Terschelling is bordered by the North Sea to the north and the Wadden Sea to the south. The distinctive combination of a beach ridge and the salt marshes behind it creates a diverse landscape. About 80 percent of the island consists of natural areas, including forests, beaches, dune valleys, salt marshes, polders and heathland. The polder forms an extensive, open agricultural landscape where human activity is balanced with nature conservation. It is also one of the Netherlands’ most bird-rich areas.

Nature, Birdlife and Access

In the east lies De Boschplaat, a European nature reserve with a wide beach, extensive salt marshes, significant bird populations and the Berkenvallei natural forest. The Noordsvaarder offers a different combination of landscapes: damp dune valleys, salt marshes and extensive stretches of beach. The area is an important resting, breeding and wintering habitat for birds.

Most natural areas on Terschelling are accessible almost all year round. However, parts of De Boschplaat and a breeding area near West aan Zee are closed from March through August to protect nesting birds and resting seals. If you plan to visit a natural area during this period, check local notices before choosing your route.

De Boschplaat has been a Dark Sky Park since 2015. Natural darkness is preserved there, and at night visitors can experience sights including the Milky Way. Take the seasonal closures into account when planning your visit. If you are looking for a designated route for people with physical disabilities, a 2.5-kilometre wheelchair path runs through the forest and dune area northwest of West-Terschelling. It starts at Paviljoen de Walvis and partly follows a cycle path. Check the conditions and accessibility of the route before setting out.

On Foot, by Bike or on the Water

Terschelling offers more than 200 kilometres of walking trails, as well as extensive beaches and unpaved paths. The cycle network covers 70 kilometres. If you would like a guide to the Noordsvaarder, you can join an approximately two-hour walking tour with a Staatsbosbeheer nature guide. Availability of this guided tour may vary by season.

The cycling routes each have a different focus. The approximately 40-kilometre “Sporen in het Zand” route visits historic sites and is marked with distinctive Terschellinger Stoeppalen. The 38-kilometre “Kunst en Monumenten” route starts at the harbour of West-Terschelling and links statues, memorials and artworks in the landscape with stories about the island’s culture and past. The 36-kilometre Juttersroute crosses the entire island, visiting places and small museums and sharing stories about Terschelling’s history of beachcombing and plundering.

Another themed tour is the 33-kilometre “Route van het Rode Goud”. It passes through dunes, forests and heathland where cranberries have been growing since 1868. In addition to these routes, Terschelling offers kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, riding by the water and seal-watching tours. Availability and safety conditions for activities may vary.

Lighthouse, Museums and Island History

The Brandaris is the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands still in operation; it acquired its present form in 1594. The tower itself is not open to the public. For a glimpse into maritime history, the Wrakkenmuseum displays objects recovered from historic and modern shipwrecks, as well as numerous beach finds. It is housed in an authentic Terschellinger farmhouse.

The Bunkermuseum’s exhibitions explore, among other subjects, Terschellingers who died during the Second World War, the only Jewish family to live on Terschelling, and Terschellinger forced labourers in Germany. At the 't Behouden Huys Museum, visitors can discover the studio of painter Anthon van Rappard, the story of the ship Lutine, and the stay of Willem Barentsz and his crew on Nova Zembla. The date given for the Lutine’s sinking is 9 October 1799. Opening hours at the Wrakkenmuseum and 't Behouden Huys may vary; check them before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

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

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