WEC (Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre)
In the port of Lauwersoog you will find the WEC: the new home of Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. This is where your visit to the Wadden Sea begins. At the WEC , you will take a unique look inside the seal hospital and discover the Wadden Sea Experience. A day out where nature, science and education come together.
Have a look now
Location
Port 6
9976 UN Lauwersoog Plan your route to WEC (Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre)
Stand eye to eye with the seals
At the WEC , sick, injured and orphaned seals are taken in and cared for until they can return to the Wadden Sea. During your visit, you will get a close-up look at how this is done. You see how seals recover and are prepared for their return to the sea. You may also get a close-up view of an operation on a wounded seal or the intake of a seal that has just been brought in.
The WEC is one of the few charities you can visit where you can see directly what your contribution makes possible. By visiting the WEC , you contribute directly to the care and return of the seals to the Wadden Sea.
Wadden Sea Experience
The Wadden Sea ...
Stand eye to eye with the seals
At the WEC , sick, injured and orphaned seals are taken in and cared for until they can return to the Wadden Sea. During your visit, you will get a close-up look at how this is done. You see how seals recover and are prepared for their return to the sea. You may also get a close-up view of an operation on a wounded seal or the intake of a seal that has just been brought in.
The WEC is one of the few charities you can visit where you can see directly what your contribution makes possible. By visiting the WEC , you contribute directly to the care and return of the seals to the Wadden Sea.
Wadden Sea Experience
The Wadden Sea Experience takes you into the story of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. You will discover how this unique area was created and why it is constantly changing. You will learn about the animals that live here, the power of ebb and flow and man's influence on this fragile landscape.
Upstairs, the panoramic roof awaits, overlooking the Wadden Sea, the Lauwersmeer and Schiermonnikoog in the distance. A view that is never the same.
What can you do at the WEC?
The WEC in Lauwersoog is the starting and finishing location for your voyage of discovery through the Wadden area. And the nice thing is: you can decide for yourself how to experience it. After all, there is plenty to do:
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Join us on the Wadden Sea on one of our boat trips
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Visit the seal hospital
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Learn all about the Wadden Sea in the interactive Experience
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Listen to educational seal talks from our keepers
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Get creative at the creative table
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Enjoy a snack and drink in Mare restaurant overlooking the Wadden Sea
There are also many free activities at the WEC that can be visited without an entrance ticket. For example, have a free seat at the creative table or read a book from our Wadden Library. Moreover, on most days you can watch our 16-part series Behind the seals, which takes you through the move from Pieterburen to Lauwersoog and the work behind the scenes.
Come and experience it for yourself
Whether you come with children or spend a day out together: the WEC is fun and educational for young and old. Here, everything is about discovering, learning and experiencing.
The WEC is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. With your visit, you contribute to caring for the seals and protecting the Wadden Sea.
Opening hours
- New Daily 10.00 – 17.00 Discover WEC
- A new experience in the port of Lauwersoog, the new home of Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, where visitors can discover the Wadden area.