On Rømø and along the Waddensea

The tide and the Waddensea

What is the tide?

Tide is the variation of water between high tide (flod) and low tide (ebb).

The times arise through the interaction between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. The rotation of the Earth on its axis ensures the movement of the water via the centrifugal force, at the same time as the gravity/attraction from the Moon and the Sun pulls on the water. The opponent is the Earth's gravity, which holds the water on Earth.

Tides therefore occur on the side facing the Moon, whereas on the opposite side of the Earth there is an ebb. Therefore, every day there are 2 high tides and 2 low tides.

Especially in the Waddensea, the tide is very visible, at low tide the seabed is exposed and offers a view of a unique landscape with mussels and small animals.

In the area around Rømø, the height difference between ebb and flow is approx. 2 m.

The relationship between the Earth and the Moon changes a little every day, and therefore the times of the tides also change from day to day, the time from ebb to high tide and vice versa is 6 hours and 12 minutes.

Tide Tables 2024

Tide tables

Select which area you want to see a tide table for.

If you look at the table, you will have to find the relevant day for which you want to see the tide. in addition to the day, there are 4 times and there is subsequently a number with 2 decimal places. The last numbers are the water level.

You can therefore calculate that when the number is highest, the water level is high and vice versa when the number is low.
Please note, however, that this table does not take into account violent weather and wind, which affects the water level.

Times are given in Danish standard time (UTC+1).

Rømø, a product of the tide.

The effect of the tide on Rømø

About 10,000 years ago, the water level was approx. 40 m. lower than today, and Denmark was then landlocked with England. A combination of tsunamis, storm surges, sediment transport and a rising sea level led over the following many years to flooding of the landscape. Only the highest lying areas protruded from the West Sea - including Rømø. The constant supply of sediments and sand that comes in with the tide was and still is the reason for the island's growth.

The result of the development is the landscape and the Wadden Sea as we see it today. At the same time, this means that you will find some very different landscape environments on the island and in the area. You will find both grasslands, heaths on sandy bottoms and areas that are flooded by the tide twice a day. When the water comes in, it takes many small parts with it. These settle and form a nutrient-rich base for many different animals and plants, each of which has adapted to the special living conditions.

The Waddensea area produces enormous amounts of food for the millions of birds that migrate from south to north and vice versa, which therefore stay for shorter and longer periods in the area.

We, and our guests, enjoy the large fine sandy beaches on the western side of the island. Here you can really experience how far the water recedes, and again how far when the beach is flooded.

It can come as a big surprise to beach guests how quickly the water comes flowing back. Which is the reason why cars and people staying close to the water's edge are often surrounded by water. Therefore, we recommend keeping a good distance from the water, as well as keeping informed about whether the water is falling or rising.

5 facts about the tide.

In addition to normal ebb and flow, there are also spring tides, which occur at full moon and new moon when sun, moon and earth are in line with each other and the water level is extra high (flow) and extra low (ebb).
Contrary to spring tide, there is also nip tide, which is when there is a half moon. Here the ebb and flow is very weak.
In 1634, Denmark had one of the biggest storm surges, where the water level reached over 6 m around Ribe. Storm surges are when a powerful hurricane hits at the same time as high tide, hence the name "Stormflod".
Without the tide, Sønderstrand on Rømø would e.g. not be so tough that you can practice various wind sports or drive cars on the stand. Flooding of the beach helps to make the beach hard and firm.
The floodgates, which are located in the same span as the dykes along the west coast, are there mainly because of the tide. Without the locks, the sea will push far too much water into the creeks, so that you would actually start to get large flooded areas. You can read more about this in our readable post about Tøndermarsken.

Tides and oyster picking

Tide and the island The tide offers a very special opportunity when we talk about gastronomic experiences

When the water recedes at low tide, millions of oysters appear just a short distance from the shore. Here you can hike out to handpick the Waddensea's very own unique raw material, named Waddensea oysters.

This is how you best experience the ebb and flow

Ebbe and flod is the Danish synonym for low tide and high tide in the Waddensea.

A good place to observe the ebb and flow is the dam. Notice the posts (fascines). Sometimes they almost completely disappear in the water, other times you can see the entire structure. Or go all the way to the water's edge at the beach when it's low tide and feel how quickly the water comes back again.