Terschelling Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by Menno Biesiot
Photo by Suzanne Vidal
Discover the rugged nature, culture and salty sea air on this fantastic Wadden Sea island, perfect for a relaxing holiday or weekend away.

Enjoy the space, the nature and the wide offer of activities on Terschelling. The island is perfect for long walks on the beach or bicycle tours with your partner. If you’re visiting with the whole family, you can walk the mudflats, visit a museum or take a tour in a covered wagon.

The island has a rich history. One of the island's most famous residents was William Barentsz who led a number of expeditions in the 16th century. You will see his name in a number of places on the island.

Museum 't Behouden Huys in West-Terschelling is the perfect place to learn more about the history of Terschelling and its inhabitants. And the kids will love the interactive museum. West-Terschelling is also home to the Centrum voor Natuur en Landschaap and the famous Brandaris lighthouse. This 55 metre high lighthouse is in the centre of West-Terschelling and is the oldest in the Netherlands. The interactive Wrakkenmuseum in Formerum exhibits artefacts from shipwrecks. Admission to the museum is free for people taller than 2 metres or shorter than 1 metre.

Just like the other islands, a lot of walking and fishing are done on Terschelling. Take your own bicycle with you or hire one there and explore the rugged beaches, fantastic dunes and quaint villages. Looking for a faster alternative? Cars are allowed on the island. There's also a scheduled bus service which will get you around the island.

Terschelling is easy to reach by ferry from the Friesian town of Harlingen. The crossing to West-Terschelling takes 1:45 hours. If you don't take your car or bicycle with you, you can take the fast ferry which does the crossing in 45 minutes.

Whatever you do, Terschelling has something for everyone all year round. Enjoy this beautiful Wadden Sea island, rich in both culture and nature.

WestCord Hotel Schylge
WestCord Hotel Schylge
4 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37, West-Terschelling
The price is £128 per night from 18 May to 19 May
£128
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (223 reviews)
"Friendly front desk staff, restaurant on Site and the public transport picks up right outside the hotel"

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2024

WestCord Hotel Schylge
Hotel NAP BV
Hotel NAP BV
3 out of 5
Torenstraat 55, West-Terschelling
The price is £121 per night from 5 May to 6 May
£121
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
"Top position ! Very cosy warm and friendly hotel . Like the fact lots of people drink in the bar and restaurant. Good value too!"

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2024

Hotel NAP BV
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
4 out of 5
Sportlaan 5, West-Terschelling
The price is £165 per night from 11 May to 12 May
£165
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Center for Nature and Landscape ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (84 reviews)
"+Beautiful location. Very spacious family room and patio, we'll appointed kitchen and large kitchen table. - one bathroom for 6 people, although toilet was separate from bathroom, which helped. Overall would definitely stay here again. Great option for families of 3 or more."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2019

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Great lodge with combi-microwave, near the beach
Great lodge with combi-microwave, near the beach
Hollum
Stay at this holiday home in Hollum. Enjoy balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Ameland Lighthouse and Reddingsmuseum Abraham Fock are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
Schöne Anlage
"Schone Anlage mit freundlichem Personal und schnellen Check-In Vorgang. Die Umgebung ist super. Unser Objekt wurde scheinbar länger nicht vermietet. Es war sehr staubig und nicht einwandfrei sauber. Die Betten waren alle sehr durchgelegen. Schade"

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2025

Great lodge with combi-microwave, near the beach
Logement Garjen
Logement Garjen
2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven, Harlingen, FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Location is fantastic - but you get the keys and breakfast at a different location. Building is really old but very authentic - though a bit cold in the room. Lovely breakfast though and staff were very nice."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Logement Garjen
Vacation home with garden: 4p, Franeker, Harlingen, Leeuwarden, Wadden Sea
Vacation home with garden: 4p, Franeker, Harlingen, Leeuwarden, Wadden Sea
Tzummarum, FR
Stay at this holiday home in Tzummarum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and tennis courts. Popular attractions Partycentrum Bloemketerp and Planetarium are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
Sehr schön
"Das Ferienhaus ist sehr schön und hat alles was man braucht. Der Ort selbst hat nichts zu bieten. Zum Einkaufen und nett was essen gehen, muss man ein wenig fahren."

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2024

Vacation home with garden: 4p, Franeker, Harlingen, Leeuwarden, Wadden Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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