Watterkundung an der Knock Emden

The Knock — Emden's Gateway to the Wadden Sea

The Knock is the southwesternmost point of the East Frisian coast and belongs to the city area of Emden. Here, the Ems River flows into the Dollart, and the mudflats stretch far towards the Dutch coast. The location is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Lower Saxony Wadden Sea and has been internationally recognized as one of Europe's most important nature reserves since 2009.

What is a Mudflat Exploration?

During a guided mudflat exploration, participants go barefoot into the mudflats under expert guidance — to where the sea recedes for a few hours at low tide, revealing the seabed. The mudflat guides explain how the unique ecosystem functions, which animals hide in the mud, and which plants can withstand the salty conditions. To see and experience:

• Lugworms and their characteristic mounds
• Cockles and other types of mussels
• Shore crabs and other crustaceans
• Birds such as oystercatchers, curlews, avocets
• Tracks of seals and occasionally seals themselves on the sandbanks

Dates 2026

The next announced date is Saturday, May 23, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM. Further dates throughout the summer season will be published via the Emden Tourist Information and the city's event portal. The dates always depend on the tide schedule: the hike must take place at low tide for the mudflats to be accessible.

Safety and Responsibility

Mudflat hikes are an impressive natural experience, but the mudflats are also dangerous terrain if you are out without a guide. Currents, sudden fog, and the rapid incoming tide can pose a life-threatening risk. Guided hikes with experienced, trained mudflat guides are the only responsible way to enter the Wadden Sea.

Nature Experience for the Whole Family

The mudflat explorations are an ideal offering for families with children (from primary school age), school classes, nature lovers, and tourists. They combine physical activity, education, and experiencing nature into an unforgettable experience — and help to strengthen awareness for the protection of this unique habitat.