Nordsee – Seven Islands, One Coast

The Nordsee – a feeling of wide panoramas, the open sea, unending sand. The smell of salt in the air, a fresh breeze, the surf breaking. With seven islands and a coastline between the Ems, Weser and Elbe, the Nordsee offers you unlimited opportunities for holiday fun. Let yourself be inspired by one of the most unspoilt regions in Germany.

The holiday paradise of the East Frisian Islands lie like a string of pearls just off the coast. Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog and Wangerooge defy the constant tides and the stiff North Sea breeze. They are driven steadily eastwards by the wind and the waves. Between the islands and the coast stretches a unique habitat – the Wadden Sea national park is home to more than just lugworms and seals. The wadden is one of the most valuable and bio-diverse habitats in the world, best explored bare-foot on a walk across the tidal flats.

On the mainland lie the impressive sea defences, almost 1000 kilometres in length – without the dikes, large parts of Niedersachsen simply wouldn’t exist, as the state’s lowest point is around 2.3 m below sea level. The battle for land against the power of the sea is fought with great steadfastness. Behind the dikes, you will find wide natural landscapes and East Frisian friendliness – perfect for a friendly cup of tea after a bicycle or canoe tour.

Niedersachsen Wadden Sea National Park

In the Wadden Sea, the water ebbs and flows twice a day, in a six hour cycle. Giving rise, between Den Helder in the Netherlands and Esbjerg in Denmark, to a 10,000 square kilometre large wetland, the like of which is found nowhere else in the world. In order to protect this natural landscape on Niedersachsen's North Sea coast, the area was made a conservation area in 1986. The 288,000 hectare Niedersachsen Wadden Sea national park covers the tidal flats between the rivers Ems and Elbe, including the East Frisian islands lying just off the coast. Numerous animal and plant species live in the Wadden Sea national park. These include seals, which are easily observed on their sand banks, but also smaller creatures, such as the famous lugworm.

Hiking in the Wadden Sea – Bare Foot, Of Course

Hiking on the bottom of the mud flat sea is an unforgettable experience! Sometimes you walk on firm sand; sometimes you walk on unpredictable mud. You better walk bare foot in the mud. Your feet get massaged right away. The tour guide tells you about tide ways and tides, worms and crayfishes on the way. Never go out in the mud without a guide! That is way too dangerous. All of a sudden you might loose orientation, especially if you get suddenly surrounded by thick sea fog. Tour guides are available in almost every costal town.

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The Maritime Mile in Wilhelmshaven

The town on the river Jade is a good place to start if you're thinking of taking a trip to discover the sea and coast – you'll find all sorts of watery attractions on Wilhelmshaven's Maritime Mile. You can dive down in Germany's only virtual underwater station at the OCEANIS theme park. Become an Aquanaut and experience the cosmos 100 metres under the sea - thanks to modern simulation technology, everyone can explore the secrets of the deep first hand without getting their feet wet.

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Land of the Horse: Duhner Mud-Flat Races

Water splashes, earth flies through the air - the Duhner sandbank races on the bed of the Nordsee, exposed at low water, are unique in the world. It's simply a wonderful site, to watch the horses in late summer, galloping at full pelt across the mud flats. Experience the spray and the daring manoeuvres of the jockeys at the trotting and galloping races of the Nordsee spa of Cuxhaven. The tradition of racing horses on the sea bed stretches back over 100 years. Bet on your favourites - you don't need much money to bet on a win, each-way or an accumulator. Whilst the participants are fighting for prizes and places, the spectators too will be in the running as winners or losers in the horse pools competition.

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