Where the North Sea Once Reigned

At the Katinger Watt, very close to the port town of Tönning, you won’t find—as the name might suggest—a dry seabed, but rather an unusual, man-made natural paradise. The construction of the "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier) in the south of the Eiderstedt Peninsula drained the formerly tidal mudflats at the mouth of the Eider River, creating a unique natural landscape where the waves of the North Sea once crashed. Vast green spaces and forests, tranquility, and unique birds—in the Katinger Watt, pure nature awaits you!

View of the "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier)

Waves from the storm surge at the "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier)

Protection Against Storm Surges

From the "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier) to the Katinger Watt

To protect against severe storm surges from the North Sea, construction of the "Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier) began in 1967. Thanks to this impressive structure, more than 800 hectares of land were reclaimed, the Eider estuary was protected from flooding and drained, and the unique Katinger Watt nature reserve was created.

"Eidersperrwerk" (flood barrier)

Kuhherde vor Aussichtsturm im Katinger Watt

Family in front of the NABU House in the Katinger Watt

A family in a meadow in the Katinger Watt

A family at the café at the NABU House in the Katinger Watt

A couple with binoculars in the Katinger Watt

Discovering and Understanding Nature

NABU Katinger Watt Center

Would you like to learn more about the rich flora and fauna of the Katinger Watt? Then the NABU Nature Center Katinger Watt, with its fascinating exhibition on the formation, flora, and fauna of the Katinger Watt, is the perfect day trip for you. In the flower-filled garden surrounding the Lina-Hähnle-Haus, beds of medicinal herbs invite you to take a whiff. Here, you’ll use all your senses to search for clues as you stroll along the sensory trail. By the way, this is also the starting point for many discovery tours into the Katinger Watt for visitors of all ages.

NABU Katinger Watt Center

Hut on the nature trail in the Katinger Watt

A couple on the observation tower in the Katinger Watt

Rush Hour in the North Sea Sky

Vogelkiek

In the fall, the number of Eiderstedt’s feathered residents rises rapidly for a short time as millions of migratory birds approach the area. In huge flocks, they gather in the pristine salt marshes to replenish their energy in the nutrient-rich Wadden Sea before continuing their journey to their wintering grounds. Ornithologists recommend the following spots for birdwatching: Tümlauer Bay, Everschopsiel, the sandbanks off St. Peter-Ording and in Westerhever, as well as the Katinger Watt and the Eider estuary.

In the Katinger Watt, three observation huts and a 16-meter-high observation tower offer you undisturbed views of the birdlife and a fantastic panorama.

Observation huts

Observation tower

Kiek ut Observation Tower

Have you seen it yet?
The Kiek ut observation tower in the Katinger Watt is the perfect spot for a short break on your exploration tour. Let your gaze wander over the vast landscape, enjoy a little picnic, or explore the adjacent loop trail—you should definitely stop by here!

Kiek ut Observation Tower

Eingang zum Naturerlebnisraum Katinger Watt

Spazierweg im Naturerlebnisraum Katinger Watt

Informationstafel im Natuerlebnisraum Katinger Watt

Experience Nature Step by Step

Circular Hike Through the Katinger Watt

Immerse yourself in the fascinating landscape of the Katinger Watt! Here, a 3.4-kilometer circular hiking trail awaits you—starting directly across from the “Kiek ut” observation tower—that introduces you to the unique natural environment of Schleswig-Holstein’s west coast. At numerous stations, you’ll learn more about the forest and the mudflats, aquatic life, and agriculture in a fun and interactive way. Whether you’re out on your own, with friends, or with your family—there’s something to discover, experience, and try out everywhere you go. Discover the Katinger Watt Nature Experience Area

People at the Spökenkieker looking for information

Full of information about nature

Spökenkieker Information Center

Small but mighty! The Spökenkieker Information Center—a quaint little red-brick building with a thatched roof—isn’t just a sight to behold from the outside; its exhibition on life and work in nature is also a real treat! In the interactive exhibition, you’ll learn fascinating facts about people, animals, and nature on the Eiderstedt Peninsula. The volunteers from the Grüne Insel Eiderstedt e.V. association look forward to your visit and a "Klönschnack" (conversation).

Spökenkieker

A couple on the nature trail in the Katinger Watt

Bike Ride to the Observation Tower in the Katinger Watt

A couple in front of an information sign in the Katinger Watt

A couple on a bike ride in the Katinger Watt

A couple taking a walk in the Katinger Watt

Picnic in front of the observation tower

Unique Nature Experiences

Hiking and Biking Tours

The Katinger Watt is the perfect place for walks and hikes, but you can also explore this unique nature reserve on long bike rides.

By the way: Through the NABU Nature Center or the Eiderstedt District Hunting Association, you can take guided tours through the Katinger Watt and learn lots of fascinating facts about the natural environment. You can find all the details about the dates in our event calendar.

Event Calendar

Our Tour Recommendation

Out and About

Fancy a bike ride? Our recommended tour connects St. Peter-Ording—known for its beach—with the seaside port town of Tönning and the unique Katinger Watt!

Want another dose of nature?

Wildlife of Eiderstedt

Discover the Wadden Sea

Seagull in the spray of the storm surge in St. Peter-Ording

Storm Surge & Sea Fog

Brochures & Flyers

Vacation Information for Home

Would you like to learn more about SPO and Eiderstedt before your vacation?

View the brochures

Cover of the brochure "Travel Guide to St. Peter-Ording and Eiderstedt"