UNESCO World Heritage the Wadden Sea is located in the north of the Netherlands. An authentic area, ideal for lovers of nature, food and culture. It's only a 45-minute drive from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This largest tidal area in the world offers fantastic opportunities for a unique holiday. Whether you are looking for an eco-destination, allotment, a tailor-made group trip, a weekend break or a day trip. We are happy to help (online) tour operators finding their way.
The Dutch part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site is so much more than just beaches, dikes and sea. Discover a landscape full of stories, unexpected and breath-taking places, attractive monuments, impressive Roman churches and centuries-old waterways and waterworks. Find charming little restaurants where seafood and salty local greens are served and intriguing Land Art with a special relationship to a place or the landscape.
Discover more about the wadden regionDiscover the area as a touroperator? We offer several possibilities. Request a personal famtrip or sign up for our webinar and visit the area virtually.
In 2009 the Wadden Sea became a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the only natural World Heritage Site in the Netherlands. The dynamics of this enormous tidal area played a major role in receiving this prestigious award. Each ebb and flow transforms this landscape of gullies, creeks and sandbars. The Wadden Sea is also a beloved oasis for millions of birds and fish with an abundance of pioneer species residing along the Wad's edge. And the endless views are simply divine! A true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquillity.
More about World HeritageThe Wadden area is also the birthplace of the waterworks for which the Netherlands is internationally renowned. Here you’ll discover the origin of Dutch Delta Design with countless traces along the coast and on the islands. From the terps and mounds to the Afsluitdijk and the Fish Migration River currently being built. And then there’s the infinite number of polders, sluices, pumps and dams. The area is a history book of the relationship between man and the sea. But this history book focuses on the future. The islands in particular are a step ahead in the transition to a sustainable and circular economy. You’ll be spoiled for choice with all the interesting things on offer!
More about Water HeritageYou can enjoy the Taste of the Wad in a number of different ways. The Wadden area’s culinary delights have risen to a much higher level. More and more chefs are using local products (look for the Waddengoud label) and incorporating the characteristic salty flavours in their dishes. If you want a little more adventure then why not try your hand at hunting and gathering (with a guide) your own meal of seafood and salty veggies? Experts in more and more places are now organising ‘wad-eat-excursions’ and local sustainable fishermen, some of them using traditional sustainable techniques, are happy as clams to have guests on board. And don’t forget the cheese, mustard, jam, beer and many other tasty treats. Come and take a little taste?
Because of its open connection to the sea the Wad is one of the ports of entry to the Netherlands. The large amount of military heritage that was built throughout the centuries to defend the border is proof of this. From the entrenchments in Oost-Groningen and the casemates of the Afsluitdijk to the Napoleonic Fort Kijkduin in Den Helder. Much of this heritage is now accessible to visitors, including ten locations of the German Atlantic Wall, the five-thousand kilometre defence line along Western Europe’s coast and bunkers and strongholds on the islands have been unearthed.
The Wadden Sea area in the Netherlands is spread over the three Northern provinces (North Holland, Friesland and Groningen) and is easily accessible both by car and public transport.
