The Frisian Islands

To walk between the sea is considered a biblical feat, but in the silty mudflats of the Wadden Sea, it's more of a pastime. Stretching along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, the Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flats system in the world—muddy land that the sea submerges based on tide patterns. 

Wadlopen, or mud hiking, is a popular activity here in the summer months. As the sea slowly ebbs and creates its own pathways, hikers must time their departures carefully, crossing the seabed to reach the Frisian Islands dotted along Europe’s main coastline. Basking seals idly wave their flippers to greet those en route. The islands themselves are a rewarding destination, characterized by white dunes cloaked in windswept grasses and packed with quaint cafés selling fried fish snacks called kibbeling. The scattered isles can also be reached by ferry, for those who don’t want to get their feet dirty. 

‍
Bikes are available to rent on the larger islands, including Ameland, Terschelling, and Schiermonnikoog, along winding cycling paths offering 360-degree sea panoramas and an invigorating salty breeze. Up toward the Danish border, the German island of Nordstrandischmoor is accessible by a rickety railway, where railcars were originally clad with sails and propelled by the wind. Now diesel-run, the carts unhurriedly chug along the 2.2-mile-long track, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park.