The Netherlands are home to the stunning chain of islands, the Wadden Islands, scattered along the country’s northern coast. The islands are a hidden gem for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those craving tranquility. With vast sandy beaches, unique wildlife, and a relaxed island vibe, the Wadden Islands are a perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway. Read all about the Dutch Wadden islands and the top things to do and see.
Exploring the Dutch Wadden Islands
Stretching from the northwest coast of the Netherlands into Germany and Denmark, the Wadden Islands (or Waddeneilanden in Dutch) are part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five inhabited Dutch islands (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog) offer a diverse mix of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant island culture, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape, an active holiday, or a mix of both, each island has its own character and charm.
Wadden Islands: plan your trip
- Texel is by far the easiest island of the Dutch Wadden Islands to visit, especially when you’re staying in Amsterdam. You take the train to Den Helder and from there hop on the TESO ferry to Texel.
- If you want to travel to Vlieland or Terschelling, you take the ferry from Harlingen in Friesland. Take notice that Vlieland is a car-free island, you are allowed to take a vehicle to Terschilling, although this is discouraged.
- Ferries to Ameland leave from Holwerd. You are allowed to take your car, but the island is much better accessible by bike or by foot.
- You can get to Schiermonnikoog by traveling by ferry from Lauwersoog. Schiermonnikoog is a car-free island.
- Please note that the Dutch Wadden Islands are a popular holiday destination for both Dutch people and visitors from abroad and that there aren’t that many hotels on the island. So, do book your hotel on the Wadden Islands in time.
Texel
Texel is the biggest and most accessible of the Wadden Islands, making it a great first stop for travelers. This island offers an incredible mix of lush nature, wide sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. Texel is also known for its rich wildlife, particularly bird species and the iconic Texel sheep. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or relaxation, Texel has something for everyone.
Where to stay on Texel
Just Texel Suites & Apartments
Just Texel Suites and Apartments is a lovely boutique hotel, for those seeking relaxation in a stylish environment. It’s one of the most popular hotels on Texel, so if they have some rooms available: jump on it. All rooms are decorated wiyh care and have a beautiful outdoor space.
Landal Sluftervallei
I absolutely adore Landal Sluftervallei. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the whole family Landal Sluftervallei has cottages to match your needs. Situated in the Texel dunes, you will feel as close to nature as possible. Plus, this holiday park has all the facilites you need.
Top things to do on Texel
- Explore National Park Dunes of Texel: hike or cycle through rolling dunes, forests, and wetlands, home to countless bird species.
- Visit Ecomare: a fascinating seal sanctuary and nature center where you can see rescued seals up close.
- Visit the island’s expansive sandy beaches are perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and even surfing.
- Climb the Texel lighthouse which offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Wadden Sea and North Sea.
- Taste the local beer at Texel’s Brewery.
Vlieland
Vlieland is the most remote and least populated of the Dutch Wadden Islands, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind in nature. With no cars allowed except for those of residents, the island offers an unmatched sense of peace and quiet. Vast dunes, beautiful beaches, and quaint village streets set the tone for a relaxing getaway. Whether you want to enjoy outdoor activities or simply take in the serenity of the island, Vlieland is the perfect choice.
Where to stay on Vlieland
Loods Logement
Loods Logement is one of the loveliest hotels on the island of Vlieland, centrally situated in the heart of the village of Oost-Vlieland. Everything the island has to offer is close at hand. The rooms are beautifully styled and have a cosy fire place. Enjoy a drink on the patio after a day outside.
Hotel Zeezicht
Hotel Zeezicht is one of the newer boutique hotels on the island of Vlieland and, like the name promises, offers stunning vistas across the Wadden sea. The rooms are styled in warm colours and the restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Vlieland.
Top things to do on Vlieland
Discover the Vliehors Sand Plains: this vast sandy expanse, often called the ‘Sahara of the Netherlands,’ is perfect for long walks.
Rent a bike. With limited cars on the island, cycling is the best way to explore Vlieland’s stunning landscapes. You can often rent (electric) bikes at your hotel or holiday rental.
Visit the Vlieland lighthouse for spectacular views over the sea and the surrounding dunes.
Terschelling
Terschelling is a vibrant island known for its combination of stunning nature and cultural heritage. It is home to a lively arts scene, excellent local cuisine, and one of the Netherlands’ most famous festivals, Oerol. The island offers a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and entertainment, with vast forests, tidal flats, and beautiful cycling routes.
Where to stay on Terschelling
Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee
Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee is a wonderful place to stay on Terschelling, as a couple or with the whole family. The hotel offers deluxe rooms, suites and family suites. All decorated with care. The family suites have a fire place and most rooms and suites have a balcony overlooking the dunes or sea. The hotel also has a lovely onsite restaurant.
Landal Kaap West
Landal Kaap West is a fairly new beach resort on Terschelling and offers wonderful, fully equipped, luxury apartments right at the beach. Some apartments have a sauna and some a washingmachines, making it perfect for longer stays . The park has many facilites, such as a swimming pool and a nice restaurant.
Top things to do on Terschelling
- Explore the Boschplaat Nature Reserve: a protected area with diverse wildlife, tidal flats, and dramatic landscapes.
- Dark Sky Terschelling: the best place in The Netherlands to watch the stars.
- Take surf lessons on Terschelling as the island is one of the best places to ride some waves in The Netherlands.
Ameland
Ameland is, along with Texel, the best of the Wadden Islands for a family vacation. The island strikes a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and cultural heritage. With its expansive beaches, beautiful dunes, and cozy villages, it is a wonderful destination for families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. Ameland has a rich maritime history, which can be discovered in its museums and historic sites.
Where to stay on Ameland
Nobel Hotel Ameland
Hotel Nobel Ameland is one of the finest boutique hotels on Ameland, and maybe on all of the five Wadden Islands. With extremely comfortable and carefully designed rooms and a absolutely wonderful onsite restaurant. It’s the ultimate place to stay for a weekend getaway.
Boetiekhotel Faan
Boetiekhotel Faan is a relatively new boutique hotel in Ballum, Ameland and you will not regret staying here. The rooms are located ina beautifully converted farmhousem with the old beams and other ornaments still visible. The colourful rooms and suites are absolutely superb.
Top things to do on Ameland
Join a seal watching tour: hop on a boat trip to see playful seals basking on sandbanks in the Wadden Sea.
Visit the stunning historical villages of Ameland: Nes, Hollum and Ballum.
The Dunes of Ameland are quite spectacular and they’re part of nature reserve Het Oerd. Discover plant life and birds during a wonderful walk.
Schiermonnikoog
After you’ve stopped to try and pronounce it, you will be interested to know that Schiermonnikoog is the smallest of the inhabited Wadden Islands but boasts one of the widest beaches in Europe. The entire island is a national park, making it a paradise for nature lovers. With hardly any cars and a landscape of dunes, salt marshes, and wetlands, Schiermonnikoog is perfect for a tranquil retreat.
Where to stay on Schiermonnikoog
Landal Vitamaris
Landal Vitamaris is a very nice beach resort on Schiermonnikoog and a perfect base to discover all the island has to offer, as it’s located in the heart of Schiermonnikoog National Park within walking distance to the beach. In Landal Vitamaris you stay in stylish, fully equipped apartments suitable for 2 to 6 people.
Hotel Brasserie Brakzand
Hotel Brasserie Brakzand offers stylish, comfortable rooms in the heart of Schiermonnikoog. Take one of the hotel’s bikes to explore the island or opt for one of the hiking trails. Hotel Brasserie Brakzand has an onsite restaurant with lovely outdoor seating.
Top things to do in Schiermonnikoog
Wander the enormous beaches: with vast stretches of sand and hardly any crowds, these beaches are perfect for a peaceful retreat.
On low tide, take a walk to Engelmansplaat, a sandbank to spot a various numbers of rare birds.
- Rent a bike and cycle through Schiermonnikoog National Park. Did you know over 300 bird soecies live here?
Wadden Islands, The Netherlands
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