Schiermonnikoog between mudflats, dunes and island history

Almost the entire island of Schiermonnikoog belongs to the national park; only the village and the polder lie outside it. In a small area, mudflats, dunes, forest and the Westerplas alternate. The beach also shapes the island: it is considered the widest in Europe and is more than a kilometre wide in some places. South of Schiermonnikoog, much of the Wadden Sea floor falls dry at low tide, making the mudflats visible. The beach, tidal landscape and protected nature give your trip a variety of focal points.

Nature, beach and birdlife

Many bird species are found on Schiermonnikoog, often in large numbers; there are also no land-based predators there. Every summer, more than 200 pairs of spoonbills breed on the island, though the seasonal number can vary. Spoonbills can often be seen from the bird hides at the Westerplas. More than 500 plant species grow on the island in total. The Westerplas therefore offers a specific opportunity for birdwatching with a seasonal connection to birdlife, while the diversity of plant life provides another perspective on the island’s nature.

Routes and guided nature excursions

The 11-kilometre PolderPracht route can be covered on foot or by bicycle. It passes farms, grassland and the Wadden Sea dike. Along the route are twelve Corten steel posts, each with a bird made from the same material mounted on it. The posts provide information about local birds and measures to improve their habitats. PolderPracht thus combines a route through the polder with information about its landscape and birdlife.

Another route to the island’s highlights can also be covered on foot or by bicycle. Among other places, it passes the lighthouse, the beacon and the bird hide. The two routes have different focuses: PolderPracht is given a specific length and describes stops in the polder; the other route is characterised by its island highlights and the stops mentioned. Poems in the island’s original dialect can also be found at nine locations across the island.

Guided nature excursions are offered in every season. The programme includes birdwatching trips with binoculars provided and mudflat walks with boots provided. If you are planning such a tour, check the current programme and details of the equipment included in advance. This helps you distinguish guided activities from the trails you can explore independently on foot or by bicycle.

Culture and island history

Built in 1915, the Roman Catholic Sint-Egbert Church is a Rijksmonument of general cultural and architectural-historical importance. The Koningshuis also offers insight into Schiermonnikoog’s cultural history, with an exhibition on various aspects of the island’s past. Volunteers guide visitors through the house, tell stories and answer questions.

The Eendenkooi near Kooiplaats has been in existence since 1861. Natuurmonumenten and Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog restored it in 1989. Another part of the island’s history can be found at Schlei: the bunker village was part of the Atlantic Wall and included radar installations, barracks and anti-aircraft guns. The Bunkermuseum Schlei is housed in an authentic Seeburg bunker on the cycle path southwest of the De Marlijn beach pavilion and organises guided tours and talks. Wassermann is another Second World War bunker of the Atlantic Wall, now set up as a viewpoint.

The white Zuidertoren lighthouse stands among the dunes just outside the village. After its function as a lighthouse became redundant, it was converted into a water tower. At the Schelpenmuseum Paal 14, you can learn about the world of molluscs and unusual beach finds; check the opening hours before visiting.

Visitor information and travel

Since May 2021, Natuurmonumenten and VVV Schiermonnikoog have been housed together in the Het Baken information centre, which serves as a starting point for visiting the island. An interactive exhibition focuses on the nature of Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. Check the centre’s opening hours before your visit.

A Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten ferry runs daily between Lauwersoog and Schiermonnikoog; the crossing takes about 45 minutes. Timetables and booking rules may change, so it is a good idea to check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Schiermonnikoog, Franekeradeel, Vlieland, Súdwest Fryslân, Dantumadiel, Menaldumadeel, Wymbritseradiel, Opsterland.

For the overview of the wider region: Friesland.