Start and finish of your Wadden adventure

The WEC in Lauwersoog is the perfect starting and ending point for your journey of discovery through the Wadden Sea region. Explore the Wadden Sea Experience, watch the seals at the seal hospital, or join an excursion in the area.

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Meet our Wadden creatures

The fascinating inhabitants of the Wadden Sea are ready to introduce themselves to you! Each of these unique characters tells its own story about life in and around the Wadden Sea. In the Wadden Sea Experience, seal Pieter, spoonbill Billy, shark Tibby, diatom Tom, shrimp Laura, eel Sara and oyster Rifke share more about their lives in, on and around this special UNESCO World Heritage Site. Click on a Wadden creature and find out who they are and what makes them so special!

Seal Pieter

"I may look cute and cuddly, but I’m not! In the water, I become a fearless predator—the largest in the Netherlands. I only eat live prey; that makes me a true carnivore. When the tide is low, the Wadden Sea is my bedroom, but when the tide rises, I hunt in the North Sea."

Spoonbill Billy

"You can recognize me by my stylish feather ‘mullet.’ I’m very social, but I also take my time every day to clean my feathers. Every year, I fly all the way from the warm West African coast to the Wadden region to start a family with a new partner."

Diatom Tom

"I may not look impressive without a microscope, but I produce the oxygen you breathe! Many think we just stay in one place, but that’s not true! I’m actually quite chaotic—I move with the sea and the sun to maximize my oxygen production every day. They call me ‘the sunshine of the Wadden Sea.’"

Eel Sara

"As a true globetrotter, I wriggle my way through all kinds of places around the world. I’m the mysterious eel, and the Wadden Sea is just a stop on my long and dangerous journey to America. My migration is full of obstacles, and humans don’t make it easy for me as I travel between salt and fresh water."

Shrimp Laura

"I may be small, but I know exactly what I’m doing! I play a crucial role in cleaning up the sea. Cleaning is my passion, and my 10 legs come in handy. Along with other Wadden animals, I eat the leftovers that sink to the seabed. But watch out—I don’t eat plastic!"

Shark Tibby

"I know all the latest gossip in the Wadden Sea, thanks to my 6th and 7th senses! I was gone for a while, but now I’m back, and I love it here. The Wadden Sea is my nursery—this is where my babies are born. People and animals fear me, but I’m actually a friendly shark who only eats fish!"

Oyster Rifke

"I’m a true social creature! Together with my oyster friends, I build oyster reefs. But we don’t just live there alone—we gladly open our home to many other Wadden creatures. I was originally brought here from far away, but now I proudly call the Wadden Sea my home. Life as an oyster in the Wadden Sea is chill and relaxed!"

About the WEC

Welcome to the WEC, located in the harbour of Lauwersoog. This is the place where nature, science, and education come together to explore the beauty and fragility of the Wadden Sea. Our mission is to create a healthy balance between humans and nature—for the world of tomorrow.

Learn more about us

Special activities for kids

At the WEC, there is plenty for children to do: feel what it is like to be a fish and watch the swimming seals. Come and explore!

For schools

On an excursion with your whole class? Or go through the Wadden Sea Experience together? Everything is possible!

Event and business

Several amazing rooms are available for a conference, meeting or wedding.