What happens to us and to nature when the light disappears?

Far from the city's streetlights, the night is allowed to fill the landscape.

On Saturday, 10th October, you are invited to an experience where we explore the significance of darkness for both animals, plants and people.

The trip begins from the Wadden Sea Center, where the tractor bus takes us through the Wadden Sea to Mandø.

Here, an afternoon and evening with lectures, dinner and finally a dark walk on the wadden and a visit to Mandø's Dark Sky site await.

Meet Morten DD Hansen

After coffee and pretzels at the Welcome Center Stalden, you can experience biologist Morten DD Hansen with the lecture:

"What does darkness mean for animals and plants?"

Morten DD Hansen is a biologist, TV host and nature guide. He is known for his great professionalism and humorous approach to the subject.

With his vast knowledge of nature, Morten DD Hansen takes us into a world we rarely think about: What does night and darkness mean for animal life? What happens when artificial light changes the rhythms of nature? And what significance does darkness actually have for nature and therefore for us humans?

After the lecture, the day continues with dinner at Mandø Kro, before we move out into the real darkness.

Experience Mandø after dark

When evening falls, we put on our warm clothes and go out into the countryside.

On the dark walk, we experience the marshland and nature in a completely different way.

The sense of sight fades into the background, other senses are sharpened, and above us the dark sky opens up.

We also visit Mandø's Dark Sky site and experience why the absence of artificial light is something special, both for nature and for humans.

Program

1:00 PM
Departure by tractor bus from the Wadden Sea Center to Mandø.

14.30
Coffee and pretzels at the Welcome Center Stalden on Mandø.

15.00-17.00
Lecture with Morten DD Hansen: "What does darkness mean for animals and plants?"

18.00
2-course menu at Mandø Kro.
Drinks are not included. They are ordered and paid for directly at the inn.

19.30-21.30
Dark walk on the mudflats and visit to the Dark Sky site.

21.30
Tractor bus return to the Wadden Sea Center.

Tickets

The full Mandø experience - 750 kr. per person
Includes transport by tractor bus, coffee and pretzels, lecture, 2-course dinner and dark walk. There is room for a maximum of 50 participants.

Lecture, coffee and pretzels - 150 kr. per person person
For those who only want to participate in the afternoon lecture. A maximum of 50 additional places are offered.

Deadline for registration is 28th September, 2026.

Registration and payment must be made directly to Mandø Fællesråd at darksky@mandoe.info

Payment on Mobilepay 23409.

Any allergies or requests for vegetarian food must be stated when registering.

Practical information

The event takes place both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, remember to bring practical and warm clothing and preferably rubber boots for the evening walk on the wading pool.

There are accommodation options on Mandø for participants who want to stay on the island. Please note that the included transport by tractor bus only applies on 10th October.

Mandø is a tidal island, and the forces of nature set the conditions.

The event may therefore be cancelled at short notice if weather and water level conditions mean that transport to and from the island cannot be carried out safely.

Come to Mandø and experience what happens when the light of day disappears and darkness is allowed to be dark.