Mudflat hiking

Under tideland refers to a hike in the Wadden Sea. This is usually done as part of an organized leadership under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide watts.

Special features of the Wadden hiking

The Wadden - the seabed that is exposed only at low tide - consists of silt. This is a sandy- clayey- calcareous alluvial deposits of the sea with organic admixtures. We distinguish between sand flats, mixed watts and mudflats. The for a hike most suitable soil are sand flats and the mixing watts. Here you sink too deep. Therefore Walking is easier and is more relaxing. Sand flats can be very hard, mud flats, however, are very muddy. It is up to the knees sink, in rare cases, but also to the hip. The mixing watt is a mixture of both types watts.

Depending on the type of Watts you go usually barefoot in the sand flats and mudflats because of its population of mussels with high, closed shoes. In the sand flats that running without shoes is considered to be more comfortable, your feet will get a natural massage. Wandering in this vast landscape and the clean air is considered to be very relaxing and is intended to promote stress reduction.

A walk across the mudflats should be carried out by the ignorant be accompanied by a guide Watt, because at high tide by the filling of the tidal creeks of the way back can be cut off. Watt leaders are aware of the tides and the changing course of the tidal creeks and plan accordingly the hike. Another danger is sea fog, which can occur suddenly and makes orientation difficult. In the Wadden is very intense due to the reflection of sunlight from the wet ground solar radiation, which can cause sunburn.

As part of an organized Watt guide you can get information about the natural environment Wadden Sea, which creatures in the tidal flats and the effect of tides on the Wadden Sea. Guided walks across the mudflats are offered by most tourist agencies, or conservation organizations such as the protection of the Wadden Sea station.

The Wadden Sea is protected. Thus, rules that forbid, for example, entering specific areas apply.

Known Watt trails

The following are known Watt routes are listed.

• Is an eight kilometer long Wattenweg between the North Frisian Islands Amrum and Foehr. During a guided tour you get at low water after passing through two about knee-to waist-deep gullies just before Amrum walk from one to the other island.
• Some holms in the North Frisian Wadden Sea, guided hikes are offered regularly, as between Dagebüll on the mainland and the holm Oland ( Distance six km ) and the Langeneß ( Distance ten kilometers ), and between Schlüttsiel and the holm Gröde ( Distance eight km ) and of Lüttmoorsiel after Nordstrandischmoor (distance 4.5 km ). Depending on the tide, at high tide is then a subsequent boat trip possible. Also for holm Südfall walks are conducted by North beach from.
• In the so-called Cuxland lead from the districts of Cuxhaven Cuxhaven and Sahlenburg two watts ways that combine traveling to the island Neuwerk. From Sahlenburg Cuxhaven and also horse-drawn wagon for about eight or twelve -kilometer route can be used. From Neuwerk from one can return at high tide by ship to Cuxhaven, where buses to the starting locations are ready. Another Watt trail between Neuwerk and the bird island Scharhörn.
• Named is the Arngaster lighthouse to the island Arngast, which fell in 1905 a storm surge to the victim. The lighthouse is located in the Jade Bay watt. He can be reached at low tide on foot.
• To the East Frisian islands Norderney, Baltrum, Spiekeroog and Minsener Oog hikes are offered through the mud on a regular basis. Mudflats to the island Langeoog take place only very rarely due to increased difficulty. At the westernmost island of Borkum is no watt traveling connection. Hiking to the islands Wangerooge and Juist are not allowed.
• In the Netherlands you can reach the West Frisian Islands Ameland, Engelsmanplaat, Schiermonnikoog, Simonszand and Rottumeroog walk.
• From Genets in Normandy past the uninhabited rocky island Tombelaine to Mont -Saint -Michel ( seven kilometers ) guided hikes are offered. They take place from late April to October. In this area there is quicksand.