It’s called Wadlopen, or mudflat hiking, and it’s one of the most unusual and exhilarating ways to experience the Dutch coastline. At low tide, vast parts of the Wadden Sea become walkable. With a guide and good boots, you can trek across mud, sandbanks, and shallow channels where just hours earlier, waves had been crashing.

We recently did a wadloop tour starting near Den Oever, and it was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Here’s everything you need to know-from what it’s like, where to go, what wildlife to expect, and tips for making the most of it.

What Is Wadlopen (Mudflat Hiking)?

The Wadden Sea (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the largest unbroken intertidal zone in the world and one of Europe’s most ecologically important areas. More than 10,000 plant and animal species live in or depend on this ecosystem - including animals such as seals, polderbirds, shellfish, marine worms, crustaceans, and juvenile fish. It’s also a crucial feeding ground for 10 to 12 million migratory birds each year, who stop here to rest and refuel on their long journey between the Arctic and Africa.

Wadlopen is a form of guided hiking across the Wadden Sea seabed during low tide. The sea stretches along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. When the tide goes out, it reveals a vast expanse of glistening mudflats, sandbanks, and tidal creeks which creates a rare opportunity to walk across the ocean floor.

Depending on the route, some hikes simply traverse a short stretch of tidal flat, while others lead all the way to one of the Wadden Islands, such as Ameland or Schiermonnikoog. Regardless of the distance, every route offers a deep encounter with raw, shifting nature. You’re walking through a dynamic, ever-changing landscape, shaped daily by the rhythm of wind, water, and sky.

Where Can You Go Mudflat Hiking in the Netherlands?

You can do wadlopen from several coastal towns along the Wadden Sea. Here are some of the main departure points:

Each area offers a variety of routes: from short scenic walks to full-day crossings that require good endurance and perfect timing with the tides.

Our Mudflat Route Near Den Oever (via De Groot Recreatie)

We chose a beginner-friendly mudflat hike near Den Oever, offered by De Groot Recreatie. It’s the perfect option if you're looking for the full Wadden Sea experience - mud and wildlife without covering extreme distances. You’ll still get satisfyingly muddy in all the right ways.

Our day started at Hoorn Station, where we arrived by train from Amsterdam. From there, we took a bus to Den Oever, a charming harbor village nestled right along the Afsluitdijk. Rather than finding other transportation there, we opted to walk about 40 minutes along the coast toward our meeting point at 't Schippershuus in Hippolytushoef. That stretch was beautiful in itself with quiet countryside fields that opened up to expansive coastal views of the Wadden Sea, with the salty breeze and distant seabirds giving us a first taste of the nature to come.

At the Schippershuis, we met our guide and received a short briefing. Then, we boarded the bus that took at us to the harbor of Den Oever. As we sailed out, the skipper shared stories about the Afsluitdijk, the history of land reclamation, and the unique marine ecosystem. To our delight, we spotted a couple of seals lounging on sandbanks (the blurry photo below really does not do justice to the beauty of these animals). They were undisturbed by our presence, and we were reminded to respect their space as they are a protected species in the Wadden Sea.

Once we reached the right spot, we were transferred to a small dinghy which dropped us directly onto the exposed seabed. We waded about 50 meters through knee-deep water, and just like that, we were walking on the sea floor. Over the next 1.5 hours, we hiked approximately 5 kilometers through a surreal landscape of sticky mud, shallow tidal creeks, and sandy ridges.

Along the hike, we encountered all kinds of marine life: small crabs, starfish, bright green seaweed, a jellyfish, and even a few dead crabs - a reminder of how dynamic and harsh this ecosystem can be. Above us, we spotted exotic coastal birds, likely some of the millions that migrate through the Wadden Sea annually.

The terrain constantly changed - at the end we were ankle-deep in thick mud that clung to our boots with every step. Eventually, we realized it was easier to glide over the surface, so we embraced it and started sliding across the mud like ice skaters, laughing as we moved with unexpected ease. It was fun, oddly meditative, and a little absurd in the best possible way.

What really took our breath away was the otherworldly view around us. The mud seemed to reflect the sky-endless grey-blue merging with clouds-creating a mirrored horizon so vast it almost disoriented you. It felt like walking through a dreamscape suspended between water and air.

We ended our walk at the sea dike, then continued on foot through the quiet rural landscape. Back at the Schippershuus, we rinsed off our boots and settled in for a well-earned serving of fish and chips (included in the experience) and arguably the best way to end a muddy day at sea.

What to Expect and Tips Before You Go

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Wadlopen

Wadlopen is more than a hike - it’s an immersion into one of the most dynamic landscapes close to the North Sea. It’s meditative, messy, and deeply connected to nature.

You feel the suction of the mud, watch thousands of birds fly overhead, and realize you’re walking across what was, just hours earlier, an ocean floor.

Whether you choose a short beginner-friendly route like we did near Den Oever, or set out on a full-day crossing to the islands-mudflat hiking is one of the most unique things you can do in the Netherlands.