The Oyster Safari at Wadden Sea National Park is a responsible tourism project designed to save the local ecosystem from the invasive and not indigenous to Denmark pacific oyster. Back in the 1960s there was an attempt to grow them commercially here but it failed and the oysters were breeding freely after that. Now around 500 tons of them live here threatening the ecosystem that includes the migrating birds that feed on them and the native European flat oyster population.
Here, at Wadden Sea, at the western coast of Denmark, you can try collecting your own food (better with the help of a guide, of course). You can even eat it right away if you bring some champagne and lemons to the muddy flats of the newly recognised national park. Here the principal is: "take as many as you can carry". One of the best parts of oyster hunting at Wadden Sea is that you don't have to be knee-deep in water because during the low tide the oysters are found right on the ground.
Practical info
When is the best time to go on an Oyster Safari in the Wadden Sea?
Low tide is the best time to go on an Oyster Safari in the Wadden Sea. Ideally, it's best to go between mid-October and April as the oysters can be found right on the ground. You can check the tidal chart to find out the exact time of low tide. Show more
Where is the Wadden Sea National Park located in Denmark?
Situated at the western coast of Denmark, the Wadden Sea National Park stretches from the southern part of Denmark to the northern part of Germany. It specifically covers the municipalities of Varde, Esbjerg, Fanø, Tønder, and Sønderborg, with a shoreline that spans around 146 kilometers, occupying the top spot as the largest national park in Denmark. Although one of the few unrecognized World Heritage Sites in the country, it still boasts of exceptional natural resources. Show more
How did the Pacific oyster population grow in Denmark?
In an attempt of commercial cultivation in 1960, Pacific oyster was introduced to Denmark but eventually failed. This led to its uncontrolled breeding in the Wadden Sea National Park area, resulting in an exploding population that reached almost 500 tons. As it's not a native species to Denmark, this has created issues for the local ecosystem that includes threats to the native European flat oyster population and the migrating birds that depend on the ecosystem. Show more
What is the reason behind the failure of the commercial cultivation of oysters in Denmark?
Commercially cultivating Pacific oysters in Denmark failed due to the unfavorable climate and water temperature in the Wadden Sea area, which affects the oyster larvae sensitive to temperature and salinity. The project was also challenged due to storms, predators, and diseases. Since then, the wild Pacific oyster population flourished without any human intervention, accumulating around 500 tons in the Wadden Sea National Park today. Show more
Can we collect and eat oysters without a guide at Wadden Sea National Park?
You can technically collect and eat oysters by following the 'take as many as you can carry' policy at Wadden Sea National Park without a guide. However, the recommended way to collect oysters is by going with a guide or tour operator during Oyster Safari trips. It allows you to harvest oysters at proper locations, regulate their quantity, and preserve the ecological balance. Additionally, it provides both historical and ecological context about the area. Show more
