Bottsand, nature reserve in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Bottsand is a nature reserve on the Kiel Bay coast near Wendtorf, featuring sandy beaches, shallow bays, and dunes covered with coastal plants. The area is bounded by a dyke and offers views across the mudflats where water and land meet.
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.
The common lizard is one of the few European reptile species that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Patient visitors may spot these well-camouflaged animals in the dry dunes and grasslands.
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