Het Wad

Het Wad is the Dutch name for the Wadden Sea, the vast area of tidal flats that lies between the Dutch, German and Danish coast and the chain of islands to the north. On Schiermonnikoog, the island forms the northern edge of the Wad, and the mudflats that surround it on the south side define the island's character. The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its natural value, and it is one of the largest unbroken systems of tidal sand and mud flats in the world.

The Wad is a landscape that changes twice every day. At high tide, the sea covers the flats, and at low tide, the water retreats and exposes the sea bed, leaving a wide expanse of sand, mud, shells and channels that glistens in the light. The tides move rapidly, and the sandbanks shift over time, so the area is both beautiful and dangerous. The surface is rich in nutrients, and the mud is full of worms, shellfish and other small creatures, which feed enormous numbers of birds. Millions of waders and waterfowl use the Wadden Sea as a stopover or winter home, and seals rest on the sandbanks.

Walking on the mudflats, known as wadlopen, is one of the most unusual outdoor experiences in the Netherlands. Guided groups set out at low tide and walk across the sea bed, sometimes up to the knees in mud, observing the wildlife and learning about the ecology. It is essential to go with a qualified guide, because the tide can return quickly and the channels fill fast, and it should never be attempted alone. Some walks cross to the mainland coast, while others go out to a sandbank and return, and the experience is both physically demanding and rewarding.

On Schiermonnikoog, the tourist information office in the village provides advice, postal services and help with booking accommodations and activities. It is open on most days, with shorter hours on Sundays and holidays, and it is the place to ask about tide times, guided walks and the programme of nature excursions. Other nearby places include the dunes, the beach and the cycle routes across the island.

The Wad suits nature lovers, birdwatchers and adventurous walkers. Check the tide tables, wear old shoes and clothes that can get muddy, and respect the rules that protect the wildlife, especially during the breeding season. Booking a guide in advance is essential in the main season.