Mudflat Hiking with the Waddenvereniging and Historische Zeilvaart Harlingen

For nearly 30 years, the Waddenvereniging has been collaborating with Stichting Historische Zeilvaart Harlingen (SHZH). Sailing offers a unique and authentic experience of the Wadden Sea: you feel deeply connected to nature and the elements. With the wind in the sails and the sound of water lapping against the hull, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site while enjoying the freedom and adventure that sailing brings.

During two special sailing arrangements, dedicated World Heritage guides from the Waddenvereniging are on board. These trips focus on the Wadden Sea as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guides take you onto the mudflats and reveal the uniqueness and importance of this fragile ecosystem, which needs our protection. It’s one of the last places in the Netherlands where you can experience such peace, open space, and nature. Essential for the millions of birds that stop here every year, but also for people. We believe that increasing knowledge and awareness of the Wadden Sea strengthens the support for its protection. After all, what you love, you want to protect.

Mudflat hiking from a stranded ship is an entirely different experience compared to hiking from the coast. Our ships rest on a sandbank, so you won’t have to deal with mud or deep water. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable way to try mudflat hiking.

Discover our arrangements with World Heritage guides on board. We organize trips throughout the sailing season!

Day trip beaching and mudflat waling

Have you always wanted to experience strandings and mudflat hiking on the Wadden Sea? Join us for a day of sailing aboard a stunning historic flat-bottomed ship. Strand on a mudflat, and with a guide from the Waddenvereniging, explore the life found in and on the Wadden. Feel the wind on your face, the water around you, and then the magical experience of walking on the seabed that was just recently underwater! This incredibly beautiful journey is something you must experience at least once in your life. This fun and educational day out is fully catered and perfect for all ages.

Carefree Sailing and Mudflat Hiking with Historische Zeilvaart Harlingen

All skippers within the cooperative adhere to the strict safety standards of the Inland Shipping Act. This means that the ship, all rigging (ropes), sails, engine, and more are regularly subjected to rigorous inspections, and the crew is well-trained and complies with all regulations. Additionally, you are covered by the insurance under the Package Travel Guarantee Scheme.