18th Bird Migration Days in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park 2026

Germany's Largest Bird Migration Event

The Bird Migration Days in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park are one of Germany's most significant nature experience series. Organized by the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park Administration in cooperation with numerous stakeholders along the coast, they offer a unique opportunity each October to experience the Wadden Sea as a global hub for bird migration.

October 10th to 18th, 2026 — 18th Edition

The 2026 edition is the 18th edition and runs from Saturday, October 10th to Sunday, October 18th, 2026 — nine days featuring over 350 events along the entire Lower Saxony North Sea coast.

Main Location in Cuxland: National Park House Dorum-Neufeld

In the Cuxhaven district, the main location is the National Park House Dorum-Neufeld, situated in front of the dike at the cutter harbor of Dorum-Neufeld in the municipality of Wurster Nordseeküste. Excursions into the Wadden Sea, lectures, and hands-on activities for families start from here.

Program Formats

The program includes three core formats:

• Guided excursions into the mudflats, salt marshes, along wrack lines, and to observation points
• Lectures by ornithologists and nature conservation experts on bird migration
• Hands-on activities for families, schools, and nature enthusiasts

Why the Wadden Sea and Bird Migration?

The Wadden Sea (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009) is one of the most important resting areas for migratory birds worldwide. Over 10–12 million birds rest and feed here annually on their migration between Arctic breeding grounds and African or Southern European wintering grounds. The Bird Migration Days make this natural phenomenon tangible.

Swarovski Optik as Sponsor

The main sponsor of the Bird Migration Days is Swarovski Optik — the Austrian brand is a leader in optical observation equipment and provides binoculars and spotting scopes for the events.

Wurster Nordseeküste — Gateway to the Wadden Sea

The municipality of Wurster Nordseeküste, with its harbors Dorum-Neufeld and Wremen, is located directly on the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. It is one of the most important starting points for nature-related activities in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea area.