Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer

The schleswig-holsteinische Wattenmeer is a national park and – complemented by the Halligen – a biosphere reserve. In 2009, the United Nations declared the Wattenmeer a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer, founded on October 1, 1985, is the largest national park between the North Cape and Sicily. Covering an area of 4,380 square kilometers, it stretches along the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein from the Elbe estuary to the Danish border. As part of the Wattenmeer World Natural Heritage Site, the national park offers unique habitats and an impressive diversity of species.

The Wattenmeer was formed after the last Ice Age about 10,000 years ago through the melting of glaciers. Today, mudflats, sandy flats, and salt meadows shape this fascinating landscape. The national park is divided into two protection zones to ensure undisturbed natural development. Zone 1 is largely inaccessible, while Zone 2 allows guided mudflat hikes and activities. A special highlight is the whale protection area, which safeguards small whales and seabirds.

The biodiversity of the national park is remarkable. About 3,200 animal species live here, including seals, grey seals, and harbor porpoises, as well as 250 plant species found only in the salt meadows. The Wattenmeer is also a central hub on the East Atlantic flyway, with 10 to 12 million migrating birds resting here each year. There are also over 60 fish species for which the Wattenmeer is an important nursery.

The national park is surrounded by nearly 70 municipalities in the districts of Nordfriesland and Dithmarschen. Around 2 million vacationers visit the region annually, in addition to about 13 million day-trippers. Numerous national park rangers, guides, and volunteers take care of conservation efforts and visitor information. More than 5,000 nature excursions and numerous information centers make the national park a popular destination for nature lovers.

The Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer is a place of global significance offering not only breathtaking landscapes but also unique insights into nature and conservation measures.