The nicest (and most surprising) of the Wadden area (and that is much more than just TVTAS!)
When you say 'Wadden' you naturally think of the Islands. Vlieland, Terschelling, Texel... Who doesn't know them. We can't blame you for that at all, but you knew that was the whole thing Wadden area covers a much larger area of land? And not just the Netherlands: the Wadden area includes the entire nature reserve that borders the Wadden Sea, and that also includes a part of Friesland, Groningen and Germany (the mainland). The cycle paths and walking paths constructed here run across the mainland, from Friesland and Groningen all the way to Germany. And yes, that is very beautiful, to say the least. And exactly the perfect holiday celebration 2020 style. Would you like to know the nicest places? Voila (en bookmark this article again because we will be adding to it in the coming period - we have not yet finished sniffing out the Wadden area).
We start in Dokkum. Dokkum? Where is that again? Northeast-Fryslân Naturally. And you know… That quintessential Dutch mini-city is honestly SO much fun. One of the nicest addresses is Cozy Coffee Bar in Dokkum. For the simple reason that it is very good, very warm and – we don't really want to say it but we will anyway – very cozy. The nice tent is divided into a downstairs and an upstairs. Downstairs there is a very elegant play area the little ones. Again: refreshing! Your best place for coffee and treats. Especially the latter: it's really tasty, and homemade too! Just opened, so gogogo, check it out!
Yes, you get on the boat to Terschelling and Vlieland, but did you know that Harlingen itself is also really worth it? In the middle of Harlingen, where there are plenty of nice shops, we can especially Eetcafe Nooitgedagt tip. Especially because the cafe is of the caliber 'no fuss', but in a cool jacket. Even more striking we found the quality of the food (delicious!) and the super attentive service. 10 points! Which also applies to the atmosphere and the music in the historical building in Harlingen. Our enthusiasm also lies in the fact that we were with a number of kids who were more than well entertained and could have fun in the beautiful play corner. Recommended for everyone!
O! And while you're there, be sure to visit the Koks & Keukenmeiden and Binnen & Buiten stores. These two stores from the same owner give you a bit of a Merci in Paris feeling (not a lie, and that's a compliment), especially when it comes to what's on offer. At Koks & Keukenmeiden, we mainly sell things for the kitchen and at the dining table. Binnen & Buiten has more for your home: including beautiful (affordable!), colored bouquets of dried flowers.
Sleep at WestCord Hotel Seeduyn means rolling out of bed in the morning and hoppa, parading onto the beach. This pearl is located in the middle of the dunes, almost literally on the beach. And the village is also nearby; a twenty-minute walk will take you to the Dorpsstraat. Don't feel like going to the beach or the village? Then hang out at the WellCome Wellness, have a drink at 't Badhuys or take a dip in the pool. Also great with the kids, because there is plenty to do. Plus point: you don't have to worry about your luggage from the boat, because it is taken by the hotel.
Read more about Store Performer here: WestCord Hotel Seeduyn
If you decide to go to Terschelling, you can sleep at WestCord Hotel Schylge highly recommended. From the boat you don't have to worry about your luggage, because the hotel will take care of it. Without lugging it around you can hop to the hotel, which is within walking distance of West-Terschelling. Ideal if you want to have a bite to eat in the evening or want to stroll through the cozy streets. You can also go here for more adventure. There is plenty to do: cycling, walking, climbing and scrambling, it's all possible on this island.
What is very nice to know (we think, because we didn't know) is that the European Union has committed itself to this area. They looked for some old socks, emptied them and invested in the entire Wadden area. Perfect timing if you ask us, because nowadays we are mainly looking for peace and space, and with that we prefer to explore nature. Nature here is in perfect order, thanks to the European Union. Not only that: the area was, as it were, contracted and beautiful cycle paths were constructed so that you can now enjoy cycling all the way to - and in - Germany. Thanks to the European Union, the area was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The European Union contributes to the protection of nature and biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Pretty into the middle of nowhere, and therefore all the more fun and perfect to discover by bike, is the Frisian Pingjum (yes, that's really what it's called there) Pizzeria Pingjum, a Dutch concept nowadays that has already been featured in various foodie magazines. We agree 100%: Pizzeria Pingjum serves a hell of a pizza. The best thing about the pizzeria is that they combine Italian traditions with local products from Friesland. Ha! Fresh fish from the North Sea, shellfish from the Wadden Sea, organic vegetables and dairy and meat from their own slaughter, all on the well-known Italian dough base. If that isn't class. The burrata salad with wild tomatoes and basil is a favorite - so good! And when it comes to pizzas, we'll be back for the Siciliana with tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, capers and olives, and for the Frederica (tomato, mozzarella, bacon, artichoke and onion). Oh, and can we have the Fish (tomato, mozzarella, fresh fish, lemon, garlic and parsley).
A great detour tip is Wongema in the small Hornhuizen, a village next to Pieterburen at the very top of the country. Or a home at the end of the world, courtesy of Michael Cunningham. It is a contemporary address, and one where you wouldn't expect it. Owner Erik Wong created an inspiring and creative village café, a workplace for makers, art education and 25 sleeping places that can be rented at the weekend. Frank Visser from the Amsterdam studio IJM, the best color artist in the country, helped with the furnishings, which in itself is a reason for a visit.
Certainly the Wadden area is much more than just the islands, but the islands are a more than delicious base every year. Get a breath of fresh air, eat a fish, spot seals, count sheep and cycle until you can go no further. Enjoy.
Read here about all our favorites on Texel and this is a list Best of Texel, especially for those who are out with the kids.
Yes, the Wadden. Absolutely, Texel. Certainly, also Terschelling… But if we have to choose, really choose, then we choose the dreamy Vlieland. One lovely village street, beautiful (empty) wide beaches, delicious food and drinks and actually just exactly that feeling of a holiday abroad, but then close to home. The best thing about the island? We collected. Our favourite spot on Vlieland is and remains the small, friendly folks (for coffee and sleeping), but read just about all the favorite addresses on Vlieland
Or Terschelling! We don't come there infrequently and we have our regular spots there. From cycling through the dunes and then stopping at the beautiful, hidden Dead Man's Chests, a dune lake in the forest where it is simply magical. From the Walvis (which is and remains the nicest place on the island) you cycle to it, you can't miss it, just keep cycling on the already very beautiful cycle path.
To sleep? These are what we think the nicest places to stay on Terschelling. And further? Eating, drinking and what is no longer allowed with peace of mind one of these addresses.
It's quite a zigzagging stretch through the Frisian countryside and just when you think: it can't possibly be here, there's a tiny sign on the side of the road that The Little Paradise reads. So it's good after all. That Little Paradise is exactly that and especially in the summer months a hit for a romantic weekend in nature. There are tree houses surrounded by chickens and geese, there are yurts on the forecourt and there is a more than comfortable highlight: the red 'church', perfect for the coldest nights of the year. Mind you: tree houses, swings, churches, open nature - that sounds like a paradise for children, doesn't it? Nothing could be further from the truth: The Little Paradise sells itself as an address for those seeking peace and quiet. For guests who want to enjoy nature, silence, retreats and authentic overnight accommodations.
Did you know that the Wadden area runs all the way to the point where the Weser River enters the sea in Germany? That is at Bremerhaven. That entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, without fooling around, it is so much more beautiful than you think. In addition, significant investments have been made in the area, and all paths and (water) roads have been examined and are now more beautiful and accessible than ever. Cycling, walking, sailing or driving; it's all possible in the Wadden area. The most beautiful routes? You can find it via this link. And yes, all addresses from this list can be found on one of those routes.
Anyone who actually crosses the entire area by bike can easily end up in the idyllic town of Lübeck, a dream of a German mini-city where Bistro Vai, on the water, is a household name. Fantastic food and an awesome setting. Would you be able to enjoy it again in nice weather?
Officially not a member of the Wadden area, but an island in the correct 'zone' is Borkum. An incredibly beautiful and quiet German Wadden Island where it is perfectly cozy (in the good way) and where the beaches have the most photogenic vintage wicker beach chairs, you know, with a thatched roof. At Eemshaven (also fun) you take the boat and hop, you're there.
But perhaps even more beautiful and exciting than Borkum is the island of Juist, an island beyond Borkum as seen from the Netherlands. An idyllic East Frisian Wadden island and also a municipality in the German state of Lower Saxony. There are plenty of wonderful old-school hotels on the island, but beach hotels Right Court stands out: it is located on the beach and the classic rooms in blue and white are exactly what you need after a long bike ride or walk on the beach.
To be precise, the Wadden area extends from Den Helder in the Netherlands via Germany to the Danish peninsula of Skallingen. You can't get there by bike, but it is interesting to realize that the Wadden area is over 500 kilometers long and 310.000 hectares in size; almost as big as South Holland.
