From mudflat to mudflat: Island hopping on the Wadden Islands
One of our favorite places in the Low Netherlands? Those are de West Frisian Islands. Without a doubt. Indeed: all the islands of the Dutch Wadden are standing up number one. Terschelling, Texel, Vlieland, Ameland and not to be forgotten Schiermonnikoog. You can take the ferry and sail into the holiday feeling. Nothing is better! Anyone who wants to try something different can hop from one island to another. That is easy easy with the ferry services that connect the islands, a fast water taxi or a sailing boat so that you can fully enjoy the views along the way. And if you want to take a break, there are WestCord Hotel Schylge en Seeduyn your go-to to leave your busy schedule behind.
For example, start at Texel, with its vast beaches and charming villages. Then follow the oasis of peace and class on Vlieland, where at WestCord Hotel Seeduyn the beach is literally on your doorstep. Terschelling is a stone's throw away and is full of lively island vibes. More at one with nature, then continue your journey to Ameland or Schiermonnikoog. Will you hop along?
Aah yes, Terschelling. The nicest island to be with the family to go. Spotting seals, riding a Frisian horse, taking a walk with the forest ranger on the Boschplaat, playing in the vast dunes and to top it all off you can go on an eco safari. You leave very early in the morning with an off-road vehicle so that you spot the most beautiful wildlife. From forest and dunes to polders. Or visit the drowning house that was used in the past to help shipwrecked people out of trouble. Enough to do with the small stuff (which is also fun for yourself). So much fun, so much to see: that's why we collected more.
Where to go? Here: 20 x holidays on Terschelling.
After a day of parading around the island, you can relax at WestCord Hotel Schylge with a view of the mudflats and the Wadden Sea. With a sauna, swimming pool, fitness and beauty salon, you can relax to the max here. The location is great, just along the harbour and you are in the village of West-Terschelling. And if you want more adventure the next day(s)? From Terschelling you can hop to Vlieland or Ameland, and vice versa. To Vlie is easy: just with ferry service Shipping Company Doeksen from the harbour or if you are in a hurry, take the water taxi. And with the seal boat from the ferry pier you sail to Ameland. Be careful, only at high tide!
Back to Schylge: the wellness definitely scores a big ten, but the real icing on the cake is the location. You look out over the harbor, where boats sail back and forth, with endless water and greenery. And all that with an aperitivo in your hand. Yes please.
Let the wind guide you and hop aboard the island hopper. Here you sail along all the top TV-TAS. You can board at the Willem-Jacob in Lauwersoog or at the Minerva in Harlingen and this sails you along all the Wadden. This way you know for sure that you don't miss anything.
Closest to home (as seen from North Holland) and therefore quickly planned Texel. Island life just a stone's throw away. Hop last minute into that car, 20 minutes on the ferry and you will have both feet in this special place in no time. Texel is pure and salty with beautiful vast nature and dunes that make you forget for a moment that you are on Dutch soil. Welcome to the island life. In addition to all this beauty, you can't possibly get bored here. Someone who is bored on Texel has not saved the right places. We have! Fancy some peace? Texel soil has a beautiful quiet pearl where you can eat, such a remote place, to retreat to. On East is the name of the restaurant. In addition to the peace and quiet, Texel also has a pleasant atmosphere. The Texel village of Den Burg is an absolute favorite. We like to come here for the cozy shops. Oh and where else do you need to go? Here!
Finished Texel? Hop to Vlieland, with Wadden ferry the Friendship. This ship takes you to Vliehors: the largest sand plain in North-West Europe, then you get on the bus and beach yourself at the Posthuys. At the end of the afternoon you can return to Texel or you can stay a little longer on Vliebiza.
Moored at the smallest Wadden island: Vlieland. The smallest perhaps, yes, but certainly not the least. Wide, white, empty beaches (yes, empty!) and here everything has just that little bit more care, beauty and class. And: Vlieland has some cool ones old school striped beach chairs where you can enjoy drinks and relax. Love! After a long day at the beach it's time to get fully into the chill-mode to come or a delicious get-ready to do in the hotel room.
Wander along the beach and seek out peace and quiet at WestCord Hotel Seeduyn. For the complete zen moment, you can ground yourself in the WellCome Wellness. When the urge strikes, you can join us downstairs in the hotel at Grand Cafe de Brassery for a juicy steak and fries. After such a day you can flop into bed satisfied. The next morning you only have to roll out of bed for a refreshing dip in the sea or enjoy your first coffee at 't Badhuys.
We have already written with much praise about the other friends of Vlieland and now also about Vlieland itself with a real update where the pearls are hidden.
Terschelling, Vlieland and Texel are popular and have already received a lot of attention. Another place you definitely want to hop to is Ameland. While the birdlife is undoubtedly beautiful, the island has much more to offer. The red and white striped lighthouse completes the picture of a remote island. Hikers, cyclists and kite surfers come here to enjoy the beautiful Dutch nature. Not only nature… The idyllic village of Hollum is anything but remote. Close to that village, on the beach, is Beach Club The Sunset. The kind of beach bar you'd hate. Ibiza on the North Sea as they say themselves. White tones, wooden rattan interior, a laid back atmosphere and nothing beats the feet-in-the-sand feeling.
Even more fun? Can! There is much more to do in these beautiful extensive Wadden areas, dunes, forests, beaches and national parks. For that, take a look Wad to do. Enjoy!
From Ameland you hop back to Terschelling or hop on to Schiermonnikoog. Tip from flip: take into account tides, currents, sandbanks and channels because the boats do not always sail here.
Yes, there are five. The Wadden Islands. Also Schiermonnikoog is worth it. A place where Dutch nature is still the most wild and untouched. Nature here goes its own way undisturbed without us (humans) interfering. Beautiful! The car is a no go and that makes the island so nice. Grab your bike and explore nature as it should be. Yet there are things to do such as yoga lessons with or without the kids, a tour of the entire island with all the ins and outs told by a guide, take a look at the two beautiful lighthouses of Schiermonnikoog (Schier is the only Wadden island with 2 lighthouses, a white and a red one), or clear your head in the painting van of Jeanette Rutgers. Indeed, a painting van in the dunes of Schiermonnikoog. With your aim directed towards the North Sea and just paint what you see. Fun! Also fun to do this with the small stuff! This way you go home with a personal and beautiful souvenir. Schiermonnikoog, you are beautiful!
