Kinnum lies on the southern sand ridge of Terschelling. The route descriptions use different points of reference: one leads through Kinnum, while another turns off shortly before the village. Other route descriptions mention polders, dunes, dune valleys and the North Sea. When planning, it is worth keeping these details separate rather than combining them into a single walk. Instead, choose based on whether you are interested in the route through the village, changing surfaces, wide grassy paths, or a stop with a farm shop and exhibition.

Kinnum on the southern sand ridge

The sand ridge is a distinctive geographical reference point for Kinnum. The walking route descriptions add different route and landscape features to this picture: sometimes polders and dunes, sometimes the beach and different path surfaces, and sometimes views from the grassy path. These details can help you choose a tour based on its described character without combining different routes into a single itinerary.

A name that dates back to 922

The name Kinnum is already documented in a charter from 922, issued by the Frankish king Charles the Simple. This links the place name to a specific historical record, with the charter and its year of issue as reference points. For visitors, this early record adds a historical perspective to the present-day landmark of the sand ridge: Kinnum is not just a name on the route, but also the subject of a written mention dating back many centuries.

Boerderij Gèskieker and the exhibition

The “Polder Pracht” route leads to Boerderij Gèskieker and its farm shop at Kinnum 1. It also lists the free exhibition “Het Terschellinger Boerenland: een weidevogelparadijs” as open to visitors. Its title links Terschelling’s farmland with the subject of meadow birds. This route description therefore leads to a specific place to visit, rather than simply describing a landscape or route. If you want to make the farm shop or exhibition part of your plans, check in advance whether a visit is possible on your chosen date.

Walking routes with different features

The “Struinen en jutten” route goes through Kinnum, where it turns right at a three-way junction. It continues through polders, dunes and dune valleys to the North Sea. The surfaces are also described in detail: beach and paved paths are followed by unpaved sections of sand, shells and grass. If you are planning this walk, expect changing surfaces. Also check the route status before setting out.

The “Trage Tocht Terschelling Midsland” walk passes through the hamlet of Kinnum and by three still-operating farms. The wide grassy paths offer views of the Wadden Sea dyke and the edge of the dunes. Its description thus highlights different features from “Struinen en jutten”: that route is noted in particular for its varied surfaces and its course to the North Sea, while “Trage Tocht” focuses on grassy paths, views and the three farms along the way. Check the latest route file before setting out.

Another point of reference is “Midsland polder, duinen en strand”: this route turns off shortly before the village of Kinnum. This differs from the route described for “Struinen en jutten”, which explicitly goes through Kinnum. When choosing between the routes, you can first consider their course, then the landscapes and path surfaces described. The details apply to each route individually; they do not form a combined tour.

A legend from Terschelling

The storytelling tradition of Terschelling includes the legend of the Stryper Wyfke, which tells of the saviour of Terschelling. It adds a cultural story of the island to the historical and landscape-related themes. The legend is a distinct topic alongside the routes described and the place name Kinnum.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Terschelling.