From Leeuwarden to the Wadden getting a breath of fresh air

If you really want to unwind, head to Vlieland. You can reach this small but oh-so-lovely island via Harlingen (25 minutes by train from Leeuwarden), where Rederij Doeksen will take you to the island in just under two hours. Of the Frisian Wadden Islands, this boat crossing takes the longest, but it is more than worth the journey.

The ferry docks in Oost-Vlieland, where you immediately find yourself in the middle of the village. Picturesque houses alternate with cosy cafés, an old-fashioned sweet shop, bike rental and charming hotels. In addition to the hotels in the village, there are also two campsites: family and youth campsite Stortemelk, and nature campsite Lange Paal. Anyone looking for West-Vlieland may search for a long time: due to changing sea currents and heavy storm surges, large parts of land have been washed away. West-Vlieland therefore disappeared into the sea in 1736. Due to sand drifts, Oost-Vlieland also threatened to be buried under the sand. To stop the retreat of the coastline, Rijkswaterstaat built fifty groynes between 1854 and 1885. Around 1870, Rijkswaterstaat also started planting marram grass to prevent drifting sand. In 1903, the first forests were planted, advised by Staatsbosbeheer (the Forestry Commission). In this way, you can also enjoy a lovely walk into the woods from Oost-Vlieland. Due to sand drifts, Oost-Vlieland was at risk of disappearing under the sand. To stop the retreat of the coastline, Rijkswaterstaat constructed fifty groynes between 1854 and 1885. Around 1870, Rijkswaterstaat also started planting marram grass to prevent drifting sand. In 1903, the first forests were planted, advised by Staatsbosbeheer. So from Oost-Vlieland, you can also enjoy a lovely walk into the woods.

Vlieland has a modern marina, where you can moor your boat. Various excursions can be arranged, beautiful cycling trips can be made through vast dune landscapes, and cosy evenings can be enjoyed in the village.

Terschelling is a large and diverse island, which can be reached via Harlingen (25 minutes by train from Leeuwarden) with a boat crossing by Rederij Doeksen. Unlike neighbouring island Vlieland, Terschelling has several villages: West-Terschelling, Midsland, Formerum and Hoorn are a few of them. Nice Airbnbs, hotels and campsites alternate, local cafés and restaurants give you a warm welcome, and you can dance into the early hours in the pubs! Going on your first holiday with friends? Then of course you go to one of the lively youth campsites! De Appelhof is filled every summer with small tents full of (slightly hungover ;-)) teenagers. Terschelling is also known for its fun activities! Think for example of the Oerol arts and theatre festival, the Fjoertoer walk and the Berenloop run.

At the beginning of the last century, the dunes were largely bare: every storm could change the face of the island. In 1910, Staatsbosbeheer (the Forestry Commission) was given responsibility for managing the dunes, with the main task of stabilising the sand and dunes. Pine forests were planted, dunes were drained, and valleys reclaimed. On Terschelling, you can enjoy walking and cycling through the cool and shady forests and vast dune landscapes.

On the eastern side of Terschelling, you’ll find the Boschplaat. The Boschplaat is a special area with the status of European Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find a wide beach full of large groups of birds and occasionally a seal, a vast salt marsh area along the Wadden Sea, and in summer purple fields of sea lavender. This is also where the largest natural forest of the Wadden Islands has emerged: the Berkenvallei. In 2015, the Boschplaat became the first place in the Netherlands to be awarded the title of Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). It is so dark here that you can see the Milky Way – and sometimes even the Northern Lights.

Ameland is an old island; people already lived here in the eighth century. Back then, the island was much larger than it is now – over time, the sea has washed away many parts of
the island. Just like on Vlieland, entire villages have disappeared into the sea, such as Sier and Oerd. Around 1800, all that remained were three dune arches: small islets behind which
villages were located. By connecting them with dikes, the current Ameland was created.

The four picturesque villages – Hollum, Ballum, Nes and Buren – are filled with characteristic commanders' houses, monuments, and hospitality venues. In addition, there are fantastic
hiking trails, cycling routes, nature areas, salt marshes and polders where thousands of birds have found their home. Many kilometres of North Sea beach (27, to be exact) are the perfect
place to get some fresh air and clear your mind. And did you know Ameland has 90 kilometres of cycle paths? That makes the island a favourite among nature lovers.

In just over 45 minutes, you can travel from Holwert (reachable by bus from Leeuwarden) to Ameland with Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten. There is also a fast service that takes only 20
minutes. This makes Ameland the perfect island for a day trip from Leeuwarden!

Schiermonnikoog owes its name to the medieval Cistercian monks and their grey robes. Schier means grey and oog means island. The island is a Nationaal Park in its entirety; that’s why you leave your car on the mainland and come enjoy the cycling and walking paths. Schiermonnikoog has two lighthouses, only a kilometre apart. The bright red Noordertoren is a historic lighthouse that has been guarding the coastline since 1853. The bright white Zuidertoren was also built in 1853 and has served not only as a lighthouse, but also as a water tower and a KPN transmission mast.

Schiermonnikoog is not only an island and a national park, but also a municipality. It is the smallest municipality in terms of population and the one with the lowest population density in the Netherlands. The highest number of officially registered inhabitants on Schiermonnikoog was in the year 1878, when the island had 1,117 residents.

Schiermonnikoog, like Vlieland, has only one village – which is also called Schiermonnikoog. Locals refer to the village as Aisterbun, which means Oosterburen (eastern neighbours). Aisterbun was established in 1719 after the original village of Westerburen (western neighbours) gradually disappeared into the sea.

Anyone who has ever been to Schiermonnikoog likely knows the calm atmosphere that surrounds the place. It’s a beautiful island where you can truly unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Leeuwarden is the perfect base for a day or weekend trip to one of the Frisian Wadden Islands. From Leeuwarden Central Station, the ferry terminals are easy to reach. Heading to
Vlieland or Terschelling? Then take the train to Harlingen Haven. The journey takes about 25 minutes. From Harlingen Haven station, it’s a three-minute walk to the Rederij Doeksen
terminal. You can also park your car for long stays near the ferry port in designated areas. Cars are not allowed on Vlieland, but you can take your car to Terschelling – for this, you
need a special ferry ticket.

Going to Ameland? Then take the bus from Leeuwarden Central Station. Qbuzz line 66 goes directly to the Veerdam Holwerd bus stop. This bus ride takes about 40 minutes, and you get
off at the terminal. The Wagenborg Passenger Services terminal is also easy to reach by car, with both short- and long-term parking options available. Cars are also welcome on
Ameland, though you’ll need a special ferry ticket. Want to drive to the ferry port? There are special parking areas with shuttle buses available.

Heading to Schiermonnikoog? Then take the bus from Leeuwarden Central Station. Qbuzz line 51 goes directly to the Veerhaven Lauwersoog bus stop. This ride takes about an hour
and fifteen minutes. The Wagenborg Passenger Services terminal is within walking distance of the bus stop. Parking is also available near the ferry port in designated areas. Cars are
not allowed on Schiermonnikoog, as it is a National Park.

You can find accurate public transport information to the ferry terminals on the 9292 website.