The North Frisians and the Wadden Sea (Chapter 6)

The Wadden Sea, particularly its North Frisian region, is revealed as an integral and central element of the landscape, not merely marginal. This area, spanning 2,083 square kilometers on land and 1,750 square kilometers of mudflats, showcases a unique cultural landscape shaped by centuries of human interaction with nature. Archaeological traces such as terps, dikes, pottery shards, and salt peat extraction sites serve as an 'inexhaustible archive,' highlighting the deep interdependence between man and environment. Despite its significance, this cultural dimension has been overlooked in heritage recognition, with the Wadden Sea recognized only as a World Natural Heritage Site since 2009. The study underscores the need for broader acknowledgment of its cultural heritage.

Steensen, T. (2018). 6 The North Frisians and the Wadden Sea. Waddenland Outstanding, 95–106. https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048537884-007