About Terschelling
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF THE WADDEN
The wind in your hair, the sea breeze in your nose – that’s Terschelling. Enjoy the beautifully wide beaches and take a swim in the North Sea, or cycle around the island on a rented bike. During the day, visit a museum or watch the boats arriving in the harbor. In the evening, relax on our terrace and enjoy a delicious fish dish in the restaurant.
Terschelling is the second-largest Wadden Island in the Wadden Sea and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since July 2009. The dunes of Terschelling form the largest continuous nature reserve in the Netherlands, with the unique natural area of the Boschplaat on the eastern side. The beaches are wide and perfect for endless enjoyment.
Why Terschelling is so special
The island is known for its wide sandy beaches, which in some places are up to a kilometer across. You’ll also find forests, dunes, salt marshes, and charming villages with cozy cafés, small shops, and surprising museums. The atmosphere is relaxed, and every spot on the island has its own unique charm.
Something for Everyone
Visitors to Terschelling quickly notice that there’s always something to do. You can swim, cycle, walk, and explore nature, or enjoy cultural events and festivals. The villages offer cozy terraces and charming streets full of atmosphere.
For culture lovers, there are museums and sights to discover. Sport enthusiasts can enjoy routes through forests and dunes, and those seeking peace will find plenty of quiet spots to simply relax.
For more inspiration, visit our page about activities on Terschelling, where you can discover everything that’s possible during your stay.
Cycling and Walking Through Nature
Terschelling has several natural areas best explored on foot or by bike. The Boschplaat is the most famous and was designated the first Dark Sky Park in the Netherlands in 2015. In this special area, you can experience complete darkness at night and see a starry sky like few places in the world. During the day, you can walk through vast dunes, along deserted beaches, and past some of the most beautiful salt marshes in the country.
The Boschplaat is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Around sixty-five bird species come here annually to breed or rest during migration. To give these animals enough space, part of the area is closed from March 15 to August 15. Visiting outside this period makes the experience even more special. More than four hundred plant species grow throughout the area, so every walk or bike ride offers something new to discover.
From Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee, you can explore these natural areas at your own pace. Step straight into the dunes for a walk or hop on a bike to follow a route through forests and open landscapes.