Updates · Nature
Pick three: North Sea campaign for a cleaner coast in 2026
The visitor campaign ‘Nimm drei – sei dabei!’ is back on Germany’s North Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein. It gives holidaymakers one small, practical way to treat the beach and Wadden Sea with care.
Key facts
- The ‘Nimm drei – sei dabei!’ campaign continues in 2026 on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein.
- Visitors are invited to pick up three pieces of litter during a walk and dispose of them properly.
- The action is for residents and visitors, with support from tourism and conservation partners.
- It is a small contribution, not a substitute for local waste and safety arrangements.
- Current information is published by the Nordsee Tourism Service.
What the campaign is about
The Nordsee Tourism Service has continued its ‘Nimm drei – sei dabei!’ visitor action this year. The idea is straightforward: while walking on the beach or through a resort, pick up three pieces of litter and put them in an appropriate bin. On a coast shaped by wind, tides and busy holiday periods, that simple habit can help keep loose rubbish from travelling further.
The action concerns the North Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein. It does not mean visitors should handle every object they find: larger items, sharp objects or anything potentially hazardous are best reported to the local beach service or municipality.
A sensible way to take part
For an ordinary beach walk, collect only items that are safe and easy to reach. Keep clear of dunes, nesting areas and closed sections, and follow signs on site. In the Wadden Sea, staying on marked routes matters just as much as keeping the shore tidy.
Families can make the idea a small shared task rather than a formal activity. Gloves and a small bag may help; afterwards, use a suitable bin and wash hands before returning to food or a picnic.
Why it matters to travellers
Loose plastic, foil and cord can be harmful to coastal wildlife, while a tidier beach is simply more pleasant for everyone. The campaign therefore offers a modest, practical way to connect a holiday walk with care for the place being visited.
Respectful coastal travel also means giving wildlife space, observing local access rules and using reliable local guidance for walks on the mudflats.
Official information
The Nordsee Tourism Service publishes details of the action, its partners and the accompanying prize draw. Local rules, collection points and offers can vary, so travellers should also check information in their chosen resort.
Frequently asked questions
What does pick three mean?
Pick up three pieces of litter that are safe to reach during a walk and dispose of them properly.