the wind. This occurs during low tide. The sand blown toward the land forms sand dunes. The islands and reefs disrupt water flow coming from the sea, and sand and clay accumulate upon the land. The continuously rising sea level leads to a loss of land. The tides do indeed have great bearing on the landscape. The Wadden Sea wetland is comprised primarily of tidal trenches, islands and mudflats. Storm tides have had a strong impact on its formation over extremely long periods of time. In geographic terms a wetland is a territory in the midst of an aquatic area and terra firma. It is neither one or the other, but affected by and thus dependent on both. In all cases wetland soil is saturated by water. The soil does not contain free oxygen in result of this, and specific types of plants can grow on such territory if they are adapted to it. Wetlands are more typical of tropical regions, making Wadden Sea even more unique in that sense. Wetland types include marsh, fen, carr, slough and swamps.

As a wetland Wadden Sea has a very important function. It protects the terrestrial region from tides, storms and strong winds by absorbing and diminishing their magnitude. Wetland plants purify the water, counteracting biochemical agents. The salt marshes of Wadden Sea preserve diverse species and facilitate recycling. Salt marshes are among the most beneficial bionetworks in the world.

As heightened awareness of wetland preservation has emerged of late, all three countries bordering the Wadden Sea - Germany, Holland and Denmark - have started making efforts to protect this ecosystem.

Mudflats are a type of wetland on the coast, formed by accumulation of mud in estuaries and lagoons. These marshes are especially significant to birds that migrate over a long distance and important wildlife areas.

Important tourist destinations in this region are the Wadden Sea National Parks. They line the German coast of the North Sea. There are three national parks - Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, which includes the North Frisian Islands, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park between the Elbe estuary to the island of Scharhoern, and Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park, which covers the northern part of Lower Saxony and the East Frisian Islands. The parks have been divided for bureaucratic purposes, but they are part of a single ecosystem. They were established to protect the Wadden Sea territory.

Schleswig-Holstein region comprises Schleswig-Holstein and the Danish South Jutland district. It is located on the Jutland peninsula, nestling between the North and Baltic Seas. Its northernmost border is shared with Denmark. To the west it is typified by valleys and almost no highlands. Here it borders with the North Sea. The North Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea are Fano, Mando, Romo and Langli. Fano is close to Danish Esbjerg. Its bigger towns are Nordby and Sonderho. It has a length of 16 km and a width of 5 km, with a total area of 56 km2. It has a little over 3000 inhabitants.

Mando is situated more to the south. It is smaller than Fano. An embankment on this island protects it from the open sea.

Romo is connected to the mainland by road. It is sparsely populated, a calm haven and a relaxing, little-known tourist spot.

Environmentally responsible tourism is encouraged. If you decide to visit this region, you must be aware that all measures are taken by local authorities to preserve the natural habitats.

The parks are divided into three special zones. No access is allowed in the first, moderate access is granted in the second, and the third is free and open for tourism.