Wadden Sea National Park - Nature of World Class
Rømø is located right in the middle of the Wadden Sea National Park, which, at 1459 km2, is Denmark's largest national park. The vast majority of the Wadden Sea National Park, around 80 percent, is marine areas. The land areas make up around 300 km2 and include Rømø and its neighbouring islands of Mandø, Fanø and Langli, in addition to the Marbæk area north of Esbjerg, the Skallingen peninsula, some river valleys, and a number of marsh areas, with Ribemarsken and Tøndermarsken being the largest. Overall, the Wadden Sea National Park contains a range of characteristic landscape types such as mudflats, high dunes, salt marshes, beaches, dune landscapes, heathlands, marshes, and gest areas.
The difference between low tide and high tide averages well over one and a half meters, and the tides are the driving force of the Wadden Sea. Twice a day, a billion cubic meters of water flows in and out of the Danish part of the Wadden Sea. The tides inundate the vast mudflats and, together with sunlight, create an enormous biological production – initially of microscopic algae, which are the food source for myriads of worms, clams, snails, and crustaceans.
So even though the mudflat may initially appear dead and uniform, that is by no means the case. Most animals live buried in the bottom and have adapted to large fluctuations in temperature, current, and humidity.
The enormous numbers of benthic animals create a food source for a very rich fauna and bird life. Approximately 12 million waders, geese, and ducks pass through the Wadden Sea each year on their migration between breeding grounds to the north and wintering grounds to the south. The Wadden Sea is also a breeding area for a large part of the North Sea fish population, with seals – and humans – at the top of the food chain.
Rich Cultural Heritage
However, Wadden Sea National Park is not just about nature. Historically, there are traces of humans dating back to ancient times, and one of the national park's gems, Ribe, is renowned as Denmark's oldest town. In general, the Wadden Sea area possesses a very rich cultural heritage and a vibrant living culture. The maritime cultural heritage, with specific boat types adapted to the shallow waters and strong sailing traditions, is a significant and substantial chapter in itself. The area's distinctiveness is also reflected in a unique architecture that can be found both on Rømø and the other islands, as well as on the mainland coast.
