Tondermarsken

About

Tøndermarsken is Denmark’s largest area of marsh – a flat, distinctive landscape created by the sea and shaped by people. There’s a rich architectural culture to discover across this magnificent cultural landscape, which is home to some of some of Europe’s most Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA). Several rare and endangered species come to the marsh to breed. The area is also part of the Wadden Sea National Park. The western part is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Water is central to the history of Tøndermarsken. Nowadays, dykes and sluices protect the marsh from flooding. A system of river dykes, canals and pumping stations channel river and rainwater across the marsh. The oldest dike in Tønder Marsh was built in 1554-56. Over the years, new land was created and lost land reclaimed. Many dykes were built. The most recent dyke, “Det fremskudte Dige”, was completed in 1981.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours