The North Frisian Wadden Sea is considered an extremely challenging sailing area. But in the coronavirus summer of 2020, the islands and tidal flats on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein enticed our crew to find out whether sailing there can also be simply beautiful. With a detour via Neuwerk, the ten-day trip took us there from Bremerhaven via Neuwerk near Cuxhaven.
Islands and Halligen
Only the large islands such as Sylt, Föhr and Amrum are actually safe to sail to with keel yachts, as there are only proper marinas there. And even in these harbours, tides and water depth must always be taken into account. The Hallig islands in the area, such as Langeness, Gröde-Apelland and Hooge, are actually only suitable for small and, above all, shallow boats. Only Hallig Hooge has a jetty for yachts.
In the land of the tides
Nevertheless, a visit is particularly worthwhile for crews travelling with boats that have little draught and may even fall dry. Numerous mudflat fairways meander through the area, allowing crews to navigate the shallow waters between the islands and sandbanks. In calm weather, there are also places to anchor and dry out.
Wadden Sea National Park
The rules of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park must always be observed. Over 4000 square kilometres of the Wadden Sea between the Elbe in the south and Sylt in the north form the national park. You are not allowed to anchor or fall dry everywhere. However, the areas are marked on the nautical chart.
Heligoland flair
Anyone travelling to North Friesland can do so from the Elbe or via the Eider in one day. Coming from the west, however, a stop on Heligoland, the high seas island in the middle of the German Bight with its very own rugged charm, is a good idea.
You can download the travel report via the link below.
