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EVENT ON TERSCHELLING
Fjoertoer Terschelling: walk through the dark along fire and light
Picture yourself heading out into the early evening, straight into the twilight, with hundreds of little lights and flames guiding you through the polder, the woods, the dunes and across the beach. That is the Fjoertoer, the remarkable evening walking event on Terschelling. In this blog you will learn exactly what the Fjoertoer is, which distances you can choose and how to arrange your island stay the smart way.
What exactly is the Fjoertoer?
The Fjoertoer is a unique walking and Nordic walking event that takes place every spring on Terschelling. You set off in the early evening and walk literally into the night. Along the way, island artists create surprising fire, light and sound effects that guide you through the darkness. And of course the familiar campfires burn along the route, offering warmth and light. You finish at the island's most famous beacon: the Brandaris lighthouse.
Where does the name Fjoertoer come from?
The name refers to the Terschelling lighthouse. Islanders have called their Brandaris 'Toer' for centuries. In the old days, the fire on the tower warned ships at sea. Fjoer is the Frisian word for fire, and that is how the Fjoertoer got its name: a walk along beacons of fire on the way to the Brandaris.
When does the Fjoertoer take place?
The Fjoertoer traditionally marks the start of the tourist season on Terschelling, so it’s the perfect moment to discover the island.
- Fjoertoer · Saturday 20 March
- Lytse Fjoertoer · Friday evening 19 March
- Fjoertoer · Saturday 24 March
- Lytse Fjoertoer · Friday evening 23 March
The routes: 12, 17 or 22 kilometres
You choose the distance that suits you. There are three routes of 12, 17 and 22 kilometres. The 12 kilometre route does not go across the beach, which makes it a little more accessible. The two longer distances do take you across the wide North Sea beach, which makes the walk extra special. All distances start in the Oosterburen in Midsland and finish in West, right by the Brandaris.
Bear in mind that the paths are not paved everywhere and that you walk a considerable stretch across the sand. If walking is difficult for you, the Fjoertoer may be less suitable.
The Lytse Fjoertoer for children
Coming to Terschelling with the family? Then there is the Lytse Fjoertoer, made especially for children and their (grand)parents. This shorter 6 kilometre version takes place on the Friday evening before the main Fjoertoer. That way the youngest generation gets to experience the magic of walking along fire and light too.
Practical: registration and getting to the island
1
Register in time
You register via the official Fjoertoer website. Registration usually opens in January and tickets sell out quickly every year, so make sure you’re early. You can also book the Fjoertoer package, which includes an entry ticket for the Fjoertoer.
2
Take the ferry from Harlingen
You reach Terschelling by ferry from Harlingen. The ferry companies often schedule extra sailings around the event.
3
Take the bus to the start
Buses run to Midsland before the start, and after the event buses take you back. Good to know: for every first starting group, there is also a bus from Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee, so you can get from the hotel to the start without any hassle.
Staying overnight during the Fjoertoer
After a long night walk, there’s only one thing you want: to warm up and get a good night’s sleep. So book your stay in good time, as the island gets busy during the Fjoertoer. Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee is located right in the dunes by the North Sea beach, within walking distance of the sand, exactly where a large part of the route runs. Afterwards you can step straight into a hot shower, take a dip in the heated indoor pool or unwind in the sauna and steam room. Then join us in the seaside restaurant for a delicious meal with views over the dunes.
Fjoertoer package at Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee
Make your Fjoertoer weekend completely carefree with our special Fjoertoer package. There’s nothing left for you to arrange: we’ll take care of a warm welcome, a delicious meal and a comfortable room to recover in after your night walk.
