Skallingen

This incredibly fascinating piece of nature has been less affected by the impact of man than any other area at the Wadden Sea, and it is of major significance as a resting and feeding area for waterbirds as it is home to large areas of plants and bottom-dwelling fauna.

About 600 cattle graze on Skallingen and they help to avoid overgrowth, thus ensuring good living conditions for breeding and resting waterbirds. Consideration for the bird and animal life means that dogs are prohibited on Skallingen and Langli.

Picnic tables and benches as well as a toilet for use by the public have been set up in the old gatekeeper’s lodge at the end of the concrete road. The old lodge has now been carefully renovated and renamed “Madpakkehuset” (the picnic house). There is also an interesting display of posters on life on Skallingen.

Langli

Arranged hikes by the Wadden Sea with expert guides are listed in the activities calendar in the tourist newspaper “Blå Stunder”, and it is permissible in the period from 16 July to 15 September to walk the approximately four kilometres across the sea floor to the otherwise protected island of Langli. About 10,000 pairs of birds, especially terns and seagulls, breed on the island. The densest population of oystercatchers in Europe is also found here.

Skallingen to be cleared

Around 10,000 mines were buried on Skallingen during the war. It was decided in 2005 to clear the area of mines, and the major clearing job commenced in 2006. Large parts of the area have now been declared free of mines, and the clearing process is expected to be finally completed in autumn 2008. Only a small part of Skallingen is closed, and there are clear warning signs. The rest of Skallingen can still be visited, and the numerous fine beaches north of the closed area are ideal for enjoying the Wadden Sea.