Bottsand, Nature reserve on the Kiel Fjord coast, Wendtorf, Germany

Bottsand is a 91-hectare nature reserve on the Kiel Fjord coast in the municipality of Wendtorf. It consists of a sand and gravel spit formed by coastal transport, with a natural beach, various dune stages, salt marshes, reed beds, and shallow inland water where a wind flat has developed. The reserve has been protected since 1939 and is managed by NABU, which runs a nature station with an exhibition.

The area was first protected in 1939 and has been an important breeding site for birds since the 1960s. A nature station was opened in 2013 on a nearby dyke to educate visitors about the ecological importance of this coastal landscape.

The name Bottsand refers to the shallow waters behind the sandy spit, which are vital resting and feeding grounds for birds and waders. Visitors can watch from the dyke as ducks and gulls use these areas throughout the year.

Visitors should use the dyke walking path to get the best views of birds and mudflats, as the inner protected zone is closed year-round. Sturdy footwear is necessary, as the ground can be wet or sandy depending on the season.

Bottsand's spit grew from sand and gravel carried along the coast by currents and waves, a process that continues today. Behind the beach the reserve holds several dune stages, salt marsh and reed beds, and the shallow bodden water where a wind-watt forms. NABU runs a nature station with an exhibition here.