The best of Terschelling
We spontaneously go into holiday mode as soon as the boat sets sail Terschelling leaves the port of Harlingen. Pats boom, holiday fashion onThe wind in your hair, the Wadden Islands all around you, and that wonderful feeling that you don't have to be anywhere for a while. Once you arrive, an island awaits full of dunes, wide beaches, lovely beach bars, great places to eat, and plenty of spots to settle down. Where should you go on this amazing Wadden Island? We certainly know the answer to that. From the nicest places to stay to the finest restaurants and bars, and from hidden gems to the best addresses. You're welcome!
On the edge of the dunes on Terschelling, you will find the brand-new and truly handsome Elements Terschelling. A wonderful base for a few days on the island, but let's be honest: for a bit of peace and quiet, a hotel in the middle of nature is of course always a good idea, and Dutchen knows exactly what that should look like. The rooms and apartments are spacious, bright, and furnished with natural materials and calming colors that perfectly match the Wadden Island. After a day of getting a breath of fresh air on the beach, you dive into the wellness Enter, featuring an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, and steam cabin (especially welcome when the island shows its Dutch side once again). Afterwards, take a seat at restaurant Dún, where Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot cook with ingredients from the island and the North Sea. All in all, Elements is a wonderful place to discover Terschelling, although the temptation is very strong to simply spend entire days relaxing at the hotel. As far as we are concerned, it is one of the finest addresses to remember for your next trip to Terschelling.
De Lepelaar on Terschelling. If that rings a bell, you are probably thinking of the campsite of the same name. That is correct (of course), but here we are referring to the beautiful, energy-neutral house for six people. The wooden house has three bedrooms, which is great of course, but here too the highlight is the outdoor living area: a large terrace and a beautiful, unobstructed view. Furthermore, the whole place is nice and new and luxurious. The kitchen is fully equipped, including an induction hob, oven/microwave, dishwasher, and there is even a washing machine and a dryer. Great for those staying a bit longer and bringing the kids along. Bringing the children along is a good idea anyway. They can safely find their way to the playground with a water feature and climbing equipment, as you will find it on the same grounds as the holiday home. You can book De Lepelaar here.
All rooms have box-spring beds and a sink with hot & cold water. No private bathroom indeed, that is useful to know. The showers and toilets are available on the first floor and on the ground floor. There is one double room with private shower and toilet. Here you will find In de Witte Handt.
WestCord Hotel Schylge on Terschelling, island vibes but nice and close. A weekend, a week, in winter or summer: Terschelling is a paradise for anything and everything. The bird watchers, patio hoppers, beach fanatics, cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers – everyone. Hotel Schylge will welcome you back with open arms after your day, because at Schlyge you can do everything: go to the wellness, eat at Op West, have a drink on the large terrace and even play a game of bowling. You are also in the right place for your share of eating out. At their own restaurant On West They cook with local ingredients, so you don't have to go far for good food. The best part is that wherever you look – in the lobby, your room, the restaurant, or outside on the terrace – you have a view of the Wadden Sea and the mudflats. That's what we call a holiday.
As far as we are concerned, Pura Vida in Midsland and West-Terschelling is an absolute asset to the island. So fresh, so relaxed, the kind of place we’d prefer to stay all day. At Pura Vida, you settle down for a good latte, but even better for lunch. Using organic and fair trade products, they create colorful bowls and healthy burgers here. In Midsland, you can also sit down for dinner in the evening. In West-Terschelling, Pura Vida is open during the day, making it primarily a nice stop for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. On nice days, grab one of the benches on the terrace. Is it a bit chilly? Then sitting inside is absolutely no hardship either. It is also a good place to type on your laptop for an hour or so.
Sleeping at a farm + sleeping on Terschelling + sleeping in a garden tent (= rolling to the beach!) + small-scale camping = Pure Terschelling! In Oosterend, the last village on Terschelling against the dunes, you can stay in one of the six-person tents that are located in the meadow here at a farmer's house between 1 March and 1 November every year. This is fun for several reasons: the location of course, kids go wild with all the animals and the outdoors and at night you experience the so-called '100% Dark Sky' where light pollution is zero.
Another child-friendly, secluded and oh-so-nice holiday home on Frisian Terschelling The Big DipperThis delightful location even has a 'stargazer' bed. A lovely spot under a glass roof – fight over who gets to sleep there first! This time, you'll find the house on the edge of Midsland – nice! From there, you can walk to quite a few of the nicest spots on the already lovely (always cozy, in our opinion) Terschelling.
A contemporary and cozy family home in Formerum (pretty much the middle of Terschelling, always a good idea) for six people, that is Silke Island House on TerschellingThe detached cottage has a wood-burning stove, its own garden, and the next time we go, we will chip off the ice-blue tiles that appear here and there in the house and take them home with us. That next time will come, don't worry, I promise, and afterwards we will give a detailed report – also promised. Book your weekend at Eilandhuis Silke here.
The hidden Kaap Hoorn certainly belongs in the category of 'nicest spots on the island' – a beach bar in front of the dunes – surprise! You can only get there on foot or by bike, and that makes the place feel even more like a holiday than it already was (because it's on Terschelling), if you know what I mean.
At Beach pavilion Cape Horn it is simply relaxed. And incredibly fun for the little ones too! There are plenty of toys (although there is always something to do in the dunes) and treasure hunts and other fun are regularly organized. Follow the gnome trail – even that is an exciting adventure.
There is no less entertainment for fathers and mothers: delicious snacks, excellent drinks and that ultimate island feeling.
text continues below the image
In the beach pavilions category, this is a very attractive example, because it is fully furnished with furniture from the 50s and 60s and country music from that time. repeat. For the kids, the menu includes a Pink Cadillac (chicken nuggets with fries) and you can choose from a bunch of picobello burgers. HeartbreakHotel is open all year round, so you can also order here after a winter walk on the beach hot chocolate or your beer. You can also wake up to Elvis every morning, because the owners rent out a four-person holiday apartment named Graceland in Hoorn. With a jukebox, of course.
The ZandZeeBar is the ultimate beach bar: a little Bali, a lot laid backThis is where you settle down among the surfers for some serious drinks. Corona in hand, feet up—get the picture? There are plenty of tasty things on the menu for the kids, or do as we did and order a hearty burger. Only open during the summer months and *the* place to hang out during Oerol.
Although we are normally not into tours - because they are often a dirty tourist trap - the seal tour with the Talisman was a real success. The mini is still talking about it, because there is little more impressive than sailing over the rough sea with a serious ship wildlife to spot. From the port of Terschelling-West you can reach the sandbank where the seals are sunbathing in about half an hour. Always listen carefully to the skipper's instructions, because these friends also come there to rest. And with a bit of luck, the seals will swim curiously to the boat. Sweet!
Don't ask us why, but on Terschelling you stumble across the local cranberry products. What we do know is where to eat the best cranberry cheesecake. That is without a doubt at coffee and tea house De Bessenschuur, towards the dunes of West aan Zee. The name may already suggest it, but De Bessenschuur is indeed quaint through and through. You care, you're sitting in the woods, on a lovely terrace and with cake in front of you. There are toys inside for the children and there is plenty of room outside to run around.
Sprint quickly past 't Lokaal for a before you step onto the boat home. takeaway coffee or lunch. Almost everything is made from local organic products and a generous dash of love—you can taste it. 't Lokaal is small but charming, so there isn't much space. Not suitable for a long dinner, but perfect for a friendly chat with the cheerful owner.
There is a good chance you’ll lose track of your little one before you even step onto the terrace of De Branding, thanks to the play area surrounding it. For the little ones, there is a playhouse with a slide, and preschoolers can let loose on the swings. De Branding is a bit stiff for a beach bar, but the view over the beautifully wide beach makes up for a lot. Just like the nachos. In the autumn, the fireplace is lit, making it a more than pleasant place to be after a breath of fresh air, and in the summer, you can catch a beautiful sunset here. You’ll never want to go home.
We love all the Wadden islands equally, but the neighboring island of Vlieland takes the cake. You will find the best of Vlieland here.
Er, yes, horse riding... Even (especially) anyone who has never done it must admit that a ride on a (calm) horse through the dunes, preferably just before sunset, scores points in the 'romance' category. Even we did it, animal lovers but heroes in socks that we are. But it was fun! Puur's horses are used to having inexperienced riders on their backs and trudge through the dunes at their leisure so that you have time to get used to it (and feel like an accomplished rider) and to take in the beautiful surroundings . Promise.
In our opinion, Hotel Paal 8 is by far the nicest hotel on Terschelling and is perfectly located right on the beach. Once on that beach, Paviljoen West aan Zee is a fantastic beach pavilion for the usual reasons: cozy and tasteful interior, a je ne sais quoi-Dutch atmosphere, delicious fish dishes and bowls full of drinks-goodness and the setting sun on your retina.
Around the corner from West-Terschelling, the main village of Terschelling, to the west within walking distance of the harbor, the Green Beach is a household name on the island. The narrow strip of grass borders the sea, where you can walk for a long distance during low tide/high tide. An equally great concept is the beach café behind the Groene Strand, De Walvis. The Whale is a party all year round. Try to get a seat at the front of the business where you can look out over the beach, the sea and the continuous stream (stream, after all, these are the Wadden Islands) of people cycling and walking past. A weekend on Terschelling without De Walvis is not a weekend on Terschelling.
You can also enjoy a chic dinner on Terschelling. Restaurant ROOTS is one of the best options: in the seemingly somewhat stiff establishment – which is compensated for by the warm welcome and the chef who comes to the table – only products from the Wadden Islands are served: fish, fish, fish, and a piece of meat, including tenderloin. Should you happen to have had a bottle too many, there are (somewhat classic and delightful) rooms available to book upstairs.
A three-in-one: the Boomstraat in West Terschelling, surely the nicest street on the island. Dining in the street is not that difficult – we tried, but three things stand out:
- The sea: a fish restaurant, that wasn't that hard to guess, and the 'hippest' on Terschelling, if that's what you're looking for. Apart from that: the Mediterranean menu and the fish from the Italian wood oven to die for. The sea
- Brasserie Brandaris: exactly the kind of brasserie where you sit down for an evening and never leave. Tasty, cozy, brown, uncomplicated, everything good. Brandaris
- Flemish: next to Brasserie Brandaris and the place for a lot sea food. Also nice: the large covered terrace, which is also nice in bad weather. Flemish
