Netherlands

Dune Park, Marine Animal Shelter and Sheep Farm

Day 1. Texel

Texel is the largest and most populated island in the Frisian archipelago and the ideal destination for a complete vacation. The main thing here is the absolute calm and unhurried atmosphere. If you manage to feel it, you will most likely want to come back here more than once. The towns of De Koog and Den Burg are tourist spots of the island, which became overgrown with hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, pharmacies, and even a small cinema, however it is picturesque surroundings pose major attractions of Texel.

The Keijser family has been growing asparagus on the island for 25 years. Farmers claim that Texel asparagus is the most delicious! You can buy vegetables and try asparagus dishes at the Keijser farm shop. Be careful, the shop is open only during the asparagus season, from mid-April to the third week of June.

Keijser A.J. en Keijser Boon M. Farm

Long live the island kitchen! The Eilandkeuken team regularly updates the menu and adds new seasonal products. Fish and oysters caught in the morning in the North Sea, lamb, beef, vegetables, herbs and fruits from Texel's small farms are cooked here. In spring and summer, be sure to order dishes with Texel "white gold", asparagus.

Eilandkeuken

The gastronomy at Freya Bistro is hearty and understandable. Chefs prefer seafood: shellfish and fish, as well as lamb and veal. Desserts are decorated with fresh berries from the local farm: strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Freya

Wezenspyk family farm is a real cheese kingdom. More than 30 types of cheeses are handmade from goat, sheep and cow's milk with leeks, peppers, cumin, jalapenos and even beer.

Wezenspyk Farm

Local beer is the pride of the island. The drink really has an unusual taste, and many Dutch modestly call it “the best beer in the world”. At Texel Brewery, you can see the brewing process and taste the best brands.

Texel Brewery

If you like sweet strawberries and blueberries, fresh tomatoes, walnuts and aromatic herbs like mint, you should definitely visit De Zelfpluktuin Farm. Berries, vegetables and fruits can be eaten directly from the garden, and you only need to pay for the fruits collected in the basket. The farm is open from 01 May until 1 November.

De Zelfpluktuin Farm

Texel

The lighthouse of 1864 is the unofficial symbol of Texel, which light saved ships in one of the most dangerous places in the Frisian archipelago, the lands of Eierland. The lighthouse is a witness to important events in the fate of the island, about which tourists will be told by the historical exposition. And for everyone who loves beautiful views, we recommend going up to the observation deck at the top of the lighthouse.

Texel Lighthouse

The park occupies a third of the island Here you can ride a bike and watch birds during the seasonal migration. Convenient signs with useful information and signs are placed throughout the park, so it is impossible to get lost.

Dunes of Texel National Park

The Texel Beach does not lose its popularity even in cool weather, when it is nice to wander on the soft sand, and then dine in the beach pavilion overlooking the sea. Tourists from the mainland rent bungalows on the beach for the whole weekend. Here you can fly kites, cut the waves on the board, play volleyball and meet the marvelous northern sunrises and sunsets. The final scene from the movie "Knockin' on Heaven’s Door" was filmed on the shore, and the same spot can be found on the trail at paal 22 near the town of De Koog.

Texel Beach

The marine center will introduce guests to the inhabitants of the North and the Wadden Seas. Ecomare also has a shelter for sick or injured birds, porpoises, seals and fur seals.

Ecomare Marine Center

The farm is a must-visit for animal lovers! Guests will help farmers feed the inhabitants and see how newborn lambs are taken care of and already mature sheep are shaved. The farm shop sells sheep cheese and animal wool clothing. We advise you to look at the information on the events on the website in advance, because sheep also have their own daily routine, which farmers have great respect for.

Sheep Farm

Nestled among emerald fields, Boutique Hotel Texel offers cozy, eco-designed rooms, a spa and restaurants where guests can try dishes of local products, delivered from the North and Wadden Seas, farm vegetables and cheeses.

Boutique Hotel Texel

Guests of De Koog stay in cottages on the pure white coast of the North Sea. Travelers check into comfortable luxury apartments within walking distance of the coast, forest and dune park. Hampton home guests have at their disposal a cozy seating area and a kitchenette.

Hampton home B&B suites

The hotel in the heart of Den Burg has been welcoming guests since 1895 and still retains the charm and atmosphere of the past. The pioneer of the hotel business in the town is famous for its comfortable rooms in a modern style, a bar and an authentic restaurant located in a 17th century building.

Hotel De Lindeboom

The island&#39;s capital and sandy desert on the Wadden Sea

Day 2. Vlieland

On Vlieland you feel truly free. There are a little more than a thousand local residents, and tourists prefer the neighboring Texel more. Vlieland is the greenest of all the islands. For twenty years, from 1920 to 1940, pine and leaf woods were planted here to stop the movement of sand. Green pastures stretch to the south and east of the island, while the north and west are home to the long beaches of the North Sea.

At the brewery, craft lager and ale are aged in barrels using different types of malt, hops and fruits. The secret ingredient of beer in Vlieland is dune water, which is obtained by pumping and purifying rainwater from the dunes. The water is saturated with gas and drunk with syrups or added to cocktails.

Brouwerij Vlieland

The Zuiver restaurant's feature is a five-course surprise menu. The waiters will help you choose wines that perfectly complement the meal. Zuiver cooks create interesting gastronomic compositions from meat and seafood: oysters, cod, scallops, tuna and sea bass.

Zuiver

Vlieland

Tourists arriving by ferry are greeted by the statue of Willem de Vlamingh, a navigator, explorer of Australia and a native of Oost-Vlieland. The local history museum will tell about the life and adventures of this great islander.

Statue of Willem de Vlamingh

Tromp's Huys is a local history museum of shipping, which occupies the oldest building on the island, dating back to the 16th century. Tourists will hear the sad story of the frigate "La Lutine", which was shipwrecked off the coast of Vlieland in 1799. Rumor has it that the wealth of "La Lutine" still rests at the bottom of the sea. The museum houses a collection of ship models, nautical charts and silverware, as well as a permanent exhibition, dedicated to the island and its famous inhabitants.  The walls of the museum are decorated with paintings by the Norwegian artist Betzy Akersloot-Berg, who lived in this house from 1896 to 1922.

Tromp's Huys Museum

The St. Nicholas Church of the 17th century is the center of the spiritual life of Vlieland. For 30 years, atmospheric candlelight concerts of classical music have been held here. You can book tickets in advance on the official website of the church or buy them before the concert.

St. Nicholas Church

The lighthouse is known for its gorgeous panorama of the city and the Wadden Bay. The tower was built on a huge dune, the height of which reaches 40 meters. The lighthouse was figuratively named "Vuurduin", which is translated from Dutch as "dune of fire".

The Vlieland Lighthouse

A house in the dunes served as a rescue hut, where the ship's crew could find food, dry clothes, and soon even a walkie-talkie. Today there is a museum of gizmos from marine use. The hut was nicknamed Drenkelingenhuisje, which means "the house of the drowned." Despite the gloomy name, tourist groups constantly come here, from regular museum visits to school trips with gatherings around the fire and wedding photoshoots. Drenkelingenhuisje was built in an unusual place, the giant sandy desert of Vliehors, which the locals nicknamed the Northern Sahara.

Drenkelingenhuisje Museum

The sound of the sea is a faithful companion of WestCord Strandhotel Seeduyn guests, which occupies the first line on the snow-white coast. If the weather in the Frisian Islands is not ideal for a beach holiday, play tennis, go horseback riding, use the gym or enjoy seasonal dishes at the hotel's restaurant.

WestCord Strandhotel Seeduyn

Vlierijck Hotel is suitable for families or large groups of people, as the apartments can accommodate from two to six people. After a busy day, indulge in some relaxation in a wellness complex with a hot tub, a swimming pool, a Finnish sauna and a steam room.

Vlierijck

Marine life&nbsp;and World War II bunkers

Day 3. Terschelling

Terschelling is the sandy border between the North and the Wadden Seas. The island is famous for its legendary native sailor Willem Barentsz, moors and seals that lazily rest on the shore. Spectacular festivals, such as a large-scale cultural event, the Oerol Theater, the summer yoga festival, the Rock&#39;n&#39;Roll Fest and the Berenloop Terschelling Marathon&nbsp;brought no less fame to the island.

Pura Vida Foodbar welcomes you with trendy bowls, salmon sashimi, pita with hummus and vegetables and other hits from street food and international cuisine. Restaurateur Yorick Mulder opened the food bar as a universal place to meet friends, have breakfast with banana pancakes, snack on homemade delicacies: vegan chocolate truffles, coconut macaroons and cereal bars.

Pura Vida Foodbar

Hans & Grietje is the oldest pancake house on the island and a paradise for pancake lovers, where the dish is baked in various variations: pan pollo caprese with chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes and pesto, pancakes with cranberries and apples and hearty pancakes with ham, bacon, cheese and mushrooms, and many more sweet, salty, classic and original pancakes.

Pannenkoekenhuis Hans & Grietje

Passie Café delights guests with mouth-watering hamburgers, fruit cakes and a variety of sandwiches. Try the famous cranberry treats: aromatic tea, juice, cranberry ice cream and goat cheese buns with cranberry tapenade.

Passie!

Terschelling

Geography enthusiasts should definitely check out the Nature and Landscape Center, which has a museum and an aquarium.

Nature and Landscape Center

The oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands rises above the sand dunes of Terschelling, the light of which has accompanied ships since 1594. At the beginning of the last century, the Brandaris lighthouse was the first in the country to switch to electric lighting. The tower owes its name to Saint Brendan, the patron saint of sailors and travelers.

Brandaris Lighthouse

Groenestrand, the island's largest beach, stretches on the west coast. In 1993, the shore was decorated with a bronze statue in memory of all the inhabitants of Terschelling, who died at sea.

Groene Beach

During World War II, the German Tiger radio detection system was based on Terschelling,  which was used to track British aircrafts. Today, the complex of hundreds of bunkers has been converted into a local history museum. You can take a look at all the shelters, and even visit some of them.

Bunker Museum

Surrounded by sand dunes, the hotel resembles an oasis in the desert. Remoteness does not interfere with the service and comfort that welcomes guests in every room. Standard, deluxe and family rooms are available for tourists. Rent a bike and explore the protected areas that the island is famous for.

Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee

Oerd Protected Areas and Ameland Beach

Day 4. Ameland

The island of Ameland comes from another era, where they believe in legends and live in harmony with nature on the shores of two seas. The villages of Hollum, Buren, Ballum and Nes are built up with old-fashioned houses, which inhabitants do not seek to change the way of life of their ancestors to please modern fashion. Green meadows, kilometers of country roads and wild beaches in the Oerd nature reserve are all different, but no less curious and picturesque Netherlands.

The restaurant Het Witte Paard bears the name of the ship, which in 1734 sailed from the pier in Ameland to the shores of Greenland. Unlike brave sailors, guests of Het Witte Paard go on a gastronomic journey from an aperitif in the form of smoked lamb with pistachios and sea buckthorn oil to freshly caught fish, steak under port wine sauce and aromatic chocolate mousse with orange and bergamot.

Het Witte Paard

Like on Texel, the people of Ameland brew their own beer. The local brewery offers nine varieties, from light light drinks to full-bodied dark beers, which will warm you up on a rainy day.

Ameland Brewery

Nobel Restaurant serves local beef, lamb, fish and farm cheese, such as tournedos with mushrooms and onions, thinly sliced fish fillets or scallop ceviche. Don't forget to check out the wine list, which contains high-quality wines from the Whispering Angel rosé, Ripasso, Bernardus Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and Coutier collections. We recommend booking a table on an open terrace.

Nobel

The cozy cafe is named after the kind Aunt Antje, a native of Ameland, whom Hollum residents remember with warmth. Restaurant's menu is domestically hearty and is made with love for the environment and guests. Warm up with Ameland sausage and leek soup, snack on a carpaccio with pesto, pine nuts and cheese, and for dessert treat yourself to a natural smoothie, homemade sponge cake and sea buckthorn ice cream sorbet. The café offers gluten-free and lactose-free and vegan options.

Eeterij Tante A'n

Ameland

A whimsical monument in Buren was erected in honor of the heroine of local folklore, the witch Rixt, who lived in the town of Oerd in the east of the island. At night, a woman tied a lantern to a cow, the light of which seemed to be a beacon in the darkness of the night. The ships crashed on the shore, and Rixt collected the riches thrown on the coast, until one such day a woman found her son, who had gone to sea a long time ago, among the wreckage. Desperate, she died immediately. The waves carried the bodies of Rixt and her son into the abyss, and the legend of the poor witch roamed from mouth to mouth and turned into a children's story.

Monument of Rixt

Flocks of harriers, gulls, meadow pipits and other birds live in the reserve on the sand dunes. For tourists, there are observation platforms, bicycle parking and paths. Rumor has it that the cry of the poor witch Rixt is still heard in these parts.

Oerd Nature Reserve

The striped Bornreef lighthouse on the western tip of the island was built in 1880 by order of King William III. The construction was supervised by the architect Quirinus Johan Harder, who also designed the lighthouse on Vlieland. The 236-step climb to the Bornrif summit is offset by the photogenic views of the fields and coastline.

Bornriff Lighthouse

The beaches of Ameland are 27 kilometers of clean dunes and the refreshing North Sea. There is nothing better than relaxing on the shore after a bike ride through the reserve. Hollum's beach is equipped with a parking lot and a bicycle station, guests can enjoy fish dishes at a local restaurant, or take a walk along the shore or in the pine forest.

Hollum Ameland Beach

Nobel is a family-run hotel where every guest is treated like an old friend. Furnished rooms are filled with home comfort, and in the restaurant, guests are treated to the signature Nobeltje Liqueur, which was invented by the current owner's great-grandfather at the beginning of the last century. Fans of unusual housing will be pleased with the suites, which are located in the halls of the former church.

In the heart of Ameland, travelers check into the stylish Van Heeckeren Hotel, which offers six types of accommodation from classic rooms with designer interiors to family deluxe and luxurious rooms with hot tubs and private terraces.

Van Heeckeren Hotel

The island of two lighthouses and the sea coast

Day 5. Schiermonnikoog

Tiny and restless, Schiermonnikoog shifts southeast by 2.5 meters annually. Researchers believe that in the 13th century the island was located two kilometers to the north. Colonies of herons, eaters, blackthroats, barn owls, kestrels and variegated terns nest in the ornithological reserve. The unique feature, coupled with its virgin nature, a range of reefs and islets in the water area make Schiermonnikoog an amazing location for ecotourism.

Ambrosijn's culinary repertoire includes classic European dishes and delicacies from the Frisian coast: fish soup with crab and fish from the North Sea, oysters or cod with couscous and vegetables. Combine your meal with a glass of house wine or organic beer.

Ambrosijn

On a sunny afternoon, dine on the terrace of Havenpaviljoen Wad Anderz at the pier. The menu reveals the flavors and aromas of the Netherlands. Try the garlic rosemary cheese fondue, beef stew pie, and fresh goat cheese salad served with fragrant spelled bread.

Havenpaviljoen Wad Anderz

Schiermonnikoog

The 19th century Protestant church Got Tjark stands in the heart of the village. The temple was erected on the site of a destroyed church. In the local dialect, the name of the church is translated as "Big Church". The Protestant community of the island gathers here and organ concerts are held.

Got Tjark Chuch

Translated from Dutch, the name of the lighthouse "Zuidertoren" means "south tower". The lighthouse was erected in 1853 right in the village. The tower was no longer used because another lighthouse in the north of the island was switched to electric light at the beginning of the last century. The Zuidertoren lighthouse served as a water tower until it fell into disrepair by the early 1990s. Only in 2018, the tower was restored and opened to tourists as a historical monument.

White Lighthouse Zuidertoren

Catholics on the island are proud of their own Roman Catholic St. Egbert's Chapel. The monk Egbert was born and raised in Northumbria, and according to legend, he wanted to convert the Frisian pagans to Christianity. The church was erected in 1915 and later recognized as a national monument.

St. Egbert's Chapel

A red lighthouse, nicknamed Noordertoren or "north tower", appeared on the coast of Schiermonnikoog in 1853. Weather reports are transmitted from the operating lighthouse, so the tower is closed to the public, but you can walk around and take photos.

The Noordertoren Lighthouse

The coast of Schiermonnikoog is surrounded by a border of white sand and clear sea. Go down to Westerstrand Beach, where a surf school and a sports center are open for tourists; beach volleyball, rafting, kiting lessons, archery and other entertainment are organized.

Western Beach

Hotel De4dames invites tourists to spend their holidays in bright rooms with modern European design, and then go down to a cozy bar, where guests are expected to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and cellars keep 100 types of wine, rum, whiskey and beer.

De4dames

Experience the laid-back life of the Dutch countryside while relaxing on the sun-drenched terrace or sitting at the oak tables of the Duinzicht's restaurant. Guests have at their disposal comfortable rooms, saunas and conference rooms.

Duinzicht

The West Frisian Islands are the land, where the water surface merges with the sky, and the inhabitants have been conquering the harsh sea and taming the growing dunes for centuries. The archipelago is bordered by a natural wonder, the Wadden Sea, which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The inhabited islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog are favorite holiday destinations for the Dutch themselves. Here&#39;s what you can do here.

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