In northern Germany on the north sea low tide can go out as far as 15km+, so today we got up early and headed out over the mudflats 10km to Neuwark Island and yes I said 10km (2 1/2hr over mudflats). This must be the only place in the world this happens where as far as the eye can see there is mud at low tide instead of water.
When we arrived at the island it was too late to walk back as the tide was already coming in and we would have had to run or we would have become stuck. So we instead we had a good look around the island before we caught the ferry back to the mainland at high tide.
As far as the eye can see their are only mudflats
Just km's of mud
There were a couple of wet areas on through the mud, this was the deepest one. Some people were too lazy to walk to the island so they took horse carriages.
There were 3 safety towers along the mudflats for those that get stuck with the incoming tide. You can see how the tide somes up 2 metres at high tide here
Some people making the trip by horse back.
A little crab almoat bit our toe
There were markers in the water to show the best way through the mud. This is just before we arrive at Neuwark Island. You can see the lighthouse in the background.
Ramp onto the island as we make it just on high tide
The small town on the island was surrounded by a dike
We explored the island by foot which was completely surrounded by mud when we first arrived. This is a stranded boat in the marina.
The communications tower
We watched all the big container ships heading in and out of Hamburg port up the Elbe river. Ship after ship, minute after minute, hour after hour, they just kept coming.
This is a famous monument on the east of the island
Slowly the tide came in and the island was surrounded by water
This boat took us to Cuxhaven where we caught a bus back to our campsite
We saw a few container ships up close as we headed back to the mainland
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