Practical Information
Where may I walk? Where do I find toilets? What do I need to pack?
This page gives you practical information about hiking in Tøndermarsken.
PACKING LIST
Here is a list of things we recommend you pack and carry on a hike in Tøndermarsken.
- Waste bags – much of the Marsh Trail runs through a protected area, where waste bins are few and far between. Take your waste with you. Deposit it in the next waste bin you come across.
- Water bottle – Do not forget to drink as you hike. There are watering holes along the trail where you can fill your water bottle.
- Packed lunch – Eateries are few and far between. Bring a packed lunch to eat when you get peckish.
- Camera – The Marsh Trail and shorter hiking trails are beautiful. Take snaps to show your friends.
- Map – The trails are signposted but it is always fun to follow your progress on a map.
- Mobile phone – as a camera, with a map or to call someone to fetch you if your legs will carry you no further.
- Blister plasters – Let’s face it, blisters on your feet are no fun at all!
- Extra pair of socks – and maybe a change of shoes. There is nothing more soul-destroying than wet socks and blisters.
- Sturdy footwear – The Marsh Trail is a hiking trail. Most of the time, you hike on grass. The Marsh Trail is mown as necessary in the season (May to October) but the trail varies and, depending on how many people take the trail, the grass is often quite high.
- Practical clothing – There are few places to shelter from the elements in Tøndermarsken. Bring clothing for all weathers.
AMENITIES
Car parks, toilets, bird hides, accommodation, artists and bus services.
Check out facilities and experiences on The Marsh Trail map, which shows you all the amenities and attractions on the trail.
REGULATIONS
RESPECT - PROTECT - ENJOY
Traffic:
Visitors are responsible for their own safety. There are many ditches and canals in Tøndermarsken. They are deep and have steep banks. Stay on the path and keep a watchful eye on your children.
The Marsh Trail is a hiking trail. In parts, you walk on the dykes, in the Wadden Sea National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, i.e. conservation areas. Please respect and protect the natural environment. Riding and cycling are strictly forbidden on the Marsh Trail.
As hikers, we are visitors to the dykes, whose principal function is to hold back water. The grass on the dykes helps to prevent breaches. Please take good care of the grass. Use the steps and ramps to ascend and descend the dykes.
Livestock grazes on some of the dykes you hike on. Respect the livestock. Do not chase the animals.
Gathering plants and herbs
If you forage for wild herbs and plants, it is important that you respect the natural environment and gather plants sustainably. Make sure you know precisely which plants you may gather and when. Resist the temptation to pluck more than you can carry inside your hat.
Photography:
There are great opportunities for natural photography in Tøndermarsken. Take care not to frighten the birds. In pursuit of the “perfect” picture, do not chase sheep or other animals. Do not stress the animals. Birds in particular need rest and plenty of time to fatten themselves up before a long migration to the north or south.
Toilets:
The Marsh Trail passes ditches, canals, ponds and lakes. To prevent pollution of the aquatic environment, hikers are asked to use the toilets along the trail. The map shows you where there are toilets.
Drinking water:
You can fill your water bottle at several places along the trail.
Waste:
Take everything you bring into the area out with you when you leave. Leave only your footprints behind.
Dogs:
You are welcome to bring your dog. To safeguard sheep, birds and other hikers, your dog must be on a leash at all times. Several species of bird build their nests on the ground or in the grass, and at times when they have shed their feathers, the birds are exceptionally vulnerable. The top of the dyke is narrow so please allow other hikers to pass.
Gates:
Leave gates as you find them. If a gate was open, leave it open. If a gate was closed, close it after you.
Changeable weather:
There are few places to shelter from the elements in Tøndermarsken. Bring clothing for all weathers.
The Wadden Sea:
You may walk out onto the flats. NB: Take great care. Establish whether the tide is on its way in or out. The water may flow in significantly faster than you may expect.
You may gather oysters on the flats. Shellfish (and oysters) feed on tiny scraps of algae. Algae that are harmful to humans develop most often in the summer months when the weather is calm and warm, but can develop at any time of the year. The toxins accumulate in oysters and other shellfish, making them unsafe to eat. Look out for official warnings before you gather oysters.