Terschelling between the Wadden Sea and island routes

The Wadden Sea, the salt marshes of the Boschplaat and the vast Noordsvaarder are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Terschelling, these natural attractions go hand in hand with island routes, cultural history and seasonal experiences.

Wadden Sea, Birdlife and Landscape

The Boschplaat is on the eastern side of Terschelling and has the status of a European nature reserve. Thousands of birds breed there every year; in spring and autumn, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds use the area as a stopover. Terschelling’s diverse natural landscape also includes expansive beaches and dunes, forests, heathland and polders. By bicycle, it takes about 15 minutes to get from the forest to the dunes and from the heath to the beach. The network includes 70 kilometres of cycle paths and 200 kilometres of unpaved walking trails.

Routes through Dunes, Forest and Coast

Those who want to explore Terschelling on the go will find routes of varying lengths. The 7-kilometre Bunker Route along the Atlantic Wall is a walking route that can also be cycled on some sections. It leads to bunkers in the dunes, bomb craters in the forest, and former radar installations and observation posts. Along the way, it passes the de Tigerstelling Bunker Museum in West-Terschelling. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.

The Art and Monuments Route is 38 kilometres long and starts at the harbour of West-Terschelling. This cycling route leads to statues, memorials and artworks in the landscape, and explores the island’s history, culture and creativity. Another cycling route runs from the cycle path near De Walvis, past the Noordsvaarder and through dunes and forest towards the North Sea beach at West aan Zee.

From the bicycle rack at marker 19, the Terschelling Boschplaat Route follows a walking and cycling path below the shifting dunes to the end of the Boschplaat. The Boschplaat is closed during the breeding season; it can then be explored by horse-drawn carriage. Check before travelling whether this option is currently available. Terschelling also has more than 100 kilometres of bridleways through heathland, forest, dunes and polders, and along the beach. Local access restrictions may vary.

Discover Island History and Culture

The Brandaris is the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands still in operation; it took its present form in 1594. In West-Terschelling, the Tonnenloods is located at the harbour, right on the Wadden Sea, about a five-minute walk from the ferry arrival terminal. The experience centre is devoted to the nature and culture of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site; exhibitions and programmes may change.

The ’t Behouden Huys Museum tells stories about Anthon van Rappard and his friendship with Vincent van Gogh, the sinking of the Lutine, and Willem Barentsz’s expedition to Nova Zembla. Since the 1990s, it has also housed two original nails and several pieces of wood; the display may change.

The Oerol Festival takes place on Terschelling every June. For about ten days, it brings together site-specific theatre, street theatre, music, visual art, storytelling and discussions. The festival stretches from east to west and from the dike to the beach; exact dates, the programme and venues may vary.

Seasonal Activities and More to Explore

The 33-kilometre Red Gold Route runs by bicycle through dunes, forests and heathland, where cranberries have grown since 1868. It passes cranberry fields, old cranberry sheds and information points about the island berry’s cultivation, harvest and processing. The Terschelling culinary cycling tour offers opportunities to pick fruit and sample oysters in the Wadden Sea in late summer and autumn. The cranberry harvest opens in October; check the specific arrangements before your trip. Oerol in June and the seasonal harvest activities therefore offer different highlights at different times of the year.

Terschelling has suitable spots for kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Providers, conditions and course options may vary depending on the season. The De Dôbe family swimming pool is located in the forest of West-Terschelling and features, among other things, a slide, a whirlpool and the Lytse Dôbe children’s pool. Check the latest information about facilities and opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: West-Terschelling, Lies, Midsland, Hoorn Terschelling, Baaiduinen, Formerum, Oosterend Terschelling, Terschelling, Kinnum.

For the overview of the wider region: Friesland.