Cover picture provided by Hartmut Inerle; License: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Discover the NABU Wallnau Water Bird Sanctuary on Fehmarn — a real highlight for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Here you can observe numerous migratory birds that stop off on their journey through Europe.
Find out everything you need to know about prices, opening hours, and exciting highlights in the reserve.
Plan your visit now and look forward to unforgettable moments in the midst of Fehmarn's unique natural landscape!
If you're on Fehmarn, you should definitely visit the NABU water bird sanctuary in Wallnau. This bird sanctuary is one of the most important sights on the island and a real paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Here you can observe numerous migratory birds that stop here every year.
The reserve offers exciting insights into the life and protection of native bird species. A modern information center, viewing platforms, and observation huts enable unique encounters with nature.
Please note that the water bird sanctuary will be restructured by NABU from March 1, 2025. As a result, part of the regular offering will not be available, but you will no longer have to pay an entrance fee.
If the prices and opening hours are incorrect, please send us an email so that we can keep the information up to date.
The migratory bird sanctuary can be found at the following address:
NABU Wasservogelreservat Wallnau
Wallnau 4
23769 Fehmarn
Near Wallnau, in the western part of the island, you will also find the Flügge lighthouse, the Jimi Hendrix memorial stone and the Baltic Sea plug as further places of interest.
Phone: 04372 1002
Website: wallnau.nabu.de
The NABU Wallnau Water Bird Sanctuary on Fehmarn is usually open daily from March to October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the times. It is best to check directly on the reserve's website.
As mentioned above, the reserve is currently undergoing restructuring. For this reason, the shop, café, and exhibition will remain closed until further notice. You can visit the outdoor area free of charge.
The old prices were as follows:
Here too, please check the official website or call for the latest prices.
No, dogs are not allowed in the NABU water bird sanctuary in Wallnau on Fehmarn. This is to protect the sensitive wildlife in the sanctuary.
The NABU Wallnau Waterbird Sanctuary receives mostly very positive reviews on Tripadvisor. Visitors particularly praise the beautiful natural surroundings, the variety of birds, and the excellent viewing opportunities.
The most common criticism is:
In general, however, the visit is described as worthwhile and impressive, especially for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The NABU Wallnau Water Bird Sanctuary is easy to reach on foot or by bike. Various hiking and biking trails lead you through the beautiful Fehmarn countryside directly to the sanctuary.
Would you like to take a look at the reserve before your visit? The NABU webcam in Wallnau offers you a great opportunity to observe the bird life live. Simply visit the official NABU webcam and enjoy the view of nature.
The Wallnau nature reserve is located in the west of the island of Fehmarn and encompasses a unique landscape of lagoons, wet meadows, and reed beds. The area in the west of Fehmarn covers 297 hectares (approximately 416 soccer fields) and was created by natural processes.
In 1866, an engineer attempted to drain the land to make it suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. However, the storm surge of 1872 tore down the dikes that had been built. By 1874, there was another flood, forcing the engineer to give up.
He subsequently sold the area to a spice merchant from Hamburg who had similar plans and created a pond complex by building dykes and intermediate dams. The area was abandoned again in 1963 and sold to NABU in 1976.
Wallnau was officially designated a nature reserve (NSG 89) back in 1977 in order to permanently protect the valuable habitats of numerous migratory birds and other animals.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Wallnau bird sanctuary in the west of Fehmarn.
Wallnau is home to over 280 different species of migratory birds, including wading birds, geese, ducks, red-necked grebes, limicolous birds, and little terns. Around 100 of these species breed in the Wallnau nature reserve, so there is plenty to see.
A complete list of bird species in Wallnau can be found here.
Yes, in addition to birds, you can also discover amphibians, reptiles, various insect species, and perhaps even Galloway cattle here.
The cattle are kept by NABU. You can buy the beef from NABU.
No, dogs are not allowed in the reserve for nature conservation reasons.
Yes, the visit is particularly interesting for older children, as there are lots of things to observe and lots of exciting information.
Yes, you may take photos and film for private use. Please be mindful of wildlife and avoid any disturbances such as flash photography, and always stay on the designated paths and areas.
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