The Wadden Sea National Park is one of the new national parks in Denmark.

2014, the park was admitted to the Unesco World Heritage list in Denmark when UNESCO designated about 80% of the Wadden Sea National Park as unique nature.

This National Park, the largest in Denmark, opened in 2010 and covered 145.900 ha. It is also one of the largest national parks in Europe. The natural coastlands by the Waddensea are an area that attracts many tourists every year, and they book a holiday home or stay in one of the many camping sites.

The nature and fauna in the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea National Park is one of the most important wetlands globally, stretching from Den Helder in the Netherlands, around the German Bight in Germany to Blaavandshuk in Denmark, and covering 500 km.

Therefore, it is also on the list of Particular Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA), such as the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Visit the Wadden Sea Centre, an information- and activity centre. You can see exhibitions on the tide, fauna and flora or book a trip to Oyster Safari or 'Sort Sol' adventure.

See more:

Top natural spots in Denmark

Best places to visit in South Denmark

Millions of birds are coming here every year

For many waterbird species, the Wadden Sea is the main picnic area and the most important wintering area in Europe. It is one of the most important areas for birds, fish and seals, and 10-12 million waterbirds pass through the spring and autumn area on their way to and from their breeding grounds in the northern part of the Nordic countries, Siberia or Greenland.

The birds feed in the sea`s tidal flats, which are exposed twice every 24 hours. Here they find vital needs for further flight as Archimedean screws, mussels, and lugworms.

The Wadden Sea also has the largest population of the common seal in Denmark, and they rest on the many banks, which flood at high tide.

The Black Sun (Sort Sol) is a top-rated experience

One of the most popular activities is to experience the "Black Sun" in spring (March and April) and autumn (mid-September to late October). This amazing natural phenomenon describes the large numbers of migrating starlings (up to a million) gathering in the marshes outside Ribe and Tønder. It takes place just after sunset when the birds form huge formations in the sky before they decide on a location to roost for the night, and the birds are so numerous they seem to obliterate the sunset.

Wadden Sea Centre - the gate to UNESCO world heritage

All year round, it is possible to join one of the many nature experiences as exhibitions; here is the new Wadden Sea Centre, which opened in February 2017, and the many outdoor activities, event parks or museums. Wadden Sea National Park has become one of the biggest natural heritage sites in the Nordic countries.

This 1000 m2 exhibition centre, opened in February 2017, is the best source of information about the Wadden Sea National Park, and you get close to the birds you normally watch at a distance. It is an information and activity centre where you can see exhibitions on the national park's tide, flora and fauna and book an Oyster Safari or Sort Sol viewing trip. So we recommend you start your visit to the national park here.

There is a possibility to take the tractor bus to Mandø Island, which is 6km out in the sea from the centre.

Popular holiday destination

The Wadden Sea National Park region is a popular holiday destination in Denmark. Rømo Island is nearby and has one of the biggest beaches in Europe. On another island nearby, Fanø, they also have lovely beaches and participate in the International Kite Fliers Festival each year in June.

The food culture is influenced by traditional cuisine and gourmet, and a diverse range of culinary delights awaits you when you visit Sout West Denmark. The Wadden Sea area has oysters, shrimps, march lamb, and juicy Wadden beef. The meat has a unique flavour and taste because it grazes on the salt marshes of the Wadden Sea. 

The Wadden Sea is a treasure trove of delicacies, from shrimp and oysters to succulent marsh lamb and juicy Wadden beef. Meat from animals who graze the salt marshes of the Wadden Sea has a unique flavour. Their diet includes sea-meadow grass, which tolerates salt, so the animals ingest important nutrients and minerals that endow the meat with a distinctive and delicious taste.

Where is the Wadden Sea 

You will find the Wadden Sea in South Denmark located along the southern stretch of Denmark's West Coast, from Ho Bay to the German border.  If you visit this part of Denmark, the park is an easily accessible day trip from nearby towns such as Ribe, Denmark's oldest town, and Esbjerg, home of the imposing Man Meets the Sea sculpture.

See more: Cities to visit in South Denmark