Where experiences are shared

Buy your ticket for the special Wadden Sea Experience at the desk in the entrance hall. As a ‘Wadden researcher for a day’, immerse yourself in the world of the Wadden, walking alongside ecologists, biologists and vets on their journey of discovery. Explore the secret lives of our tiniest creatures, such as viruses, bacteria and algae. Learn what the Wadden was like when nature had free reign and how the area has changed over the years. The Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre also triggers reflection. How can we preserve this beautiful region? And what role can I play?

Meet this country’s largest native predatory animal: the seal. While caring for seals here, we also study them. What do they use their whiskers for? And how do they ‘talk’ to each other?

Having enjoyed the Experience, treat yourself to lunch at our café, where all the food we serve is sourced locally and sustainably. In the evening, you can dine in our gastronomic restaurant offering beautiful views over the Wadden Sea. And if you’d like a tangible reminder of your visit, our shop sells products crafted by local artisans.

The World Heritage Centre is also the starting point for outdoor excursions. Sign up for a local mudflat hike, join a fisherman on a fishing trip or discover the best walking and cycling trails. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

Where learning is a joint activity

Here at the World Heritage Centre, we believe in learning together and learning from each other. Together with the Dutch Institute for Nature Education and Sustainability (IVN), we are busy developing educational programmes for all age groups. These range from programmes for primary schools to a ‘living lab’ where students and businesses can work together to build a sustainable future. The Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre is all about exploring, experimenting and learning new things.

Where research happens

Scientists and students gather here to learn more about the Wadden area and the relationship between people and nature. Biologists, ecologists and vets all spend time here observing sea creatures, conducting measurements and taking samples of life on the Wad. As they pool their findings, our knowledge about the area continues to expand. As well as being a field station for researchers, the centre also welcomes visitors. And students from around the world come and stay here in Lauwersoog to learn about the Wadden Sea.

The Sealcentre at the World Heritage Centre conducts studies into seals’ health and behaviour. It also conducts research relating to fishing and marine biology in collaboration with the Integrated Fisheries Foundation (Stichting Geïntegreerde Visserij).

Where valuable encounters take place

The World Heritage Centre welcomes researchers, students, volunteers and local entrepreneurs. Together we make up a community of people, united in our commitment to the Wadden and to a sustainable future. We meet regularly to share ideas about how to make the best use of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre. We look forward to enjoying similarly valuable encounters with visitors and local residents as soon as our doors open. The World Heritage Centre will continue to be a place where people can gather, hold meetings, host events and learn.

The Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre will be built according to a design by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup. The assignment was to design a building to be constructed outside the dikes that would fit into the Wadden landscape. The materials used had to be able to withstand the local climate. The result is a wooden building that follows the contours of its surroundings, sloping down towards the sea.

The ingenious design includes vertical blinds that make optimal use of the natural light. They protect the inside of the building from the sun during the day and cut out light pollution at night. The glass facades create a near-seamless transition between the indoors and the outdoors. And the light and the ambience inside the building alter subtly each time the weather changes.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key value of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre. The building will be energy-neutral and the materials we use will be recyclable. Our seal pools will be fitted with state-of-the-art water purification installations that comply with the latest sustainability and environmental standards.

Dorte Mandrup

Dorte Mandrup is a Danish architect, known for her analytical approach to architecture. Her designs are conceptually strong and innovative in terms of both form and material. She is known for her iconic designs, such as the Wadden Sea Centre on the west coast of Denmark and the Icefjord Center on a UNESCO-protected site in Greenland.

Entrance hall

The entrance hall of the World Heritage Centre is open to everyone. You don’t need a ticket. Our boat trips and mudflat hikes start from here, as well as various workshops, such as ‘cooking with seaweed’. You can also access the gift shop from here. Buy your entrance tickets to the rest of the World Heritage Centre at the reception desk, where our tourist information staff will be happy to answer questions.

Experience

From the first floor to the second floor and onto the roof: allow the World Heritage Centre Experience to activate and inspire you as you explore the Wadden Sea’s fascinating ecosystem. Discover the close bonds between people and nature here. Learn about the positive impact we can have on our environment, now and in the future. Find out how we take care of rescued seals, study the underwater environment and seek to unravel the mysteries of the night sky. This is your chance to meet us and work alongside us. And, who knows, your visit might inspire you to get involved in other ways in the future.

Research centre

Our building is a working hub where scientists and students study the extraordinary ecosystem of the Wadden. Our core focuses are marine biology and veterinary and microbiological research on seals. We are a living laboratory, researching a range of topics from fish and soil life to sustainable tourism and educating others about them, while making scientific research accessible to a wider public.

Wadhal

The Wadhal is our central foyer and can be accessed via the entrance hall. You can meet the local community here: the students, researchers, volunteers and other users of the building. This is where organisations that care about the Wadden Sea and the Lauwersmeer coast hold presentations, exhibitions and events, ranging from exhibitions of nature photos to presentations about the various green initiatives in the harbour. There will be something new to discover every time you visit.

Seal pools

There are seals swimming around on our roof - not just as a tourist attraction but because they need medical care. Some are sick; others have been injured by floating debris. We have one of the best equipped seal hospitals in Europe. We take care of the seals until they are ready to be released back into the wild. These icons of the Wadden Sea are our country’s largest native predatory animals. So while they are with us, we take the opportunity to study them. The one-way glass between you and the seals enables us – and you - to observe them without disturbing them.

Café

Take a well-earned break. Enjoy a cup of coffee or treat yourself to a lunch prepared with local products. Just what you need at the end of a long mudflat hike or the ferry journey from Schiermonnikoog.

Restaurant

Discover our range of gastronomic delights created from the best local organic products. Tip: our exclusive restaurant is worth visiting just for the beautiful views over the Wadden Sea.

Auditorium and meeting rooms

Here at the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre, we have all the facilities we need to host events and activities that reflect our ambition to shape the future of our world. Our auditorium seats 120 guests. We also have smaller meeting rooms and spaces for more informal gatherings. Plenty of opportunity to meet, learn and do business. The nearby overnight accommodation options also make this the perfect location for multi-day seminars, conferences or summer schools.

Learning by doing

How do we achieve a healthy balance between ecology and economy, fisheries, nature conservation and tourism? Everyone who has a heart for the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site is welcome to meet here to discuss such issues. And together with the Institute for Nature Education and Sustainability (IVN), we are busy developing a full range of educational programmes and activities for all age groups. No matter how many lectures, workshops and other events you attend, there will always be more to discover about this special area.