Terschelling Island

Travel 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 $156 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$156 total
per night
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
WestCord Hotel Schylge
Hotel Bornholm

Hotel Bornholm

Hoofdweg 6 West-Terschelling
The price is $186 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$186 total
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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! (171 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
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
The price is $232 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$232 total
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Brandaris Lighthouse and Museum ...
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 Aug 13, 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.
Vakantiepark In Style

Vakantiepark In Style

5 Gralda Menaldum FR
Stay at this chalet in Menaldum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Popta Slot and Partycentrum Bloemketerp are located ...
Vakantiepark In Style
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.
Farmguesthouse jetske, located at a dairy farm with a view and a private jacuzzi.
Nautisch de Luxe 6p - Three Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 6

Nautisch de Luxe 6p - Three Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 6

Burdaard
Stay at this villa in Burdaard. Enjoy a garden, tennis courts, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Aqua Zoo Friesland is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Das Ferienhaus ist modern, hat sehr bequeme Betten und liegt perfekt um die schöne Gegend zu erkunden. Ein bisschen Abzug gab es von uns nur, da die Beschreibung "brandneu" nicht zutreffend ist und die Ausstattung des z.B. Bestecks etwas dürftig war und es im Badezimmer keine Abdunklung gab, sodass ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2026

Nautisch de Luxe 6p - Three Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 6
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