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 Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
The price is $157 total per night from Jan 18 to Jan 19
$157 total
per night
Jan 18 - Jan 19
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
WestCord Hotel Schylge

WestCord Hotel Schylge

3 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37 West-Terschelling
The price is $124 total per night from Jan 18 to Jan 19
$124 total
per night
Jan 18 - Jan 19
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! (235 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
Hotel Buren

Hotel Buren

3 out of 5
Burgemeester Mentzstraat 20 West-Terschelling
The price is $133 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$133 total
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Stay at this hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Museum 't Behouden Huys and Brandaris Lighthouse ...
9/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
The Getaway!
Great and personable!

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hotel Buren
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.
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! (91 reviews)
Schone accomodatie. Voorzieningen zijn allemaal recent gerenoveerd. Van buiten oogt het gedateerd maar laat je verassen binnen. De inboedel is ruimschoots. Het ontbreekt je aan niets. Plek is geweldig tov de voorzieningen op het park.

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

Family-friendly, spacious and comfortable bungalow in a central location
Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Buren Frater
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Buren. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (126 reviews)
gezellig
We had a wonderful time in this cozy house. It is in an ideal location, with a lovely dune walk to the beach and direct access to great bike trail just down the street.

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2022

Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach
Charming 3 bedroom house with fireplace, jacuzzi and sauna "Wellness op'e Klaai"

Charming 3 bedroom house with fireplace, jacuzzi and sauna "Wellness op'e Klaai"

Holwerd FR
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Holwerd. Enjoy a sauna, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Awesome
This is a very neat, clean and family friendly place. The host went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and privileged.

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Charming 3 bedroom house with fireplace, jacuzzi and sauna "Wellness op'e Klaai"
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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