News from the dune

From the panoramic viewing path on the dune crest on the north beach with several vantage points, you have a fantastic view of the seals and the unique natural spectacle on the beach. On the south beach you can enjoy the fresh North Sea wind up to the boundary at eye level with the animals. The interior of the dune invites you to a natural and relaxing walk.

The number of newborn seals becomes so large from an uncertain date that the use of the winter adventure path becomes obligatory. The rangers of the municipality and the helpers of the association Jordsand will always inform you about the trail in the information room at the dune ferry station and on the dune in the information center.

We all want this natural spectacle, unique in Germany, to go undisturbed for the animals and spectacularly side by side for the visitors.
Please understand the rules and enjoy being able to participate in this wonder of nature, protected and yet so close.

Source: HTS / Patrick Lochow

Kegelrobbengeburten 2012/2013	Kegelrobbengeburten 2020/2021

The period between November and January is one of the most eventful months on Helgoland Dune, a very attractive area for grey seals that is never completely washed over. Due to their juvenile “wool coat,” known as lanugo fur, young grey seals are able to swim but cannot stay afloat for long. They are cared for by their mothers for about two to three weeks and then are on their own. Besides hundreds of births with a sensitive rearing phase of the young animals, the mating behavior of the adults can also be observed. The seals (old as well as young) are particularly sensitive and irritable at this time of year. On a few days (especially during high tide) parts of the beaches can be so heavily occupied by the animals that it is not possible to enter some areas responsibly and without danger. For this reason, we have created attractive alternatives, including the panoramic path on the north beach, to observe the animals from a safe distance.

For the successful rearing of the young animals and your own safety, please note the following:

• Take, if possible, a pair of binoculars as well as a camera with you, good recordings with a cell phone are only possible to a very limited extent.

• Inquire from the rangers of the municipality and the (volunteer) staff of the association Jordsands e.V. about the current accessibility of the beaches and path recommendations and pay attention to the announcement on the dune ferry.

• Be sure to keep a distance of 30 meters from animals on freely accessible areas.

• Young animals imprinted by too close contact with humans sometimes make it difficult for us to have a safe and carefree summer swim (see Seals Summer flyer).

• Do not go near bull fights, the animals can get about 20km/h on land and are particularly aggressive due to mating season.

• Do not cut off animals’ access to water or from water to land.

• Severe disturbance can permanently disrupt the sensitive bond between mother and hatchling, resulting in high hatchling mortality in the first year of life.

• Consider also our regular guided tour offer, which you can perceive through the Helgoland Tourism Service and the association Jordsand e.V. and which will bring you closer to the unique nature and way of life of its inhabitants.

• The responsible employees of the community (rangers) are authorized, if necessary, to punish irresponsible behavior with expulsions.

Special instructions for nature photographers.

• We would appreciate it if you would contact the municipality or the Jordsand e.V. association as a group so that we can inform you about the possibilities of responsible photography on the dune during the grey seal whelping season.

• With your group, make sure that one member of the group always keeps an eye on the surroundings and conditions (adults are particularly agile in winter).

• Do not cut off animals’ access to water or from water to land.

• Please bring understanding that wildlife subjects are not to be captured only from ideal perspectives. Do not force this situation on yourself, as other guests will also be guided by this behavior.

• Contact: Ute Pausch: 0151 143 141 02 Rebecca Ballstaedt: 0176 723 548 25