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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.
Villages
There are several charming villages on Terschelling, each with its own character. West-Terschelling is the largest, offering plenty of cafés, restaurants, and terraces. There are also museums to visit—something for everyone.
The Brandaris
The most famous and oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands is the Brandaris on Terschelling. The tower stands an impressive 53.7 meters high and dates back to 1594. Since 1965, it has been officially recognized as a national monument. In 1989, the Brandaris was designated by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works as the Central Reporting Post for the Wadden Sea, a function it still serves today. A team of lighthouse keepers monitors the Wadden Sea 24/7 using modern equipment.
The tower was likely named after a village called Sint Brandarius or Sint Brandarys. As early as the 14th century, Terschelling had navigational markers for shipping. The tower of the Brandarius Church also served as a beacon, with a fire burning on it at night. When this tower disappeared into the sea, it was decided to build a new one.
However, this new tower did not withstand the test of time, and a third tower was built further inland to protect it from the sea. This is the tower that still stands today. In 1834, the tower received a new lantern with a rotating lighthouse light—the first of its kind in the Netherlands.
Culture and Music
There’s plenty to do on Terschelling. Of course, the famous Oerol Festival takes place once a year. Here are some highlights of the many activities and events you can enjoy on the island.
Nature Reserves
Terschelling is home to several stunning nature reserves, with the Boschplaat being the most famous. In 2015, the Boschplaat became the first Dutch area to receive the designation of Dark Sky Park from the International Dark Sky Association. In a Dark Sky Park, visitors can experience complete darkness at night and fully enjoy the starry sky.
This vast dune area features deserted beaches and some of the most beautiful salt marshes in the Netherlands. The Boschplaat is renowned for its many bird species—65 different species come here each year to breed or rest. Certain parts of the reserve are closed to the public from March 15 to August 15 to allow the birds to incubate their eggs undisturbed.
The Boschplaat is also home to an impressive variety of plants, with around 400 different species. There’s plenty to see and explore!
Terschelling
A UNIQUE PLACE
Discover Terschelling! Go swimming, cycling, hiking, or enjoy a festival. There’s something for everyone.
