Wattenmeer Besucherzentrum Wilhelmshaven

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Wattenmeer Besucherzentrum on Wilhelmshaven's Südstrand opened in 1997 and sees itself as the largest education and information centre for the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. The national park belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, which stretches from Esbjerg in Denmark to Den Helder in the Netherlands.

After extensive renovation work the house reopened on May 7, 2022, exactly on its 25th anniversary, with a new permanent exhibition. Across more than 2,000 square metres, visitors can explore the Wadden Sea habitat with interactive media, large-format photos, films and listening stations. Stations include a sperm whale skeleton, a walk-in replica of the salt marshes, a tide station, a virtual Wadden Sea on a touchscreen, and microscopes and research stations. Marine pollution and climate change are also addressed.

In May 2023 an exhibition on the common tern colony at Banter See was added. Since October 1, 2025 it has officially been a satellite site (Außenstelle) of the visitor centre. The house also offers nature experience events, programs for schools and kindergartens, national park excursions on the Jade Bay, and halls for celebrations and conferences with a view of the Jade.

Highlights

• Sperm whale skeleton in the permanent exhibition
• Walk-in replica of the salt marshes
• Interactive tide station and virtual Wadden Sea
• Panorama roof terrace with a view of the Jade Bay
• Original shrimp cutter "Daggi" in the middle of the exhibition
• Satellite site: information centre on the common tern at Banter See

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung Lebensraum Wattenmeer – Interactive exhibition over 2,000 m² with sperm whale skeleton, salt marsh replica, tide station and research stations.
• Flussseeschwalben Infozentrum Banter See – Satellite site with an exhibition on the life and migration routes of the common tern; a large window lets visitors watch the real breeding colony.

Founded

1997

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the permanent exhibition including the special exhibition. Combination tickets with partners in the region are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Three step-free floors; the building is certified "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All) and has a lift.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive stations, microscopy and games in the exhibition; "Watt-Zwerge" (South beach safari for the youngest); children's birthday parties with themes such as seal, pirates, whales or a research lab. Children up to 5 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

For national park excursions, first come to the ticket kiosk of the Warrings shipping company at Helgolandkai (to the left of the aquarium, Südstrand 125).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Cafeteria with a view of the sperm whale; shop with books, maritime souvenirs and regional products.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 144 guests.

Function halls Silbermöwe (up to 48 people), Austernfischer (up to 96) and Jadeblick (up to 144), with roof terrace and view of the Jade Bay; weddings also possible on the shrimp cutter "Daggi" (up to 15 people). Enquiries to the events service (veranstaltung@wattenmeer-besucherzentrum.de).

Plan your visit