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Mudflat hiking in Northeast Friesland

Unique in the world!

Walking on the seabed. Then wading up to your waist through a channel toward the gripping mudflats, before continuing across the dry ripples left by the waves: mudflat hiking is a continuous experience of awe. In various places across Friesland, you can take a guided tour. There are long hikes to sandbanks and islands, or shorter walks that are also suitable for children. The guide not only leads you safely across the mudflats, but also shares fascinating insights about everything you see along the way. The Wadden Sea is unique and indispensable to the world, and with every step you take on this UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll quickly discover why.

Tips for mudflat hiking in Friesland

So whether you're looking for a sporty adventure or simply want to experience the unique character of the Wadden Sea: mudflat hiking is for you. Further down this page, we share more tips and fun facts. Important: never go onto the mudflats alone, always go with an experienced guide. The Wadden Sea is beautiful, but also unpredictable if you don’t know it inside and out. Have a great time!

Event calendar - you can find these mudflat hiking and sandbank experiences in our event calendar

These providers offer mudflat hiking or sandbank experiences in Northeast Friesland

Tips for mudflat hiking

It is beautiful, fun, adventurous, and there is a route for almost everyone who is mobile. However, mudflat hiking (wadlopen) is not comparable to regular walking, so the number of kilometers you cover is less. Ask your guide for instructions and preparations before you set off. Here are a few tips for you:

  1. Old sneakers! These help you get the mud off your feet, unlike boots that can get stuck. Bare feet are absolutely not an option because there are far too many shells. If you want to do it more often, you can also ask your guide for footwear tips.
  2. Layers of clothing. Sometimes you walk dry, sometimes through water. We find it very handy to be able to pull up our sweaters, so we usually wear a wind/rain jacket right over our shirt. That way, you can easily pull up your sweater, and it stays reasonably dry and warm.
  3. Bring some food and drink. Often you stay on the mudflats for a while, and there are no refreshment stops along the way. So definitely bring water and something to eat in case you suddenly get hungry or feel faint. It’s convenient in a small backpack that you can also pull up when crossing deeper water.
  4. After the hike: bring towels and dry pants. And if you want, of course, more dry clothes. Better to have a little extra than too little!
  5. Sunscreen. And if you know you are sensitive to the sun: a cap and definitely sunglasses. The water reflects a lot of sunlight, so bring a strong SPF and keep applying it.
  6. Camera, charged phone, because you’ll be amazed by the skies, the colors, and the treasures you encounter along the way.
  7. You only really see it once you understand it — this definitely applies to the mudflats. So take a look in advance at which animals you might encounter. Visitor centers often have nice maps and brochures available.

 

The Wadden Coast of Friesland

There is so much more to do and see! How about mudflat sledding, mudflat fishing trips, or a tour along all the beautiful villages? Visiting the longest shopping boulevard or, like many before you, sleeping like a baby to the sound of the sea and the darkness of the area?

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