Terschelling Island

Travel 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

3 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37 West-Terschelling
$119 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$134 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
Friendly front desk staff, restaurant on Site and the public transport picks up right outside the hotel

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2024

WestCord Hotel Schylge
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
$132 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
$148 total
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Center for Nature and Landscape ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
Loved the quiet location and large balcony ! The appartement has everything you need. Great service for bike rentals and luggage drop off to or from ferry. Staff is really friendly and helpful . Definitely will stay there again :)

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
Hotel Bornholm

Hotel Bornholm

3 out of 5
Hoofdweg 6 West-Terschelling
$143 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Dec 12 to Dec 13
$160 total
Dec 12 - Dec 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (168 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 Jun 30, 2022

Hotel Bornholm
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.
Logement Garjen

Logement Garjen

2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven Harlingen FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free WiFi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 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 Jun 18, 2024

Logement Garjen
Family-friendly, spacious and comfortable bungalow in a central location

Family-friendly, spacious and comfortable bungalow in a central location

De Cocksdorp Friesland
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in De Cocksdorp. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Texelse Golf and Vuurtorenweg ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
Zufriedenstellende Unterkunft in einer schönen Lage.

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Family-friendly, spacious and comfortable bungalow in a central location
Farmguesthouse jetske, located at a dairy farm with a view and a private jacuzzi.

Farmguesthouse jetske, located at a dairy farm with a view and a private jacuzzi.

Hitzum FR
Stay at this cottage in Hitzum. Enjoy laundry facilities and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Museum Martena and Kaatsmuseum are located nearby.
6.2/10 (12 reviews)
Alles okay. Schöne und ruhige Lage.

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

Farmguesthouse jetske, located at a dairy farm with a view and a private jacuzzi.
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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