Vlieland
The car-free neighbouring island, with Tromp's Huys and the Vuurduin.
Route by public transport ↗
An island of seafarers, cranberries and theatre.
Terschelling is the island of Willem Barentsz and the Brandaris, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands. Beyond the harbour of West-Terschelling lies an island of dunes, polders and small villages. Every year it also draws theatre makers and nature lovers.
Arrive by boat and the first thing you see is the Brandaris rising above the roofs of West-Terschelling. Just behind it is the 't Behouden Huys museum, set in seventeenth-century whaling commanders' houses. It tells the story of Barentsz and of an island that lived off the sea. At the Centre for Nature and Landscape you learn how dunes and mudflats are formed. West-Terschelling is easy on foot, and by bike you can ride on to Midsland and the Boschplaat. Start at the museum, cycle past the cranberry fields and end by the harbour.
How to get to Terschelling. Always check current sailing times with the ferry company.
One day, four moments. How to get the most out of your visit.
Six places to complete your museum day.
A local history museum in commanders' houses from 1688. It covers whaling, beachcombing, island life and Barentsz's voyage to Nova Zembla.
The oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands, still in service. You cannot go inside, but it is your landmark wherever you are in the village.
A nature museum with aquariums and displays on dunes, salt marshes and the Wadden Sea. A good start before you set off by bike.
The large nature reserve on the eastern tip, with salt marshes, dunes and plenty of birds. Walk or cycle to its edge.
Cycle past the dune valleys and fields where cranberries grow, descended from a barrel that once washed ashore. Taste them afterwards in jam, juice or cake.
Every June the Oerol theatre festival plays on the beach, in the dunes and in barns all over the island.
Terschelling is long, and each part has its own feel. Combine the villages with a trip to Vlieland or a day in Harlingen.
The car-free neighbouring island, with Tromp's Huys and the Vuurduin.
Route by public transport ↗An old harbour town with canals and warehouses, where the ferry leaves.
Route by public transport ↗The easternmost village, on the edge of the Boschplaat.
Route by public transport ↗Travel times are indicative. Live times on 9292.nl ↗.
Terschelling has hotels, guesthouses, holiday homes and campsites for every budget. Buses link the villages, but a bike is the easiest way to get around: you can hire one at the harbour. In summer and during Oerol, book your boat and bed well ahead. In the evening you stroll along the harbour while the Brandaris sweeps its light across the water.
Restaurants, shops and hotels near the museums, picked for museum visitors.