Picturesque town on Royal Deeside The picturesque town of Ballater sits on the River Dee and makes a great base for exploring Royal Deeside. Its proximity to Balmoral Castle gives it a royal character.

Gateway town to the southeastern park Abergavenny is the southeastern gateway to Brecon Beacons National Park, about an hour's drive from Cardiff airport, with a good bus service connecting the main centres within the park.

Island destination A postcard-pretty island reached by a 12-minute ferry ride from Esbjerg. Home to the historic Sønderho Kro and the prized hygge atmosphere, it makes an ideal second-day destination and summer getaway.

Island destination A large island connected to the mainland by causeway, Rømø is known for kitebuggy racing and horse riding along its huge expanses of sand, where go-karts use parachute-like kites to harness the cracking winds.

Tidal island A tidal island connected to the mainland across the mudflats, accessible only by tractor-bus at low tide. Cycle its dykes and walking paths, spot sunbaking seals and experience the park's defining intertidal character.

Regional gateway city The region's biggest city on the southwestern coast of Jutland, and the transport hub for ferries to Fanø and access to Wadden Sea National Park. Rail and road links are plentiful.

Nightwatchman tour / On foot Take a living history lesson by joining the Nightwatchman on his evening stroll around the cobbled lanes of Ribe.

World's largest intertidal ecosystem Denmark's west-coast national park where the seabed meets the horizon twice daily — low tide exposes flats of sand and mud, and birds swoop to hoover up the buffet of worms, cockles, crabs, shrimp and snails. Covering 1,466 sq km, it is inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list and draws 10 to 12 million migratory birds twice yearly.

Denmark's oldest town Denmark's oldest town, dating from around AD 700, and the perfect base for exploring the park. Its meandering river, lush water meadows and cobbled streets make it a delight to wander.

Guided mudflat walk / Mandø Island Guided walks lead 8km across the seabed to the island of Mandø, with expert commentary. You'll get close to tidal life, and you can take the tractor-bus home.

Mudflat exploration walk / On foot At low tide, the mudflats are ripe for exploration — bring rubber boots or shoes, or go barefoot. Note: the difference between high and low tide is 2m, so get tide times straight or go with a ranger.

Tractor-bus island trip / Activity At low tide, a tractor hauls a bus 8km over the flats to deliver visitors to wee Mandø. This peaceful island is a microcosm of the park — follow walking paths or hire a bike to discover dykes, birdlife, sunbaking seals and cosy inns.

Park visitor centre Visit the Wadden Sea Centre (VadehavsCentret), 10km southwest of Ribe, to get an overview of the park and check out the guided activities — options usually include birdwatching, seal spotting and mudflat exploration.

Historic inn / Stay here On the island of Fanø (reached by a 12-minute ferry ride from Esbjerg), this thatched-roof kro (inn) exudes the prized hygge (cosiness) for which Denmark is famous. It dates from 1722 and has antique-filled suites (some with Wadden Sea views) and an acclaimed restaurant.

Hostel / Stay here Stay in a prime position in Ribe, a chocolate-box idyll of cobblestones and crooked houses. Rooms in this functional hostel are simple and affordable (all have private bathrooms); they're ideal for families, groups and backpackers. Knowledgeable staff members rent bikes and promote sustainable travel in the region.

Oyster safari / Seasonal activity October to April, join an oyster safari, where mussel beds are combed and shellfish appetites sated. Pacific oysters don't come fresher than self-harvested and shucked on the spot, and the setting couldn't be more natural: wind in your hair, water lapping your legs (waders provided).

17th-century monastery A 17th-century monastery on the road between Papingo and Aristi, its cliff-hewn facade making a striking impression. It preserves the spiritual heritage of the Zagori region and is a natural stop on the itinerary between the two villages.

Historic monastery Perched dramatically above Vikos Gorge, this monastery dazzles with 15th-century frescoes. Reaching it along a precipitous rocky path is itself an experience, and it marks the highlight of the Vikos Gorge trail from Monodendri.