Terschelling Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach hut with a flagpole and a sunset in the background.
A sunset over a calm harbor with boats and a wooden dock.
A beach with a concrete walkway leading to the shore, a flag, and the ocean in the background.
A beach with people and dunes.

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

4.5 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37 West-Terschelling
The price is £120 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
£120
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"Very good breakfast, spacious room. The traffic noise can be quite loud if the window is open (there's no air conditioning) but otherwise it's very quiet. Secure cycle parking if hiring a bike."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2026

WestCord Hotel Schylge
Hotel Bornholm

Hotel Bornholm

Hoofdweg 6 West-Terschelling
The price is £124 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
£124
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (173 reviews)
"Excellent hotel, new, good restaurant, nice terrasses. A bit far from village but an easy and pleasant walk (if the weather is nice of course). Airco in the room (64) was not functioning well, other room was OK."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2022

Hotel Bornholm
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
The price is £183 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
£183
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Brandaris Lighthouse and Museum 't ...
9/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"Very comfortable place to stay. This was my 3rd stay there in as many years. The apartment style units, with kitchen, spacious family room and separate bedrooms makes it a great option for traveling with family. Staff is very helpful and the breakfast buffet is worth including."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2026

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.
Skylge 4p - Two Bedroom Apartment, Sleeps 4

Skylge 4p - Two Bedroom Apartment, Sleeps 4

Midsland
Stay at this apartment in Midsland. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Brandaris Lighthouse and De Boschplaat are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Very nice, clean, and comfortable space for our group of three."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2026

Skylge 4p - Two Bedroom Apartment, Sleeps 4
Vakantiepark In Style

Vakantiepark In Style

5 Gralda Menaldum FR
Stay at this chalet in Menaldum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Popta Slot and Partycentrum Bloemketerp are located ...
Vakantiepark In Style
5-Star Park Texel

5-Star Park Texel

De Cocksdorp NH
Stay at this chalet in De Cocksdorp. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Texelse Golf and Vuurtorenweg Texel Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very good! (34 reviews)
"Außendusche faktisch nicht benutzbar. Sehr warm im Sommer. Viele Fliegen & Mücken."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026

5-Star Park Texel
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.

Stay near popular Terschelling Island attractions

Cities near Terschelling Island