Discover the Wadden Islands in the Netherlands

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Experience the island feeling with our tips.

As soon as the ferry lines are cast loose, that unique Wadden Island feeling starts to itch. We take you along the highlights of each island and give you tips on what to do.

Discover the Wadden Islands in the Netherlands

Peace and space on ‘Schier’

Schiermonnikoog is the ultimate Valhalla for nature lovers and peace seekers. It is not for nothing that the entire island is an official National Park and (visitors) cars are therefore not welcome. The flora and fauna of ‘Schier’ can be perfectly explored via a fine-meshed network of cycle paths and Natuurmonumenten organizes excursions – by tractor – to the very tip of the island, the Balg.

An exciting – and freely accessible – attraction is De Wasserman bunker, once part of the Atlantikwall from WWII. Schiermonnikoog is distinguished by very wide beaches. On one of them – at Paal 3 – painting workshops are given from an old city bus, for children and adults. Young families can also enjoy themselves at the Berkenplas, a play lake in the middle of the forest on the island.

The famous Hotel van der Werff is located in the village of Schiermonnikoog, which includes a traditional taproom with a classic bar, wooden tables and, of course, a billiards table. You can regularly see the more cultural celebrities sitting here having a snack.

Ameland: for the whole family

The very dune-rich Ameland is pre-eminently a family island. The car can come along, which makes the logistics clear. The island has four cute villages, from east to west: Buren, Nes, Ballum (with a small airport!) and Hollum. Beachclub The Sunset is located near the latter town, which has an Ibiza vibe and where you can – indeed – enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the lounge terrace.

Exciting treasure hunts are also organized for younger children (4 to 8 years), led by a real beachcomber. Also recommended is the climb (55 m. high, 236 steps) of the cast-iron lighthouse from 1880. If the sea (or the beach) is still too cold: Ameland has no less than three heated, partially covered swimming pools: always nice for the family ! Thirst & appetite? Then follow the Amelander Product cycle route, which takes you past lightly salted free-range lamb, fragrant rye bread, a slice of polder cheese with coarse mustard and the tasting room of the Amelander Bierbrouwerij in Ballum in restaurants and at small farms.

Explore Terschelling

Whether you like to spot special birds in nature reserve De Boschplaat, or enjoy a night out in Danscafé De Stoep in Midsland: Terschelling offers a wide range of recreation for everyone, after which you can get a breath of fresh air and/or chill on the no less than 40 kilometers of beach.

Popular and unique are the covered wagon rides along the natural beauty, or towards the drowning house, which, like the Brandaris, is an island icon. From West-Terschelling you can go on seal excursions with the vintage fishing vessel Talisman. The captain also gives a 99 percent guarantee of seeing – without binoculars – these Wadden Sea mascots! In this village itself is Woodstock, a so-called vegan clothing store, with cheerful and colorful clothing in the characteristic Oerol style. The most famous Terschellinger is of course Hessel, who performs (almost) every evening with his daughter Tess in his own eatery De Groene Weide. And after that you can explore the rich nightlife – from house to Dutch – on the island for a long time (until 2 a.m.).

Spend four or five days on Terschelling or book a campsite on one of the other Wadden Islands. 

Sniffing culture on Vlieland

In addition to the salty air, you can sniff culture on Vlieland. For example, enjoy classical concerts in the monumental Nicolaaskerk, or visit the pop festival Into the Great Wide Open. Because the famous poet Slauerhoff spent a lot of time on Vlieland, a glass plate route has been set out with his poetry. There is room for visual art in the Reddingbootschuur. A prominent landmark is the Vuurboetsduin, with its 45 meters the highest dune in the Wadden area. In the summer you can also take a trip to Texel from the Vliehors by ferry.

Also special is pavilion Gestrand, which is one of the few beach tents in the Netherlands on the Wad. The view is beautiful and the menu sustainable. The nickname of the car-free Vlieland is incidentally the ‘Capri of the Low Countries’, or the ‘Hamptons of the Netherlands’, given the sometimes fashionable and well-known visitors.

Spend three days on Vlieland. 

Texel, familiar and apart

In addition to sun, beach and sea, Texel, the largest Wadden island, also offers special holiday entertainment, such as at Woolness in Cocksdorp, where you can wrap yourself in – of course – real Texel sheep wool, or a wool bath, which has a healing and relaxing effect.

A luxurious overnight stay at Texel airport is possible at De Vlijt Airportsuites, where you can book a parachute jump from your bed. Well-known is of course Ecomare, a nature museum and also a seal sanctuary, which is both endearing and educational. Another kids magnet further up in Den Hoorn is De Bonte Belevenis. Children can bake their own bread here, or make soaps and candles. Also nice are the so-called visiting farms, where families can interactively get acquainted with the local products, such as cheese, lamb, mushrooms and – luckily – ice cream.

The landscape on Texel is diverse. You will also find heathland, forests, salt marshes and even bulb fields in the spring! Texel’s most famous resident Jan Wolkers could often be found in the De Slufter area, where he watched the 400 bird species with his binoculars.

Spend three days on Texel or find and book a campsite on one of the other Wadden Islands.

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