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

4.5 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37, West-Terschelling
$176 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$197 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (226 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 NAP BV

Hotel NAP BV

3 out of 5
Torenstraat 55, West-Terschelling
$150 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$169 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
"Top position ! Very cosy warm and friendly hotel . Like the fact lots of people drink in the bar and restaurant. Good value too!"

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

Hotel NAP BV
Stayokay Terschelling - Hostel

Stayokay Terschelling - Hostel

2 out of 5
T Land 2, West-Terschelling
$79 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$91 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hostel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Center for Nature and Landscape and Brandaris ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (61 reviews)
"The view from breakfast / bar at night was beautiful. Breakfast and location was excellent. Friendy and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Stayokay Terschelling - Hostel
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! (19 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
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
Stay at this cottage in Hitzum. Enjoy laundry facilities and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Museum Martena and Kaatsmuseum are located nearby.
6.6/10 (6 reviews)
"Ein toll geführter Bauernhof, auf dem die 4 Ferienhäuser stehen.Ich würde es als Glamping beschreiben.Wir konnten super entspannen und entschleunigen.Das absolute Highlight natürlich der Whirlpool am Ferienhaus zur alleinigen Nutzung. Dieser war bei Ankunft bereits aufgeheizt und fertig zur Nutzung.Wer ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Farmguesthouse jetske, located at a dairy farm with a view and a private jacuzzi.
Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Buren
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (117 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
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Terschelling Island