Description
The North Sea wadden sea is the largest mudflat area in the world. It is home to three strictly protected national parks. Just like the Lower Saxon and the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea, the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is listed as UNESO World Heritage. At 12,750 ha, it is the smalles of the three wadden sea national parks.
Apart from the wadden sea itself, the car free island of Neuwerk is a special highlight at the national park. Peace and quiet amidst pristine nature are guaranteed here. From Neuwerk, you can start various activities, such as walks through the salt meadows, mudflat hikes, visit so the seal banks, bird watchings, or a swim in the sea. Diverse events take place between March and October. Furthermore, the national park house on Neuwerk features an exhibition about the history of the island, the emergence of the wadden sea, and the rich flora and fauna.
Historical Information
In order to keep its natural beauty and biodiversity, the Hamburg Wadden Sea was declared a national park in 1990. As a model region for sustainable economy, the island of Neuwerk was declared UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1992. Ever since, the goals of the national park are to preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and protect the historic cultural landscape. Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park became a world heritage site in 2011.
How to get there
Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is located north-west of Cuxhaven. To get there, follow motorway A27 or federal road B73 towards Helgoland/Fährhafen, and then 'Alte Liebe'.
The National Pak House Neuwerk is a 90 minutes' boat ride away from Cuxhaven. You can also participate in a guided hike from Cuxhaven-Sahlenburg to Neuwerk. From Neuwerk, hikes to the smaller island of Scharhörn are offered on a bi-weekly basis. Or you can take a horse-drawn carriage to Neuwerk.