Wadden Islands
Wadden Islands
The country’s five northern isles in the shallow Waddenzee are important bird-breeding grounds and provide an escape for stressed mainlanders who want to touch roots with nature. Texel is the largest and most poulated island while Schiermonnikoog is the smallest and most serene.
The islands stretch in an arc from Texel to Schiermonnikoog. Texel has 24km (15mi) of beaches and hosts the world’s largest catamaran race in June. Terschelling is known as a good-time isle, while Vlieland has more of a family atmosphere. Ameland has quaint villages but explodes with tourists during summer. Ferries from Den Helder, Harlingen, Holwerd and Lauwersoog connect the islands to the mainland.