Terschelling Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo by Jan Lalkens
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 artifacts 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 WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
4 out of 5
Heliconweg 52, Leeuwarden
The price is ₹8,340 per night from 5 May to 6 May
₹8,340
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Holland Casino and Pieter Jelles ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (500 reviews)
"Very Modern with nice facilities close to town"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2023

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
WestCord Hotel Schylge
WestCord Hotel Schylge
4 out of 5
Burg. van Heusdenweg 37, West-Terschelling
The price is ₹10,221 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹10,221
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (182 reviews)
"The staff was kind an helpful. The food at the restaurant was delicious. The bed was so comfortable. Lovely hot shower after a long day of walking. Great stay!"

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2024

WestCord Hotel Schylge
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
4 out of 5
Sportlaan 5, West-Terschelling
The price is ₹10,139 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹10,139
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 4-star spa 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! (75 reviews)
"+Beautiful location. Very spacious family room and patio, we'll appointed kitchen and large kitchen table. - one bathroom for 6 people, although toilet was separate from bathroom, which helped. Overall would definitely stay here again. Great option for families of 3 or more."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2019

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.
Logement Garjen
Logement Garjen
2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven, Harlingen, FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and complimentary toiletries. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"No elevator. Steep staircase. These facts need to be mentioned in hotel listing. Did not receive instructions where to check in to pick up the room keys. After phone call I placed info was received to walk to another location to check in."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2023

Logement Garjen
De Vlindertuin Ameland
De Vlindertuin Ameland
2.5 out of 5
2 Polderweg, Nes, FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Nes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located nearby. Discover ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Nette accommodatie, compleet voor een prettig verblijf"

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2024

De Vlindertuin Ameland
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