Holiday homes at the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a place where nature still has its own way. You see the environment constantly changing due to the tides. One moment you look out over a vast expanse of water and a few hours later you can see the sandbanks that have fallen dry and are full of birds and seals. It is an incredibly popular place for people who really want to escape the hustle and bustle. The range of stays is diverse: from villas with their own wellness and large holiday farms for the whole family to nature cottages and chalets on a cozy holiday park. 

Texel is the easiest choice for those who don't feel like fussing with boat reservations. The ferry from Den Helder goes every hour (and in high season every thirty minutes) and you don't have to reserve a spot in advance. The island is big enough to fill an entire week, with seven villages, each with its own atmosphere. Most holiday homes on Texel are located around De Koog, close to the beach and dunes, or near the quiet villages inland. It is the only island where you really have the facilities of a town (Den Burg), combined with the tranquility of national parks such as De Slufter. J

Terschelling attracts a crowd that comes for its rugged nature and endless bike paths through the dunes. The crossing from Harlingen takes about two hours (or 45 minutes by express boat), and it's smart to reserve your spot on the boat months in advance if you want to bring your car. The island is famous for Boschplaat, a nature reserve where you'll meet almost no one. If you want to rent a cottage on Terschelling, you have a choice between the cozy bustle of West Terschelling or total seclusion in Oosterend. Remember that the stores and restaurants are mainly in the larger villages in the middle and west. The further east you go, the quieter it gets.

Ameland is the island of nostalgia and its four characteristic villages. The boat trip from Holwerd takes about 50 minutes, and again you have to register your car in advance. It is a compact island, making everything accessible by bike. Compared to Texel and Terschelling, Ameland often feels more convivial and less massive. There are several attractive holiday homes on Ameland that are often located in or just outside the historical villages. This makes it ideal for people who love a stroll through old streets with commander's houses, followed by an afternoon of fresh air at the famous red and white lighthouse of Hollum.

Those who want to experience the tranquility of the Wadden Sea without depending on boat connections often end up on the shore side. Places like Lauwersoog or the dike near Pieterburen offer the same unique view of the World Heritage Site, but with more privacy and often at a lower price. Although stays directly on the sea dike are limited, you will find wonderful locations to stay overnight in the nearby villages and polders. It is therefore smart to also look more broadly at available holiday homes in Friesland that are a short drive from the Wadden coast. Also in the north of Groningen the vast nature is beautiful and you can find interesting accommodations where you can rest after a day of mudflat hiking.

A stay in this region is not complete without putting your feet in the clay. Wadlopen is a physical challenge that gives you a completely different view of nature. You can also find two official Dark Sky Parks, Boschplaat on Terschelling and the Lauwersmeer area. Here it is still really dark at night, so on a clear day you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. For those who prefer to stay on the water, there are numerous seal tours where you can admire the seals on the sandbanks from an appropriate distance.

Logistics vary considerably from island to island. For Texel you simply buy a ticket at the harbor, while for Terschelling and Ameland you are really tied to the timetable of Rederij Doeksen or Wagenborg. On all three islands where we have stays, your own car is allowed, but keep in mind the high cost of the crossing. Many people therefore choose to park the car on the shore and rent bikes on the island. Especially on Terschelling and Ameland this is very common, because the distances there are relatively small and the bicycle paths are excellent.