Discover the WEC
Wadden Sea World Heritage Site
From 26 April, experience the Wadden Sea region at the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre(WEC) in Lauwersoog. Besides being the new home of Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, there is much more to see and do. See how seals are cared for in the hospital, experience the journey of a fish through the Wadden Sea and discover what it encounters. Do your own research, carry out experiments and learn all about the Wadden Sea. The WEC is truly an interactive experience for young and old.
" Seal, sea, science "
The WEC
The WEC in Lauwersoog is an initiative of the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, but it goes far beyond seals. It is the place to discover the Wadden area, where nature, science and education come together. Learn all about the beauty and fragility of the Wadden Sea, discover what makes this area so special and how we can protect it for the future.
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Seal | Seal hospital
The WEC takes in seals that are sick or have lost their mothers. Once they have recovered, they are returned to the Wadden Sea. How does this care work? During a visit to the seal hospital, you learn all about the seals and their habitat, and experience the work in the seal hospital up close. Here, you come face to face with the largest predator in the Netherlands.
Sea | The Wadden Sea Experience
Experience the Wadden Sea from inside and outside the centre. In the Wadden Sea Experience, learn about the UNESCO World Heritage Site, meet Wadden Sea creatures and visit the seal hospital. Put yourself in the shoes of a fish and discover the obstacles it encounters in the Wadden Sea, from razor blades to plastic. Or marvel at the underwater window, where you can sometimes even spot seals. And you can't miss that the WEC is inextricably linked to the Wadden Sea; from the roof you have a great view of the piece of World Heritage.
Science | Look and research
How healthy is the Wadden really? And what does a seal say about the state of nature? Here you dive into the Wadden Sea ecosystem, literally and figuratively. In the field station, you can collect data yourself, do experiments and examine organisms. Maybe you will discover why the Japanese oyster feels so at home in the Wadden Sea. Or what effect plastic has on fish you meet along the way. No dry science, but do it yourself, peer, measure and be amazed.
The taste of the tide
Got an appetite? Step inside the Mare restaurant. Here you eat with the seasons: fish fresh from the Wadden Sea, vegetables from local farmers, everything comes from nearby and is sustainable, with respect for nature. So you not only taste the pure flavours of the North, but also contribute to the preservation of this unique area.
For the kids
In 't WEC, everything is about discovering, learning and experiencing, from tracking shorebirds to feeding the seals. Children can also conduct their own experiments or unleash their creativity while building an oyster reef. Real Wadden enthusiasts can join the children's council. Here, they can help think about fun new activities or test new projects. In short: a super outing for the whole family.
