Mudflat hiking on the Wadden Sea

Discover the breathtaking natural spectacle of mudflat hiking

Are you ready for a unique adventure that brings you closer to nature? Then come along on one of our unforgettable mudflat hiking tours! Mudflat hiking is an extraordinary experience where you get the chance to explore the stunning Wadden Sea, one of the most spectacular and dynamic natural areas in the Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Twice a day, during low tide, the bottom of the Wadden Sea becomes exposed for a few hours, allowing you to walk safely and fairly dry. The timing of low tide varies each day, so mudflat hiking trips always take place at different times.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A mudflat hiking trip is a fantastic but also physically challenging way to break away from the daily routine and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

If you prefer to explore in a small group, you’ve come to the right place. During our mudflat hiking tours, we take you on a journey through the unique world of mudflats, channels and sandbanks, in a group of 6 to a maximum of 12 people. You surrender to the elements. Occasionally, the water may reach to your waist, and sometimes you may sink into the mud up to your knees, but most of the time you be walking in ankle-deep water. Uur experienced and certified mudflat hiking guide, Arie, will share all kinds of information about this unique ecosystem along the way, and André will provide translation into English or German as needed. This makes the tour accessible to those who don’t speak Dutch.

After the trip, you can rinse off at a designated water point and change into dry clothes. If desired, a bicycle will be waiting for you to explore the island. Of course, you can return on the same day with the boat. However, the crossing is also perfect for combining with an overnight stay on the island, after which you take the boat back to the mainland the next day. Note: you have to buy the return ticket at the main land before leaving. 

We offer different routes, depending on the date, crossing either to Ameland or to Schiermonnikoog. Whichever tour you choose, we promise you an adventurous expereince, full of fun, wonder and new discoveries.

So lace up your sneakers, brace yourself, and get ready for an unforgettable mudflat hiking experience! Contact us today to reserve your spot and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of mudflat hiking. We look forward to explore the Wadden Sea with you!

FOR WHOM

Wading is truly worth it, and our mudflat hiking tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced mudflat hikers. However, because it can be a physically demanding activity, it requires a good level of fitness. If you are dealing with overweight or joint problems, unfortunately our guide cannot take you along. Walking through the sucking mud and wading through water channels can be very exhausting. Therefore it is important that you are in good physical condition and capable of walking for several hours continuously in challenging conditions. There is no opportunity to sit down and rest along the way, as the rising tide waits for no one.

WHAT TO BRING

To ensure a successful hike, you will of course always follow the guide’s instructions. Not only is good pysical condition important but also bringing the right clothing and daypack.

Clothing:

  • Wear clothes that can get dirty. As you’re wading through channels, you may get cold faster.
  • A windproof and waterproof jacket is mandatory, as it’s a lways windy. Additionally  wear layers of clothing, such as a tank top, t-shirt, cardigan, sweatshirt, shorts (long pants dry slower, making you feel colder faster), and a cap to protect against the sun. No jeans!
  • Wear high shoes that don’t fall off or sag, even when you have to pull your feet out of the mud. Think of high-top basketball shoes that close above your ankles (All Stars or other brands) or scuba diving shoes. Surf shoes are only suitable if they have a very thick sole. Choose shoes that you’re not attached to and make sure they can withstand some rough treatment, so you won’t lose a sole in no time. Walking without shoe soles is not possible due to all the sharp shell edges; the guide will not take you along. Wear high socks to prevent blisters,

And also:

Backpack with easy edible and drinkable provisions for on the way.

  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Towel.
  • Dry clothes and shoes, waterproof packaged.
  • Be careful with cameras and mobile phones, ensure they are in a waterproof case.
  • Trash bag for your dirty clothes.
  • If staying overnight: everything you need for that. Bring small lightweight hotel-sized toiletries (you have to carry everything) and possibly swimwear for a beach day.

AGENDA

Friday, May 31, 2024

Mudflat hiking tour to Schiermonnikoog.  Gather for departure at 6.30 AM at Lauwersoog, also the departure point of the ferry to Schiermonnikoog. Departure at 6.45 AM. Distance: 15 kilometers. Duration of tour: approximately 7 hours. Arrival is around 2 PM. Even return the same day, you can still enjoy the iland for plenty of time before the last boat departs. We’ll have bicycles ready for you. kes are rented in advance. This mudflat hiking tour is an open group: a maximum of 12 people can participate. You can sign up alone or with your own group, and walk with people you don’t know, or arrange a complete group yourself.

At the meeting point, there is parking available. The location is not easy accessible by public transportation at the departure time. It is advised to stay overnight in the area, for example, in Dokkum. Transport to and from Lauwersoog is not included in the trip.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Sometimes infavourable weather conditions or high tides may prevent the tour from proceeding as planned. In that case, under the guidance of Arie, our guide, you will cross by boat and take a tour around the island over the mudflats to still provide you with this unforgettable mudflat hiking experience. Occasionally, this may also not be possible, and the tour will have to be canceled. You will be informed about this the day before the tour.

 

COSTS

The fee for this small-scale mudflat hiking tour with Arie, our guide, and André as a companion, providing translation in English or German when needed: € 57,50  including a regular bicycle, aplace to rinse off and change clothes. Costs for the return boat trip by ferry are not included. The return ticket can be purchased online in advance or at the terminal in Lauwersoog, also in advance.

Interested in staying overnight on the island? There are various options available, from group accommodation to hotels. You can arrange this yourself, and the costs are at your own expense.

REGISTRATION

You can sign up via the contact form on the website. Please include the following information in the email: Name, address, postal code, city, phone number, emergency phone number, email address.

After registration, we will contact you.

Please note: your registration is only valid once we have received your payment in our bank account. As a participant, we ask you to fill out, sign and send us our Liability Waiver Form beforehand.

 

CANCELLATION

 

  •  If you cancel up tp 24 hours befor the tour, a € 10,00 administration fee will be charged
  • If you cancel within 24 hours before departure time of the tour, the full amount will be charged.

The evening before the tour, one of our staff members will contact you by phone. If the tour is cancelled by the guide, you’ll receive a refund of the booking fees. If the crossing is replaced by a mudflat walk from the island, no money will be refunded.