The Best Dutch Weekend Destination: The Wadden Islands

Famous are the Dutch islands in the Caribbean, but not everybody is aware of the overwhelming beauty of the islands which exist in the north of the Netherlands. The Wadden Islands (also called the Frisian Islands) are an amazing destination within the country and a great spot for a romantic getaway. They may just be the best Dutch weekend destination for nature and relaxation

Separated by a very shallow sea, which recedes during low tide, Terschelling, Texel, Schiermonnikoog, Vlieland, and Ameland constitute an environmentally protected UNESCO World Heritage area. If you’ve been don’t forget to tell us which one you like most in the reply box below.

Terschelling

Terschelling is an island popular for its diverse landscape: forests full of deer, heather dunes, tidal marshes full of birdlife and long shoreline. The nature reserve is home to rare species of butterflies, birds, and plants. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across seals or white-beaked dolphins, making your time on the island unforgettable. Terschelling also prides itself on having the oldest lighthouse in the country. The lighthouse dates back to 1594 and is open for the public! The real island fun happens in June when the phenomenal Oerol Festival is on. That’s the time when Terschelling becomes one huge stage for theater, art, music, dance and street performances.

Source: Krim-Texel

Texel

Texel is a heaven for beach lovers as it features 30 kilometers wide beaches and soft sand. Beach-goers can find lots of treasures. You can also explore recovered artifacts from years ago at the Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum Flora. If you’re not into museums, but more into the wildlife, then Ecomare’s seal shelter may be more up your alley. Texel is the largest Wadden island and has something to offer for everybody. Climb the famous red lighthouse, try parachuting from a plane, taste local specialty beer Skuumkoppe or come for the Texel Culinair in September.

Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog is considered to be the prettiest place in the whole country by the Dutch. This is partly due to its widest beach in Europe, gorgeous cozy village, and stunning flora and fauna. The island is a national park with mudflats and polders, a beautiful lake, and duck sanctuary. Mudflat walking is an adventurous experience you’ll want to try. It involves crossing the bottom of the sea in a limited amount of time during the low tide. Make sure you do this with a guide as it will be difficult to fight your way through the mud and find the right spots (not to mention you’re way home).

Vlieland

Vlieland is a quiet and remote island with a very peaceful atmosphere. Visitors aren’t allowed to bring their cars and locals don’t use theirs too often. The island is honeycombed with lush forests and nice sand flats. This island’s highlight is a 40 meter high dune. The best time to visit Vlieland is the beginning of September because of a special music festival Into the Great Wide Open.

Ameland

Ameland is known for its pretty commander houses (due to historic whaling activities) and an unusual old-fashioned monthly spectacle of 10 horses pulling a rescue boat into the sea “Paardenreddingboot vaart“. Visiting in November!? That’s the Ameland Month of Art. It’s also a good idea to have a tractor ride along the beach or taste the island’s specialties such as farm cheese, catfish, rye bread, mustard

Source: wiki voyage

The wild natural beauty of the Wadden Islands will impress just about anyone. Don’t limit yourself to just one of them. Visit all the Dutch islands and see how unique they are! With a variety of great locations to stay courtesy of locals, the Wadden Islands can accommodate groups of all sizes. Island-hopping is possible too, due to convenient ferry rides that allow you to avoid the mainland and ride from island to island. The best way to explore the Frisian Islands is by bike – just rent one on the spot. Connect with nature and enjoy the loveliest of Dutch views.

How To Get There

By Car

• Texel: Take the highway north to Den Helder and take the ferry to Texel. This is a car ferry. Ferries depart every hour between 06:00 – 21:00.
• Vlieland and Terschelling: Take the highway north. Cross the ‘Afsluitdijk‘. Follow signs for ‘Harlingen‘ and ‘Ferry‘. Note: Cars are not allowed at Vlieland.
• Ameland: Take the highway north. Follow the signs ‘Leeuwarden‘. Form there, follow the signz for ‘Holwerd‘, and for the ferry.
• Schiermonnikoog: Take the highway north toward ‘Leeuwarden‘ and follow signs for ‘Dokkum‘ and then ‘Lauwersoog‘. From there, look for the ferry sign. Note: Cars are not allowed at Vlieland.

Note: When driving to the Wadden Islands, make sure to download PayByPhone. It will help you locate parking zones in the area and alert you to when your parking time is almost up, so you can top up as necessary and and enjoy the Wadden Islands at your own pace. And for Texel, you can use PayByPhone at both the harbour and on the island.

By Public Transport

• Texel: Take the train to Den Helder. Take the city bus 33 or walk to the ferry.
• Vlieland and Terschelling: Take the train to Leeuwarden. Then, take the train to Harlingen Haven. This puts you next to the ferry.
• Ameland: Take the train to Leeuwarden. Then, take the bus to Holwerd. This is where the ferry departs.
• Schiermonnikoog: Take the train to Leeuwarden or Groningen. Then, take the bus to Lauwersoog.

If you’d like to venture outside the Netherlands, check out one of these weekend destinations instead