Travel just 45 minutes from Amsterdam to reach the Wadden Sea World Heritage.

Discover the least known, yet most accessible, 'Wadden Island': Wieringen. Despite the fact that Wieringen is now attached to North Holland and Friesland, the former island is well-known for its geology, archaeology, nature and culture. Also look out for the Brent goose that is found here in large numbers during the winter.

The dike near Den Helder or around the locks of Den Oever is a good lookout point to scan for harbour porpoises. This smallest member of the whale family can often be spotted with the naked eye from here.

From the end of the dike you can also watch many birds, most noticeably a colony of Spoonbills. Just head to the harbour at Den Oever and book one of the guided boat trips.