Terschelling Island

Travel Guide

Refuge hut on Terschelling island in The Netherlands at sunset
Terschelling Island
Terschelling Island
Terschelling Island

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
$131 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from May 17 to May 18
$164 total
May 17 - May 18
Total with taxes and fees
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 NAP BV

Hotel NAP BV

3 out of 5
Torenstraat 55 West-Terschelling
$127 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from May 17 to May 18
$160 total
May 17 - May 18
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Hotel NAP BV
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
$183 nightly
The price is $227 total per night from May 17 to May 18
$227 total
May 17 - May 18
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 Brandaris Lighthouse and Museum ...
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.
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)
Wir haben das Farmguesthouse im Oktober 2025 für 3 Nächte gebucht und haben uns bei der Anfahrt auf das Gelände aufgrund der schönen Lage noch sehr gefreut. Wir wurden freundlich empfangen und Jetske zeigte uns unser Ferienhaus - und was wir hier zu sehen bekamen machte uns sprachlos. Zunächst ging ...

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025

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

Ameland Coastal Retreat

Hollum
Stay at this vacation home in Hollum. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Ameland Lighthouse and Reddingsmuseum Abraham Fock are located ...
Ameland Coastal Retreat
Stylish Chalet Near the Beach

Stylish Chalet Near the Beach

Hollum
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Hollum. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Ameland Lighthouse and Reddingsmuseum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
Overall, a pleasant stay, The accommodation had a modern touch and was very clea ...
Overall, a pleasant stay, The accommodation had a modern touch and was very clean, We loved having access to the outdoor pool, although we spent most of our time exploring the nearby beaches like Hollum Beach

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2021

Stylish Chalet Near 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.

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