Norddeich

Sea breeze in your face, ferries on the move and tidal flats that stretch for miles. Welcome to Norddeich. This small North Sea town in Lower Saxony is best known as the gateway to the East Frisian Islands, but it has plenty to keep you busy before you hop on a ferry. Families head straight to the sandy beach, while nature lovers take to the mudflats of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. The harbour is always lively, with fishing boats coming and going and seafood stands serving shrimp rolls and smoked fish. It’s a classic North Sea stop – compact, breezy and tied to the tides.

1. Walk the Wadden Sea flats
Join a guided tour at low tide and explore the seabed on foot. Expect crabs, mussels and seabirds in a landscape that shifts with every tide.

2. Visit the Seal Station
Norddeich’s seal rescue centre looks after abandoned pups before returning them to the wild. A quick visit adds meaning to the local wildlife you’ll see offshore.

3. Stroll the harbour
The town’s heart is its harbour, where ferries depart for Norderney and Juist. Grab a fish sandwich, watch the boats and feel the pull of the open water.