Midsland: History and Traditional Events

Midsland combines a tangible village history with traditional events. Explore the historic area around the Meslânzer Kerk on foot. Midsland also hosts a traditional horse race and a traditional evening market. During ring jousting, riders on horseback and in carriages spear rings. If you are looking for a hotel in Midsland, these differences can help with your travel planning: decide whether you want to focus primarily on historic sites, a particular type of event, or both. If an event is a deciding factor in your trip, check the current dates before booking.

Around the Village on Foot and by Bike

There are designated bicycle parking areas in Midsland. However, a clear rule applies on the village streets: they may only be used on foot; cyclists must dismount and watch out for pedestrians. Pay attention to local signs when you arrive. Municipal information about the parking areas may be updated; check the notices if you plan to use a particular parking area.

Village History Around the Meslânzer Kerk

The area around the Meslânzer Kerk has a rich history and can be explored on foot. One specific point of interest is the bell dating from 1512, which belongs to the Meslânzer Kerk and is once again in Midsland. It was previously in Schagen; its return connects a single object with the history of the village. Midsland is also home to numerous Rijksmonumenten. Historical interest therefore ranges from the church area, which can be explored on foot, to the history of the bell and the many listed monuments in the village.

Horse Racing, Ring Jousting, and Evening Market

Sint Jan's Draverij is a traditional horse race in Midsland. Riders trot without saddles along the sand-covered Oosterburen. During ring jousting, riders on horseback and in carriages spear rings; the event is organized by the Terschellinger paardenhoudersvereniging Et Hossefolk. Both events involve horses, but their formats differ: one features unsaddled trotting, the other ring jousting with carriages.

The traditional Midwintermarkt Midsland offers a different format: it is a lively evening market in Oosterburen. The program includes stalls, food and drink, music, folk dancing, and other activities. This sets the market apart from the equestrian events: the focus is on the market and its evening program. The three formats offer different points of reference for planning your trip, depending on whether you are interested in horse racing, ring jousting, or a market.

Midsland in Terschelling’s Landscape

Beyond the topics directly related to Midsland, there is another way to experience Terschelling. The “Midsland polder, duinen en strand” route passes through the island’s polders. The so-called “zandopduikingen” are considered the oldest dunes on Terschelling. These landscapes add an island-wide perspective to the village’s history: while the church area, the bell, and the events are connected with Midsland, here the focus is on polders and dunes. This can help you choose between village history, event interests, and landscape themes when planning your trip.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Terschelling.