Peace, space and views as far as the eye can see. The beaches of the Wadden Islands are there for everyone who wants to get a breath of fresh air, recharge their batteries or just stand with their feet in the sand. Whether you enjoy long walks, sporting beach activities or relaxing at a pavilion - each island has its own character.
As soon as you step onto one of the Wadden Islands, you feel the difference: space, tranquillity and a landscape that changes with every tide. The beaches are more than just sand and sea - they surprise, amaze and tell stories.
You can search for shells, go beachcombing, or watch the sun disappear into the sea. And who knows, on a quiet evening, you might spot sea sparkles at the tide line. Want to swim? Then read here where to do so safely, with a view of flags, currents and supervision.
On the Wadden Islands, beachcombing is more than a hobby - it is a piece of culture. Once a way to survive, the tradition now lives on in museums, story routes and modern clean-ups. On Texel, Ameland and Terschelling, beachcomber stories are even immortalised in museums, while on Schiermonnikoog, environmental beachcombing is encouraged with beachcombing cages and beach safaris.
During warm, windless evenings, you can sometimes see something special by the sea: sea sparkle. This glowing alga gives off a blue glow when moving in the water. You have the best chance in summer, far away from artificial light - such as on Vlieland, Schiermonnikoog or at De Hors on Texel.
From the west coast of the islands, you can literally see the sun disappear into the sea. Favourite spots are the Green Beach on Terschelling, Hollum on Ameland and Paal 17 on Texel. The colours, the silence, the views - these are moments that stay with you.
The sea is wonderfully cooling, but also unpredictable. On the Wadden Islands, lifeguards supervise guarded areas during the summer months. Pay attention to the flag system, do not swim near breakwaters and always follow local instructions.
On Terschelling, you feel the vastness around you with every step: the North Sea beach is so wide that you sometimes walk half a kilometre across the dunes before you reach the coast via one of the five beach crossings. There you can enjoy walking, paddling in the salty water, fishing from the tide line or blokarting across the beach. Be sure not to miss the sunset on the Green Beach, followed by a visit to the historic drowning house at post 23.8.
Ameland has 27 kilometres of beach that you can enjoy all year round. From blokarting and kite flying to swimming in the surf or horse riding along the coast - anything goes. The four beach pavilions (including The Sunset and Sjoerd) offer comfort and views. During the summer months, KNRM lifeguards watch over the safety of bathers.
Texel has something for everyone: from supervised swimming areas to sporting zones for kite flying and kayaking. Rent a beach house at Paal 15 or 21 and enjoy convenience with deck chairs and parasol. Almost every beach has its own pavilion - from the stylish Paal 17 to the cosy Kaap Noord.
On Schier, you experience the beach as it once was. Pristine, quiet and bordering National Park. De Balg in the east is a top spot for shellfishers and sealers. For action, the activity beach is the place to be for beach sailing, surf rafting and kite surfing. In summer, the beach at Paal 6-7 is guarded.
Vlieland is for those who seek peace and quiet. You won't find cars on the beach here, but millions of cubic metres of sand that protect the island and give you space to enjoy. In the summer months, you can take part in creative or sports workshops on the beach, under the guidance of enthusiastic instructors.
Whether you watch the sun sink into the sea, feel the surf on your skin or find a starfish while walking: the beaches of the Wadden Islands are there to be experienced, admired and passed on. What are you waiting for?
