(WEC) World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea
Lauwersoog
In the harbour of Lauwersoog, you’ll find the WEC: the new home of the Pieterburen Seal Centre. This is where your visit to the Wadden Sea begins. At the WEC, you’ll get a unique look inside the seal hospital and discover the Wadden Sea Experience. A day
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Come face to face with the seals
At the WEC, sick, injured and orphaned seals are taken in and cared for until they are ready to return to the Wadden Sea. During your visit, you can watch up close how this works. You’ll see how seals recover and are prepared for their return to the sea. You might even find yourself watching from up close during an operation on an injured seal, or during the intake of a seal that has just been brought in.
The WEC is one of the few charities you can visit where you can see first-hand what your contribution makes possible. By visiting the WEC, you are directly contributing to the care and return of the seals to the Wadden Sea.
Wadden Sea Experience
The Wadden Sea Experience takes you on a journey through the story of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll discover how this unique area came into being and why it is constantly changing. You’ll learn about the animals that live here, the power of the tides, and the impact of human activity on this fragile landscape.
Upstairs, the panoramic roof awaits, offering views over the Wadden Sea, Lauwersmeer and Schiermonnikoog in the distance. A view that is never the same.
What can you do at the WEC?
The WEC in Lauwersoog is the perfect starting and finishing point for your journey of discovering the Wadden Sea region. And the best part is: you can decide for yourself how you want to experience it. There’s plenty to do:
- Head out onto the Wadden Sea on one of our boat trips
- Visit the seal sanctuary
- Learn all about the Wadden Sea in the interactive Experience
- Listen to informative talks about seals from our caretakers
- Get creative at the creative table
- Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink at Restaurant Mare with a view over the Wadden Sea
In addition, there are also many free activities at the WEC that can be enjoyed without an entry ticket. For example, feel free to join us at the creative table or read a book from our Wadden Library. On most days, you can also watch our 16-part series Behind the Seals, which takes you through the move from Pieterburen to Lauwersoog and the work behind the scenes.
Come and discover it yourself
Whether you’re visiting with children or enjoying a day out together, the WEC is fun and educational for all ages. Here, it’s all about exploring, learning and experiencing.
The WEC is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. By visiting, you’re helping to care for the seals and protect the Wadden Sea
Here you will find (WEC) World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea
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9976 VN Lauwersoog Plan your route to (WEC) World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea
