After the low tide comes the high tide, after the high tide comes the low tide - an interplay like day and night that led to a fascinating ecosystem: the Wadden Sea. The forces of nature shaped the World Heritage Site into a distinctive landscape that is home to rare animal and plant species. The tides, also called ebb and flow, are particularly strong on the North Sea coast and determine life in and around the Wadden Sea. Low tide and high tide last six hours each, so there are two high tides and two low tides per day. Each time the sea retreats, only to return a little later with untamed power, a new impression of the landscape is created. At low tide, the seabed stretches for kilometres. Then the Wadden Sea can even be explored as far as the offshore islands. An experienced mudflat guide accompanies visitors to the North Sea on their way through the mud and explains everything worth knowing about this fascinating habitat.

Earth, moon and sun influence our seas. It is the interaction of many factors that contribute to the tides. Above all, it is the gravitational pull of the moon and the centrifugal force that occurs when our earth and moon rotate. The gravitational pull of the sun as well as the position in relation to the moon and the earth are not insignificant in determining the intensity of the movement of the water. A spring tide, for example, occurs when the three celestial bodies are on the same course. In contrast, the so-called neap tide occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to the earth. 

The Wadden Sea stretches from Esbjerg in Denmark to Den Helder in the Netherlands and is considered one of the most unique coastal areas in the world. The German Wadden Sea is divided into national parks. The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea was a pioneer when it was recognised as a national park in 1985. The Lower Saxony Wadden Sea followed only a year later, and in spring 1990 the smallest, the Hamburg Wadden Sea, followed suit. In addition to the German Wadden Sea, the Danish Wadden Sea also received the coveted National Park status. The uniqueness of this precious natural heritage was also recognised internationally in 2009. In that year, UNESCO designated the Dutch and German Wadden Sea areas as World Heritage Sites, and since 2011 the section belonging to Hamburg has also been included. Together with tidal flats in the Netherlands and Denmark, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site now covers 11,500 square kilometres, making it the world's largest tidal flat island area. Especially for your health, a rest at the North Sea is worthwhile: the salty air and the stimulating climate are a pure blessing for body and soul. Hiking in the mudflats, walking barefoot through the mud or taking a soothing mud bath in one of the thalassotherapy centres are confirmed by many visitors as beneficial and healing.

But no matter in which region the best days of the year are spent, holidays in time with the tides remain unforgettable.