Hey there! Maybe you’ve already made the Wadden Islands your go-to holiday spot, or perhaps you’ve never set foot there. Either way, we thought it was about time to shine a big, bright spotlight on this northern gem of the Netherlands. There’s just so much to experience! Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic getaway, a breezy family outing, or an active adventure, here are six reasons why the Wadden Islands should be your next vacation destination.
Check Out the Coolest Festivals
Festival season is on its way back! Time to dust off those festival outfits and fill our calendars with the coolest events across the Netherlands. But don’t just stick to the mainland for a unique festival experience; the Wadden Islands host some bucket-list-worthy events every year. Horizontoer, a sailing culture, music, and theater festival that hits all the Wadden Islands each August, is definitely worth experiencing. And you won’t want to miss Oerol on Terschelling! This international sensation transforms Terschelling into a stage for theater, dance, and music for ten days in June. Here Comes the Summer, a sister event to the well-known Into the Great Wide Open music festival, takes place in late April on Vlieland. More into food festivals? In July, a collection of food trucks gather on Texel’s beach for the Beach Food Festival.
Become One with Nature
Did you know the Wadden Islands are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list? The nature you’ll find here is unlike anything else in the Netherlands. The mix of sand, sea, and wind creates a unique feeling on the Wadden Islands. There’s so much to see and do on all the islands: endless beaches, dunes perfect for hiking, and waters warm enough for a refreshing dip in the summer. The diverse landscape is ideal for various outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and sailing. You can also try different water sports or take a yoga class on the beach. Pro tip: take a guided tour to learn all about the local wildlife.
Discover Local Hotspots
The Wadden Islands are full of hidden gems, but with a bit of searching, you’ll soon be sipping coffee among the locals! From unique beach clubs where you can lounge for hours, hip coffee shops serving the island’s best brew, to culinary lunchrooms, restaurants, and shops filled with the coolest trinkets and souvenirs, there’s so much to explore.
Visit the Texel Brewery
Texel’s own beer, served all over the island and increasingly across the rest of the Netherlands, comes from the Texel brewery. This special beer, called Skuumkoppe, has a fuller flavor than other white beers. It’s received several awards, including the title of ‘Best Bock Beer in the Netherlands’. Skuumkoppe is brewed in an old dairy factory in Oudeschild. During a brewery tour, you can see how Skuumkoppe is made and then relax on the sun-soaked terrace of the tasting room, where this dark white beer flows freely.
Enjoy the Freshest Fish at the Old Fish Market
The Old Fish Market in Oudeschild on Texel takes you back in time! Old-fashioned coziness and the artisanal quality of the past are key here. Drop by for the freshest fish, brought in weekly by the Texel fishing fleet. Besides true Texel specialties, you can also check out the free exhibition on Texel’s fishing industry, offering an interactive journey with real Texel fishermen.
Stay in a Unique Glamping Accommodation
Your visit to the Wadden Islands isn’t complete without a luxurious camping night on the beach. On Texel, Ameland, and Terschelling, you’ll find unique glamping accommodations that truly capture the island vibe. At Texel Yurts in Den Hoorn, you’ll stay in a nomad-style yurt, complete with wooden floors, sheep wool duvets, and a wood-burning stove. Embrace the simplicity and stunning views of the National Park Dunes.
Texel Yurts
In the northeast of Texel, Farmcamps farm Noorderwaard offers a unique piece of Texel yet to be discovered by tourists. Experience real farm life with all the comforts of a modern safari tent. On Terschelling in Oosterend and in Hollum on Ameland, you can also dive into the authentic farm experience. At BoerenBed De Zeekraal and BoerenBed farm Ameland, you can help out with farm duties, collect eggs, cuddle with animals, and roast marshmallows over a campfire.
So, what’s your favorite island in the Wadden Sea?
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