40 Years National Park Lower Saxony Wadden Sea - Ceremonial Act
Edition 2026 Nature Environment History

40 Years National Park Lower Saxony Wadden Sea - Ceremonial Act

Grand ceremonial act for the 40th birthday of the National Park under the motto 'National Park Works'

Wilhelmshaven — Kreisfreie Stadt Wilhelmshaven (03405)
Dates 06 Feb — 06 Feb 2026
Venue Wilhelmshaven (03405)
Prices
Status

About 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park

On February 6, 2026, the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park in Wilhelmshaven celebrates its 40th birthday with a grand ceremonial act. Under the motto 'National Park Works,' around 250 invited guests from politics, administration, science, and nature conservation will gather to honor four decades of protection for one of Europe's most important natural landscapes. Among those attending are Lower Saxony's Minister-President Olaf Lies, Environment Minister Christian Meyer, and National Park Director Peter Südbeck. A special anniversary brochure will be published for the jubilee, documenting the park's achievements, challenges, and future prospects. The ceremonial act marks the start of an anniversary year with numerous accompanying events throughout the Wadden Sea region.

Travel to this festival

Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park al mejor precio.

Book a trip on Trainline

Sponsored link

40 Years Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park

The Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park was established in 1986 and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea — one of Europe's most ecologically valuable landscapes. Over 345,000 hectares between the Ems estuary and the Elbe River are under special protection. The National Park administration in Wilhelmshaven serves as the central hub for research, monitoring, education, and public relations. Four decades of active nature conservation are ample reason to celebrate an anniversary year.

Ceremonial Act on February 6, 2026

The official ceremonial act on February 6, 2026, will bring together around 250 guests from politics, administration, science, and nature conservation organizations. Under the motto 'National Park Works,' a review will be presented on the impact of four decades of protection for birds, seals, porpoises, plants, and microorganisms. High-ranking guests include Lower Saxony's Minister-President Olaf Lies, Environment Minister Christian Meyer, and National Park Director Peter Südbeck. The program will feature speeches, celebratory lectures, and musical performances.

Anniversary Brochure and Follow-up Events

A special anniversary brochure will be published for the jubilee, documenting the scientific assessment, the most significant conservation successes, and the challenges of the coming years. The ceremonial act is the kickoff to an anniversary year with numerous follow-up events throughout the Wadden Sea region — from public information sessions and family days to scientific conferences. This will make the 40th anniversary of the National Park an occasion to once again bring the protection of this unique landscape to the attention of a broader public.

40 Years Wadden Sea National Park — edition 2026

On Friday, February 6, 2026, around 250 invited guests in Wilhelmshaven will commemorate 40 years of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. Under the motto 'National Park Works,' Minister-President Olaf Lies, Environment Minister Christian Meyer, and National Park Director Peter Südbeck will speak about four decades of protection for one of Europe's most valuable natural landscapes. A special anniversary brochure will be published for the occasion. The ceremonial act marks the start of an anniversary year with numerous accompanying events.

Ceremonial Act 2026 — Kickoff to an Anniversary Year

The ceremonial act on February 6, 2026, is the official opening of the anniversary year. Throughout the year, numerous public events will follow — from public information sessions and family days to scientific conferences.

Distinguished Guest List

The presence of the Minister-President and the Environment Minister underscores the political significance of the jubilee and nature conservation as a societal task.

Programme 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park 2026

Program 2026

The exact program for the ceremonial act will be communicated by the National Park administration. The structure will follow the established benchmarks of state ceremonies:

  • Welcome by National Park Director Peter Südbeck
  • Keynote Speeches by Minister-President Olaf Lies and Environment Minister Christian Meyer
  • Celebratory Lectures from science and nature conservation
  • Musical contributions
  • Presentation of the anniversary brochure
  • Reception and networking afterwards
  • Accompanying: Exhibition '40 Years National Park Works'

The ceremonial act is an invitation-only event. Accompanying programs during the anniversary year are partially open to the public.

Highlights 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park 2026

  • 40 Years Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park
  • Motto 'National Park Works'
  • Minister-President Olaf Lies and Environment Minister Christian Meyer
  • Anniversary brochure and follow-up program throughout the year

Prices 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park 2026

Ceremonial act exclusively for invited guests. Accompanying programs during the anniversary year are partially public; information available from the National Park administration.

Practical information — 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park

Getting There

Wilhelmshaven is accessible via the A 29 motorway. The exact venue for the ceremonial act will be communicated by the National Park administration.

Participation

The ceremonial act is an invitation-only event. Accompanying programs during the anniversary year are partially open to the public — information available from the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park administration and the Wadden Sea Visitor Centre.

Anniversary Brochure

The anniversary brochure is available from the National Park administration; a portion is also available for download from the official website.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Spotted an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Contact 40 Years Wadden Sea National Park

40 Years Wadden Sea National Park at a glance

Nature Environment History Folklore Ecology Kreisfreie Stadt Wilhelmshaven