Visiting the Wadden Sea National Park in Denmark
Visiting Denmark's Wadden Sea felt like a one-of-a-kind experience - it's unlike any other national park we've seen.
Get all the essential info we put together during our recent trip to Denmark’s Wadden Sea National Park.
Our first stop in Denmark was the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea National Park. It made sense practically, being just over the German border, which we had to cross on our way from Czechia, where our trip started. Plus, the park seemed like an amazing place to explore.
Nestled on the west coast of Southern Jutland, this national park is renowned for its vast intertidal sandflats and mudflats, massive tides, endless beaches, and its role as a crucial stopover for millions of migratory birds. It's also home to the mesmerizing Black Sun phenomenon. We couldn't wait to experience it all!
We arrived at Wadden Sea National Park in early September with a well-laid-out plan: we wanted to catch a sunrise on a beach, explore an island, do a few short walks, visit the nature museum, wander through Ribe's quaint cobblestone streets, and see the sort sol.
With limited time to experience the park and the broader Wadden Sea region, we had to put careful thought into planning our itinerary for this stunning part of Southern Jutland. Here's what we experienced!
The Wadden Sea was a dream destination for us - we just couldn't get enough of the beach walks.
What's Wadden Sea Region and National Park
Before getting into it, let's clear up the distinctions between the Wadden Sea, the region, and the national park - this will definitely help when planning your trip - like making sure you're heading to the Danish park and not accidentally wandering into the German ones.
In short, the Wadden Sea is the largest national park on Denmark's mainland, with its main focus being the preservation of its fragile environment. With its unique combination of tidal mudflats, sandbars, islands, and water channels that are constantly shifting, the park is an incredible natural wonder. It's the place we set out to discover and the focus of this post.
What we're talking about here is just Denmark's protected area. The full Wadden Sea region is way bigger, spanning roughly 500 kilometers from Blåvands Huk in Denmark to Den Helder in the Netherlands. The Wadden Sea coast has the world's longest stretch of eroded sand and mudflats, with over two dozen islands in the region and a total area of nearly 11,500 square kilometers.
It's the endless mudflats and ever-changing tides that define the unique region of the Wadden Sea.
The Dutch and German parts of the Wadden Sea were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2009, and Denmark's section followed suit in June 2014. Naturally, Germany and the Netherlands have their own national parks in this area.
Funny enough, the three German national parks in this area have pretty similar names, which can get a bit confusing for newcomers: Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, and Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park. At least the Dutch park, Lauwersmeer, keeps it simple!
Since our adventure was in Denmark, we're just covering the protected Danish area, Wadden Sea National Park, or as it's locally known, Nationalpark Vadehavet.
The Wadden Sea region, Denmark included, made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Things to See and Do in Wadden Sea National Park
Wadden Sea National Park has a ton to offer, but trust us - you'll want to know what you're in for and set realistic expectations ahead of time. It's one thing to hear about the fun tidal walks, the constantly changing sands, and the perfect bird nesting conditions, but in our experience, it started to feel a little repetitive after a bit - partly because the flatness of the landscape didn't add much variety.
The thing is, while the natural scenery was definitely unique, after visiting the second or third beach, our excitement for seeing another one started to fade. It was a similar story with the islands - each has its own slice of history, sure, but at the end of the day, they all felt pretty similar, so it's safe to say you don't need to check out every single one.
The endless stretches of beaches at the Wadden Sea were absolutely unreal - they just went on forever.
We'd really recommend including a few extras in your Wadden Sea plans, like checking out the black sun, picking oysters, or watching seals. Visiting the museum is also a good idea to get familiar with the area.
And that's not all - there are loads of bike paths, too, which makes sense since cycling is a big deal here and one of the best ways to soak in the Wadden Sea's beautiful scenery. For those craving adventure, there's always kite surfing or kite buggying! Also, don't miss the chance to visit charming spots like Ribe or Sønderho - it'll give you a different take on the Wadden Sea National Park.
Romo Island
A bit of research told us that Denmark's Wadden Sea has three bigger islands worth visiting: Romo, Fano, and Mando. While all are pretty easy to get to, Romo stood out since it's the only one linked to the mainland by a paved causeway, so we chose it as our destination.
Fano could be reached with a quick ferry ride, and Mando was accessible by foot or car during low tide, but both options would've added extra time to our schedule - something we weren't up for at the moment.
Exploring the Rømø dunes turned out to be a really fun little adventure.
The only catch was that we weren't the only ones with this idea - Romo is hands down the most visited of the three islands. By a mile. We were a little nervous about it since we planned to visit Romo on the weekend with amazing beach weather in the forecast. Luckily, it worked out fine - mostly because we kicked off our Romo trip really early in the morning, and the summer rush was already behind.
So, we kicked off our day at Lakolk Beach, hoping to catch the sunrise. We made it on time, but with clouds blocking the horizon (and the beach facing west), it wasn't exactly the spectacular sunrise we were hoping for. After that, we took a quick and easy hike to Spidsbjerg, Romo's highest point, walking through a forest and over some sand dunes. On the way back, we stopped to check out a beautiful little church.
We made a stop at Sonderstrand, the beach at Romo's southwest tip, and then headed north to check out some WW2 bunkers and a quirky fence made from whale bones (Romo's whaling history is pretty fascinating). Seriously, there are plenty of things to see and do on Romo, so plan for at least a few hours to explore.
Rømø’s beaches are some of the widest in the world, and the best part? We could even drive on them!
Just so you know, Romo is an amazing overnight spot if you're exploring Wadden Sea National Park. We actually wanted to stay there ourselves, but by the time we got around to booking, all the good places were taken.
The only thing left was a super overpriced cabin that had definitely seen better days, and there was no way we were paying that much - especially since we found a little Motel Sydvest just 20 minutes away (though located on the mainland technically). It wasn't exactly modern either, but at least it was half the price.
Anyway, Hotel Lakolk and Havneby Kro are definitely among the favorite options for lodging on Romo if you’re planning to stay there.
Mando
After exploring Romo, we took our time heading toward Ribe, but we had one more stop on the way - the Wadden Sea Center (or Vadehavscentret, as it's called in Danish). The drive took about 40 minutes, and since we were still getting used to Jutland, we couldn't help but notice how unbelievably flat everything was.
We couldn't shake that feeling of flatness, even at Grenen, the northern tip of Denmark, or after climbing Ejer Bavnehoj, the second-highest point in the country.
Either way, we pulled into the (free) parking lot, which was pretty busy, about 20-30 minutes ahead of the museum's opening time. It caught us off guard at first, but we quickly realized that most of the people waiting here weren't actually lining up for the museum - they were here for the Mando tractor tour instead.
Taking the tractor bus is a super popular way to get to Mandø, especially since you don’t have to think about the tide levels.
It turned out that the museum was also kind of a gateway to Mando Island, which left us wondering if we should head there instead. But having just come from an island, we wanted a change of pace, so we decided to stick with the Vadehavscentret.
As we mentioned, we didn't end up visiting Mando, but we did drive to its access point, roughly 1.3 kilometers northwest of here (GPS coordinates are 55.30641, 8.66099). Since the museum was still closed and we had time to kill, we figured we'd at least check out the area that floods during high tide.
One of the coolest things about the small parking lot, where you can park and start exploring the island on foot or bike, was definitely the warning signs. They're there to remind visitors to check the tidal timetables before heading out - and the example of what happens if you don't was pretty dramatic.
During high tide, the access road to Mandø gets flooded.
Once you're there, the island is great for walking or biking, checking out the old church, and maybe even stargazing if you're staying the night. Still, we think Mando doesn't have as much to offer as the other islands unless you go for one of the guided tours - that's likely why the tractor tours are so popular.
If you're staying overnight on Mando, Mando Kro is a solid pick. It's pretty simple, but it has loads of character and a one-of-a-kind location.
Wadden Sea Center
After coming back from the Mando area, we went straight to the Wadden Sea Center (Vadehavscentret). The building itself has a sleek, minimalist design and isn't your typical visitor center like the ones in Banff NP or similar parks - it's more of a proper museum, which became clear when we saw the rather steep ticket prices.
The architecture of Vadehavscentret is very minimalist.
This was the first real museum we checked out in Denmark, and honestly, we weren't prepared to drop around 20 Euros on it - especially for a regional museum we'd never even heard of.
It wasn't long before we realized that pricey museums are pretty standard in Denmark - like the Hans Christian Andersen Museum or the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art we visited later - but after a while, we just got used to it.
The upside was definitely the peaceful vibe, as we were almost the only ones there. Even better, all the texts were in English, which was a nice change compared to the Hanstholm Fortress, which we visited later.
The museum turned out to be pretty informative, with a big focus on the birds that call the Wadden Sea home and lots of details about its tides, which shape the entire coastal area. It's probably a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts, but with all the interactive exhibits, it's also okay for families and kids.
We picked up a ton of interesting info about the Wadden Sea region at the museum.
We liked the museum a lot, and some of the displays were actually super cool. However, it did feel a bit smaller than we thought it'd be - though maybe that's just us feeling the sting of the high ticket prices.
Vadehavscentret is a great go-to if you end up visiting the Wadden Sea Center on a rainy day. Trust us, strolling the exposed beaches of Mando or Romo isn't as fun in that kind of weather, so now you've got a solid backup plan.
Ribe
Next up was Ribe, Denmark's oldest town. It's a quaint little place packed with charming houses, cobblestone streets, a big cathedral (though not quite as large as Roskilde Cathedral, which we saw later), and a handful of smaller museums.
This town is absolutely beautiful and definitely one of the most picturesque spots we have seen in Denmark. That said, it's pretty small, so you can see it all without spending too much time there.
Ribe's historical center is nice and compact, perfect for walking around. Some of our favorite spots included the impressive Domkirke, the Kannikegarden (the ruins of a 12th-century monastery), the wooden bridges over the Ribe River, and the lovely harbor area.
Out of everything in Ribe, the adorable harbor was definitely our favorite place to hang out.
There's also the Ribe Viking Center, but since it felt a bit too focused on families and interactive activities, we decided to skip it. Instead, we decided to check out the Jelling Kongernes and Trelleborg Museum later, both of which were fantastic at retelling Viking history.
Denmark's oldest town isn't just a must-see on its own - it's also an ideal base for exploring the Wadden Sea. Situated at the eastern edge of the national park, it's perfectly placed for trips to Romo and Fano, both only about 30-40 minutes away.
Ribe was another spot we thought about staying overnight, but it turned out to be the same story as Romo - the hotels were much more expensive than a cozy place we found in a nearby village. With our car giving us plenty of flexibility, it just didn't make sense to stay there. Still, Hotel Dagmar and Ribe Byferie Resort caught our eye as good options for travelers.
We spent a good few hours wandering through Ribe's charming streets.
Esbjerg and Fano Island
Leaving Ribe, we headed up to Esbjerg, which happens to be Southern Jutland's largest city and sits right on the northern border of the Wadden Sea National Park. It's mostly industrial with a big port, but honestly, it's not exactly brimming with tourist attractions.
You can take in the views from the historic Esbjerg Water Tower, admire the striking architecture of Musikhuset Esbjerg (designed by the Utzons father-son duo), or enjoy a peaceful walk along Sædding Beach. But let's be real - the Man Meets the Sea sculptures are the main attraction here. Those massive 9-meter-tall white statues overlooking the sea were pretty cool, but we had probably only spent about 15 minutes there.
In Esbjerg, we didn’t get to see much, but we made sure to stop by the Man Meets the Sea.
Esbjerg also has a few smaller museums, such as the Fisheries and Maritime Museum, which has seals (though we were more interested in spotting them in their natural habitat), and the Esbjerg Art Museum, but we weren't in the mood for contemporary art at the time. Honestly, none of them really grabbed our attention.
Anyway, thanks to where it's located, Esbjerg is seen as one of the top entry points to Wadden Sea National Park, especially if you're heading to Fano Island (which is actually part of the park if you're wondering). In Esbjerg, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Britannia or A Place To Hotel Esbjerg, especially if you’re into modern hotels with really cool designs.
The commercial port in Esbjerg is pretty big, and it’s where you can catch ferries to places like Fanø.
If Fano Island piques your interest, head over to the industrial port in Esbjerg. From there, hop on a small ferry that'll take you to the island in just 12 minutes. Denmark is all about its islands, so taking a ferry ride is sort of a must-do while you're there.
It doesn't have to be here - we rode the Thyborøn-Agger ferry up in northern Jutland, for example - but it's something worth doing. Since you're already in Esbjerg, it might be the perfect chance to check it off.
After a quick ferry ride, you'll land in Nordby, the island's main town. It's home to the Fanø Museum and a couple of good places to stay like Fanø Krogaard. While there are several things to do on Fano, most people head straight for Fano Beach - a gorgeous 16-kilometer stretch of sand on the west side, easily accessed by a paved road from Nordby.
Alternatively, head to Sønderho on the southern tip of the island. This village is often hailed as Denmark's prettiest, with its iconic thatched-roof homes and fascinating maritime history. You can also trek to Pælebjerg, the island's highest spot, or explore the WW2 bunkers scattered around.
Fanø isn't just about laid-back walks; it also offers similar activities to Romo, like seal safaris, blokarting, and biking. We had hoped to check out Fano, too, but time wasn't on our side, so we moved on northward instead.
You can try blokarting right on the beach at both Fanø and Rømø.
Picking which places to visit and which to skip is never easy - you just can't see it all, and this was another reminder of how 'unfair' it feels sometimes. If you're wondering whether to visit Romo or Fano, honestly, you can't go wrong with either. Both have plenty to offer, and we're sure you'll have a great time no matter which you choose (even though we missed out on Fano ourselves).
Skallingen Peninsula and Langli Island
As we approached the northern edge of the national park, there were still a few cool spots to check out. Skallingen and nearby Langli - accessible from this peninsula - were on our radar, but with time running short, we had to carefully plan our next steps.
We loved the idea of walking to Langli Island and back, given its status as an uninhabited nesting area for migratory birds, accessible only from 16 July to 15 September. Unfortunately, the tides weren't in our favor - the 3-kilometer natural causeway floods during high tide, and we were just about to arrive at that exact time.
For those interested in this hike, proper timing is key. The trail starts in Ho village, roughly 4 kilometers north of the causeway, resulting in a 14-kilometer round trip. Wooden posts mark the mudflats to prevent you from losing your way, and wearing rubber boots is highly recommended. If walking doesn't appeal, you can always join the Langli tractor tour, much like the ones on Mando.
Another idea was to explore Skallingen, but honestly, there wasn't much to do there apart from yet another walk along the seemingly endless beach - something we'd already experienced plenty of times on Romo.
By the way, Skallingen has an intriguing history, as it was formed during the Burchardi flood of 1634, making it a relatively new addition in the grand scheme of things. It's still being shaped by natural processes, and while it now measures about 7 kilometers by 3 kilometers, it's a couple of kilometers smaller than it once was.
Another surprising detail we discovered about Skallingen's past was that it was turned into a vast minefield by the Germans during WW2. Denmark managed to clear most of the mines by 2012, though shifting sands made it impossible to locate them all. Still, the area is considered safe for visitors overall.
Skallingen Beach is known for its vast beach, picturesque sand dunes, and unique mudflats. Its main draw is how quiet it is, especially when compared to the much busier Blavand Beach. While these two beaches have their own identities, they're connected enough that you could easily walk from one to the other.
After taking in plenty of Wadden Sea's nature, we figured it'd be better to skip Skallingen and head to the nearby Tirpitz Bunker instead. Having seen WW2 bunkers on Romo Island, we were eager to learn more, but detailed information was lacking. Finding out about the WW2 museum in Blavand, near Skallingen's northern edge, made it an easy choice to visit there instead.
The Wadden Sea coast is full of WW2 bunkers, so we headed to the Tirpitz museum to dig deeper into their history.
Eventually, we ended up making a brief stop at Blavand Beach, as we wanted to see the lighthouse - so, in the end, we didn't completely skip it. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was already closed when we arrived. The same thing happened at Bovbjerg Fyr, which was a bit of a letdown. Luckily, we turned things around at Rubjerg Knude, where we managed to climb to the very top.
In the end, visiting Tirpitz turned out to be the right call after all. Even though we were feeling exhausted and unsure if a museum was the best option, the excellent audio guides provided an immersive experience, bringing its WW2 history and the stories of the people involved to life.
The museum is incredible, rich with history, and boasting one-of-a-kind architecture - it's cleverly half-hidden beneath a massive sand dune. For us, the absolute highlight was visiting the actual bunker, which remains almost untouched since the end of the war. It was originally constructed to defend Esbjerg harbor with massive 38 cm SK C/34 naval guns, but the project was never completed. The museum provided an excellent overview of the Atlantic Wall, which played a significant role in Jutland's WW2 history and deeply impacted the lives of those involved.
By the way, we visited the museum at Hanstholm Fortress later on, where we saw a model of the gun that was originally planned to be installed here in Tirpitz.
Back in WWII, Tirpitz was part of the Atlantic Wall defense.
Black Sun Tour
We kicked off our day in Czechia with a long and exhausting 1000+ kilometer journey, but we made it just in time for the Black Sun tour, which takes place right before sunset. So, technically, the Ribe marshes were our first glimpse of Wadden Sea National Park, and the Black Sun Tour was the very first thing we did once we arrived.
Sort sol, or the Black Sun, is an extraordinary sight where countless starlings gather in giant flocks during their migration. It's an incredible natural show, with the birds creating constantly changing, hypnotic shapes in the sky. The flocks can get so massive (up to 1.5 million birds) that they actually darken the sun.
Sort Sol was hands down the coolest thing we experienced in Denmark's Wadden Sea National Park.
Seeing the Black Sun was a huge part of why we wanted to visit Wadden Sea National Park in the first place. We knew there were no guarantees when it came to spotting wildlife - of all the places we've been, the Galapagos Islands are probably the only other spot where that holds true - but we couldn't help feeling incredibly excited about what we might (hopefully) witness.
We joined the Black Sun Tour starting out in Ribe, which was organized by the folks at Vadehavet. Since we got to Denmark just in time to catch the tour on the same day, we were really glad our plan worked out so smoothly. The tour lasts about two hours, and its start time shifts with the sunset, as that's when starlings come back from the sea to their marshland roosts. In September, for instance, it began at about 6:30 PM.
While we didn't witness those spectacular murmurations - essentially a defense mechanism against predators - the flocks we did see were quite large, and the experience as a whole was pretty amazing.
It's worth noting that Ribe marshlands aren't the only spot to experience this incredible phenomenon. Tønder marshlands and many other areas within Wadden Sea National Park also provide excellent conditions for watching the Sort Sol.
Ribe and Tønder marshlands are the top spots for catching the stunning starling migration.
We actually thought about going to the Tønder area on our own to see the Black Sun, but with limited time, we didn't want to take the chance of not finding a good viewing spot. Instead, we chose the tour, which almost guaranteed us one of the best spots since it's run by experts from the national park who know all the prime nesting locations.
No matter if you go to see the migrating starlings in the evening on the day you arrive as we did or end your day with it, the Black Sun tour is an experience you shouldn't miss in Wadden Sea National Park.
Practical Information for the Wadden Sea NP
A small amount of planning is all it takes to explore Wadden Sea National Park without much hassle. To simplify things, here are some key essentials to have ready.
Entry Fee
Wadden Sea National Park doesn't have an entry fee, which is fantastic as it keeps the area accessible to everyone wanting to explore Denmark's stunning natural beauty. Of course, we paid for the Sort Sol tour and entrance to the Wadden Sea Center, but those are entirely optional extras.
Check Tide Tables
Experiencing the dramatic low tide and high tide changes in Wadden Sea National Park was absolutely breathtaking, though it did throw a few challenges our way. Thankfully, they weren't too tough to handle. When it came to places we could visit on our own without a tour, we carefully thought about what was most accessible within the park.
It was mainly Mando where the tide differences really mattered. While Romo's beaches were also affected, it didn't have much of an impact in the end. What makes Mando unique is that its access road gets completely flooded during high tide, so if you're not careful with your planning, you could end up stranded. That's also why the tractor tours are so popular - they take the stress out of checking tide charts.
At Mandø, there’s a big sign warning visitors about the high tide.
Another spot worth mentioning is Langli Island, which, while far less popular than Mando, shares the low-tide-only access. The key difference here is that Langli is open to the public for just a short window, from mid-July to mid-September, and tends to fly under the radar for most international tourists.
The Wadden Sea tides were such a spectacular sight, hands down, one of the most unique features of the park. In a lot of ways, they reminded us of our time in the Nelson area and the hike we did at Abel Tasman National Park years ago in New Zealand.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
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How Many Days to Set Aside for Wadden Sea NP
Based on our experience, you can really pack a lot into just one day at Wadden Sea National Park, especially if you're visiting in summer when the days are super long. We spent about a day and a half, but because we started while it was still dark and finished close to sunset, it felt more like two full days.
In that time, we explored Romo's beaches, dunes, bunkers, and tides, visited two museums (one about the park and one about WW2), wandered through Ribe’s gorgeous streets and history, and saw the Sort Sol in the marshlands. Sure, with three or more days, we could see even more, but honestly, we felt like we covered so much that it didn't feel essential.
The Wadden Sea is huge - we totally wish we had more time to explore it.
Getting Here & Around
Wadden Sea National Park is pretty expansive, so driving is hands-down the best way to get around - and honestly, the easiest way to get there, too. The park is less than two hours from Odense, about two hours from Aarhus, and just a little over three hours from Copenhagen.
Practically speaking, having a car really made the exploring of Wadden Sea National Park much easier. The distance from Tonder to Blavand is more than 100 kilometers, and while it doesn't sound like a lot, the whole stretch is dotted with places you'd struggle to reach otherwise. The beauty of driving is the flexibility - it lets you combine it with cycling or organized tours if you want, unlike public transport, which we'll get to next.
Public transport is an option here, but to be honest, it's pretty inconvenient and slow if you're on vacation. You'd likely need to mix in taxis and tours to really make the most of it. Larger towns like Esbjerg, Ribe, and Tonder are connected by rail, which gets you to the edge of the national park, but from there, you'd still need to figure out how to get around.
The local bus system isn't great for exploring - while it connects larger towns, it skips spots like beaches, islands (Romo being the exception but with limited stops), and marshlands. If you usually rely on public transit, consider grabbing a rental car in Esbjerg or Ribe for a day or two so you can efficiently visit the places you want.
Cycling is another great way to explore Wadden Sea National Park and Jutland as a whole, but you'll definitely need a solid plan and plenty of time to make it work. The good thing about the park was that almost everywhere we went had biking paths, so dealing with traffic wasn't an issue. The downside? While the Wadden Sea region is mostly flat, it's incredibly windy, which makes cycling a lot harder than you'd probably expect.
The Wadden Sea offers more than just cycling on dedicated paths - you can grab your bike and cruise along the endless beaches!
Best Time to Visit Wadden Sea National Park
Wadden Sea National Park is stunning no matter the season, and the best time to go really depends on what you're after. Do you want to catch the migrating starlings at Ribe marshlands? See the seals basking in the sun on Fano? Explore special spots like Langli that only open during a certain season. Or just enjoy Romo's untouched nature without the crowds?
Consider all of this while planning, but don't get stuck overthinking it. The nature in Wadden Sea National Park is breathtaking anytime you go.
If you're planning a visit to Wadden Sea National Park, spring and fall are usually the top picks. Summer's great for beach days with its high temps, but we'd avoid it because it gets pretty crowded with local tourists and Germans driving in from nearby.
Since we visited the Wadden Sea in September, we got to see the migrating starlings - it was amazing!
On the other hand, winter brings a special kind of calm to Wadden Sea National Park. It's definitely a bit chilly, but the quiet and relaxed atmosphere is unbeatable. On top of that, it's a great time for oyster tours or enjoying uninterrupted beach walks.
We ended up visiting Wadden Sea National Park in early to mid-September, but the whole Denmark trip was a spur-of-the-moment thing since we only decided on it a few days beforehand. Truthfully, we had very little knowledge of Jutland back then, so we had no real idea of what we'd actually find to see during that period.
It turned out that September is actually a fantastic month to explore the Wadden Sea. The summer crowds had disappeared, making things much calmer. Plus, we got to see the incredible Black Sun starlings, and Langli was still an option if we had chosen to go. Plus, we totally lucked out with the weather - it was just amazing.
Packing Tips
Almost every spot we went to in Wadden Sea National Park was wide open - beaches, marshlands, mudflats, dunes, or heathland. A strong sunscreen is definitely a must, along with a hat or head covering if you're visiting in summer, plus plenty of water. On our hike in Romo, we hit a stretch of trail that was swarming with mosquitoes, so bug spray should absolutely be part of your gear.
We also packed a solid windproof rain jacket for the trip, just in case we got caught in the rain and because we'd read that Wadden Sea National Park is notoriously windy. It's not surprising, really, since wind plays a huge role in shaping the area. Luckily, the wind was pretty calm during our visit, and it didn't rain (unlike the downpour we dealt with in Christiansfeld a few days later). Still, it's not something you want to leave behind.
For us, hiking shoes were a last-minute buy for Jutland since we'd planned to do some beach and mudflat walking. We didn't want to deal with water and sand getting into our mesh sneakers. They held up pretty well and kept our feet dry for the most part, though sand was still inevitable. By the way, if you're doing oyster tours, make sure you know whether waders are provided or if you'll need to bring your own gear, like rubber boots and rain pants.
For the majority of our beach walks in Wadden Sea National Park, regular hiking shoes did the job just fine.
We had binoculars mainly for the Black Sun tour, but the national park offered plenty of birdwatching spots beyond that. If you're into photography, here's my tip: I used a compact telephoto zoom lens, which got the job done, but a longer telephoto lens would've been perfect for capturing wildlife. Most birds were pretty far away, so both options would make all the difference.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
