VISIT

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VISIT

Bezoek het zeehondenziekenhuis in Lauwersoog

The WEC (Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre) is the new home of Seal Centre Pieterburen. Will you be visiting the seals?

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DO

Experience the Wadden Sea region like never before

There’s so much to experience at the WEC! Hop on board for a seal-watching tour, join an expedition in the harbor, or witness a seal release up close.

Programme Excursions

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HELP

Support the seal hospital

Your contribution makes all the difference. With your donation, we can offer sick, injured or orphaned seals a healthy future in the Wadden Sea.

Donate Adopt a seal

Support us

Order online with discount

Open every day10:00 - 17:00

What is the WEC?

The brand new WEC (World Heritage Centre Wadden Sea), the new home of Seal Centre Pieterburen, is now open in the harbour of Lauwersoog. Here we are committed to a sustainable balance in the Wadden Sea region, for the world of tomorrow. Will you join us?

Be amazed by the interactive Wadden Sea Experience and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a whole new way, while enjoying panoramic views. Visit the new seal hospital, take a look at the laboratories or join us on an excursion in this beautiful area.

Discover the exhibition View activity calender

Tickets and activities

Wadden Sea Experience

Dive into the amazing world of the Wadden Sea! Visit the seal rescue center, find out how the Wadden were formed, get to know the animals that live here, and see how people interact with this special region. From the rooftop, enjoy the views over the Wadden Sea, Schiermonnikoog, Lauwersmeer, and the harbor.

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Seal watching tour with sandbank walk

Seal watching trip

Boottocht Haven & Waddenzee

Vogelspeurtocht

Onderzoek van overleden zeehond

Seal talk: rescue and care

Boat trip seal release

Ecolab: discover, explore and experiment

Film: Behind the Seals

Excursions and boat trips

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Join us on an excursion!

The WEC is beautifully situated in the harbour of Lauwersoog - the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding area! Hop aboard for a boat trip, book a walk, or join us on a nature exploration. Plus, if you go on an excursion, you'll get a discount on your WEC admission!

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Non-profit foundation

What began in 1971 as a small-scale seal rescue centre in Pieterburen grew over more than 50 years into the largest seal hospital in Europe — the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre Pieterburen. As a public-benefit (ANBI) non-profit foundation, we are committed to the common seal in a healthy Wadden Sea. In Lauwersoog, we continue to build on this every day, with seal care, scientific research and nature education as our core activities.

For donors

We are able to carry out our work thanks to loyal donors, gifts and bequests. As a regular donor, you are always welcome to see for yourself what you are contributing to. Read more. Read more.

Discover the WEC with a group

Groups (15+ people)

Looking for an extra special day out, family day or celebration? At the WEC you can enjoy a unique seaside experience, optionally combined with hospitality or an excursion.

Groups

School trips

Visit the WEC with your class! Meet the seals and learn all about life in the Wadden Sea. Suitable for both primary and secondary education.

Schools

Children’s party

Celebrate your birthday in a truly special way with a party at the seals! Learn all about these remarkable animals and finish your celebration with Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes) or chips (fries).

Kids

Business meetings

Did you know the WEC offers various options for meetings, events and receptions? Organise your gathering on the Wadden Sea coast, always including WEC admission.

Gatherings

Onze nieuwe ambassadeur Frank Lammers: “Natuurlijk doe je wad”

29 May 2026

Met veel plezier verwelkomt het WEC acteur Frank Lammers als nieuwe ambassadeur. De acteur en filmmaker zet zich voortaan actief en belangeloos in voor de missie van het WEC: meer bewustzijn en betrokkenheid creëren rondom de Waddenzee en haar bewoners. Met als gedeelde overtuiging: “Natuurlijk d…

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Eerste pup van het zomerseizoen opgevangen

25 May 2026

In het WEC, het nieuwe thuis van Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, heeft de eerste gewonezeehondenpup van het zomerseizoen opgenomen. De pup, die de naam Matcha heeft gekregen, is daarmee niet alleen de eerste zomerpup van het seizoen in het WEC, maar ook de eerste zomerpup die dit jaar in een N…

Final Pieterburen auction attracts strong interest from Japan and raises €9,881

13 May 2026

The second online auction organised by the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, which has been based at the WEC in Lauwersoog since 2025, has achieved an excellent result: a total of €9,881 was raised for the care and rehabilitation of seals.

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Adopt a seal

Volunteering