Holiday in the Netherlands: tips for the Wadden Islands

The Wadden Islands are a special part of the Netherlands. The ultimate island feeling is therefore not to be missed. From the open horizon to the beautiful expansive beaches. A characteristic that every holiday should have, comes naturally on the Wadden Islands: total relaxation. The five islands all have their own unique magic. We give you some tips for each island.

World Heritage

The Wadden Islands are not only known among Dutch people, but have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2009. This among other natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Kilimanjaroin Tanzania.

The Wadden Sea is unique

The Wadden Sea is a recognized biological ecosystem that you only find on the Dutch-German-Danish North Sea coast. Every six hours, ebb and flow alternate. This ensures that the landscape is constantly changing, creating a sea of variation for the eye, but also for plants and animals. The Wadden Sea offers a unique habitat for more than 10,000 plant and animal species. It also serves as an indispensable stopover for millions of birds during their migration.

Texel

Also called 'De Hoge Berg'

The Netherlands would have looked very different without Texel. Looking back in history, during the Ice Age, glaciers left a solid base of boulder clay and erratics here. An unshakeable hill in the dynamic coastal landscape was created as a result.

Ultimate spring feeling

On Texel, there are as many sheep as people. In spring, this means tens of thousands of lambs running around in the meadows. Texel is often described as: 'the Netherlands in miniature', this is because the island has so much to offer: dunes, forest, heath, beach, mudflats, polders and meadows.

Tips for Texel

1. Discover the Wadden Sea World Heritagein Ecomare.
2. Visit the more than 30-kilometer-long sandy beach of Texel. Wonderful for walking, flying kites, swimming, etc.
3. For the real daredevil:Parachute jumping.
4. Pay avisit to Kaap Skil, the museum of beachcombers & sailors.
5. Climbing the lighthouse. From the lighthouse you have a beautiful view of the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, Vlieland and of course Texel.
6. Daily you can take a boat trip tospot seals. During a trip (of one hour) you will have enough time to capture the beautiful mammals on your camera and to enjoy the fresh air.

Vlieland

An island that feels a bit far from the Netherlands, but is still close. Vlieland is located between the Wadden Sea and the North Sea, an hour and a half by boat from Harlingen. Vlieland offers beautiful sandy beaches that stretch over the entire length of the island. In addition, there are forests and great nature. To avoid disturbing the fauna, a new bird hide has been placed, so you can enjoy the multitude of different bird species.

Tips for Vlieland

1. Just behind the village, the Vuurboetsduin rises about 45 meters into the air. It is the second highest dune in the Netherlands! Definitely worth climbing.
2. You can take beautiful walks through the forests behind this dune.
3. The so-called Kroon's Polders are the pearls of Vlieland and absolutely worth a visit. Here you will feel almost alone in nature.
4. Are you a fan of seals? Take a ride with the Vliehors Expres over the beach and try to spot these magical animals.
5. Stelling H12 – this is an old bunker that has been painstakingly excavated from under the sand. You can get an interesting guided tour here.

Terschelling

An island that offers atmosphere and plenty of space in all seasons. Here are endless possibilities for discovery. Eighty percent of the island consists of beautiful nature. Of this, the Boschplaat is an absolutely dazzling highlight. Already from the boat you are welcomed by the lighthouse 'Brandaris'. This eye-catcher is 400 years old and immediately puts you in the holiday mood. In addition to beautiful nature, the island also has numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs and events are held throughout the year.

Tips for Terschelling

1. Enjoy the viewat the Walvis.
2. Dining at the Sea in West-Terschelling
3. Gather and eat oysters yourself at low tide at Lies.
4. A beautiful cycling route on Terschelling to make.
5. Visit one of the many events.

Ameland

After a beautiful trip across the Wadden Sea, you arrive on Ameland. An island with four picturesque villages, each with its own history and culture, great nature and of course lots of sea and beach.

The small island is ideal for a walk, where the sunset with a bite to eat should not be missed. Every day, the island cooks with ingredients that are fresh from the hook or from its own soil.

Tips for Ameland

1. Do one of the many excursions on Ameland such as the (mini-) mudflat excursion, the beach and shell excursion, forest and dune excursion, the duck decoy excursion and much more.
2. Visit the nature center, one of the Ameland museums.
3. For the true horse lover, you can view the film set of Penny's Shadow. The film was entirely filmed on Ameland!
4. For the creative ones, there are plenty of workshops you can attend.
5. Last but not least, you can do many things on Ameland.activities. Walk on the sandy beach of Ameland or do a sporty activity such as beach camp or kitesurfing.

Schiermonnikoog

This may be the smallest Dutch Wadden Island, but it is grand in its nature. The status 'National Park' therefore applies to the entire island. Also a fun fact about the island: it has the widest beach in Europe in terms of size. Schiermonnikoog is known for its unspoiled character and the love that Mother Nature has put into it.

Tips for Schiermonnikoog

1. Do the cultural-historical excursion(or one of the other excursions), discover the island and learn about the history of Schiermonnikoog.
2. Visit theBunker Museumand learn how this place served as a communication center during World War II.
3. Visit one of theeventsthat are organized throughout the year on Schiermonnikoog.
4. Take a walking tourand discover what the island and the village have to offer.
5. Sail along with the fastRescue Boatand pass the sandbanks, the Wadden Sea and then sail towards the North Sea.

Transport

Except on Schiermonnikoog and Vlieland, you can take your car, caravan and camper to the other islands. These offer plenty of campsites where you can enjoy your holiday. On the smaller islands, you can of course always camp in a tent or at one of the recreation parks the island offers.

Want to read more camping tips? Then look here! Still looking for your own camper or caravan? View our offer.