Seal Station Friedrichskoog
Schleswig-Holstein
Seal Station Friedrichskoog, established in 1985, is an authorized rescue center for abandoned or sick seals in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It focuses on the protection and rehabilitation of native seal species, primarily harbor seals and grey seals. The station annually cares for over 200 orphaned seal pups, rearing them for about two months before releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can observe seals both on land and through large underwater viewing windows in a naturalistic 800 cubic meter pool where several seals live permanently. The station features interactive exhibitions educating visitors about the biology, behavior, and conservation of seals and other marine mammals of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The facility underwent significant expansions, including new exhibition halls and observation decks, enhancing visitor experience and educational outreach. The Seal Station is a popular destination, attracting around 150,000 visitors annually, and has been featured in German television series, increasing its public profile. It is operated as a non-profit entity with support from the state of Schleswig-Holstein and continues to play a vital role in marine conservation and public awareness.
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Consejo: The station is open daily from November to March between 10:00 and 16:00, with last admission at 15:30. To avoid crowds and enjoy the feeding sessions, visit during weekday mornings. Tickets and special event vouchers can be purchased in advance online, offering discounts and supporting the rescue work. The feeding times for young seals are at 11:00 and 15:00, while permanent residents are fed at 10:30 and 14:00 (and 17:30 in summer months). Winter months are quieter and offer a more intimate experience.
Datos interesantes
- •Seal Station Friedrichskoog is the only authorized facility in Schleswig-Holstein to care for seal pups under the international Seal Agreement.
- •The station annually rehabilitates over 200 abandoned seal pups, releasing them after recovery.
- •The facility features a large 800 m³ naturalistic pool with both harbor seals and grey seals living permanently.
- •It has been featured in popular German TV series, increasing public awareness of seal conservation.
- •The station's interactive exhibition educates visitors about the Wadden Sea ecosystem and seal biology.
- •The historic Trischenbake lighthouse was once part of the station grounds and served as a viewing tower until 2020.
Historia
Seal Station Friedrichskoog was founded in 1985 by the municipality of Friedrichskoog and the State Hunting Association of Schleswig-Holstein.
Initially operated as a non-profit association, it was reorganized into a charitable company in 2019 with the state as the main shareholder.
The station expanded in 2006 with additional pools and exhibition spaces, and again between 2020 and 2023, adding a new entrance building, exhibition hall, and an observation deck called 'Robbenblick.' The station has been instrumental in the rescue and rehabilitation of seals for over 35 years and gained wider recognition through German TV series such as 'Hallo Robbie!' and 'Seehund, Puma & Co.' The historic Trischenbake lighthouse, once located on the site, was restored and served as a viewing tower until its removal in 2020, with plans for reinstallation at the harbor.
Guía del lugar
Seal Pools and Underwater Viewing1985
The station houses seven pools dedicated to seal pups and quarantine, plus a large naturalistic 800 m³ pool where permanent residents live. Visitors can watch seals both above water and through large underwater windows, observing their natural behaviors and feeding sessions.
Interactive Exhibition 'Native Seals in the Wadden Sea World Heritage'2023
Opened in 2023, this modern exhibition uses interactive displays to educate visitors about the biology, behavior, and conservation challenges of native seals and other marine mammals in the Wadden Sea, emphasizing the importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Observation Deck 'Robbenblick'2021
A large observation deck with a 23-meter wide, floor-to-ceiling window offering panoramic views over the seal pools and the Wadden Sea area, allowing visitors to observe seal activities in a comfortable setting.
Contacto
Teléfono: 04854 1372
