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
$97 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$122 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"Very good breakfast, spacious room. The traffic noise can be quite loud if the window is open (there's no air conditioning) but otherwise it's very quiet. Secure cycle parking if hiring a bike."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

WestCord Hotel Schylge
Hotel Bornholm

Hotel Bornholm

Hoofdweg 6 West-Terschelling
$120 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$151 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
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! (182 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
Hotel NAP BV

Hotel NAP BV

Torenstraat 55 West-Terschelling
$118 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$148 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
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
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.
De Vlindertuin Ameland

De Vlindertuin Ameland

2 Polderweg Nes FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Nes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Alles was oké, maar we hebben maar van weinig gebruik gemaakt, daarom was de prijs wel aan de stevige kant"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

De Vlindertuin Ameland
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
Central and quiet for adults, children and dogs

Central and quiet for adults, children and dogs

De Cocksdorp NH
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in De Cocksdorp. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Texelse Golf and Vuurtorenweg ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Wir hatten einen sehr schönen und entspannten Urlaub im Ferienhaus. Der Garten ist sehr groß und bietet viele Spielmöglichkeiten für Kids. Das Hausinnere ist etwas in die Jahre gekommen, aber alles funktionsfähig und ausreichend. Wir hätten uns einen zweiten oder größeren Kühlschrank gewünscht, der ..."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

Central and quiet for adults, children and dogs
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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