Terschelling Island Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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 Aparthotel Boschrijck

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck

4.5 out of 5
Sportlaan 5 West-Terschelling
The price is ₹7,553 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
₹7,553
₹17,647 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Center for Nature and Landscape and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
Loved the quiet location and large balcony ! The appartement has everything you need. Great service for bike rentals and luggage drop off to or from ferry. Staff is really friendly and helpful . Definitely will stay there again :)

Reviewed on 1 May 2025

Westcord Aparthotel Boschrijck
Hotel Bornholm

Hotel Bornholm

3 out of 5
Hoofdweg 6 West-Terschelling
The price is ₹12,674 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
₹12,674
₹15,844 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in West-Terschelling. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (169 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 30 Jun 2022

Hotel Bornholm
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52 Leeuwarden
The price is ₹8,721 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
₹8,721
₹10,902 total
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (609 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
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 Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 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 18 Jun 2024

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Schöne Lage, schöne Zimmer

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

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.

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