a day on Vlieland

Day trip to Vlieland
» Get to know Vlieland in one day

A day trip to Vlieland, especially in summer, is a wonderful and fun way to get to know the Netherlands' smallest Wadden Sea island.

You can reach Wadden Island Vlieland with the ferry from the Friesian port of Harlingen Frisian port of Harlingen.

Day trip to Vlieland
» Boat trip to Vlieland

Harlingen is easily accessible by public transport (the train continues to Harlingen harbour) and by car. The car may not be taken to Vlieland, Vlieland is car-free, but can be parked close to the boat in Harlingen.

You will sail across world heritage site the Wadden Sea to Vlieland. On the way, there is a good chance of seeing seals lying on the sandbank de Richel. The boat sails close by.

Day trip to Vlieland
» Arrival on Vlieland

The ferry landing on Vlieland is located at the edge of the village on the eastern side of the island. You can walk into the picturesque Dorpsstraat. There you will find restaurants, terraces, shops, museum, visitor centre and church.

Vlieland is not big, so you can do almost everything on foot, but if you want to see all corners of the island, you can rent a bike in the village.

Day trip Vlieland
» Classification Vlieland

The village is located on the Wadden Sea side of the island, which is elongated between Wadden and North Sea.

Near the village, the island is about 2 km wide and in 15-20 minutes you walk (10 min cycling) from the boat to the North Sea beach

On the island, you will find many kilometres of cycle paths that can take you to the west side of the island.

Day trip Vlieland
» Day trip by bike

If you want to spend a day cycling, get a map from the tourist office opposite the ferry landing stage. They also have lots of other information about the island.

Along the way, for a cup of coffee, you will probably pass harbour pavilion the Dining on the east side, beach pavilion the Badhuys on the north side or the Posthuys towards the west side of the island.

Day trip Vlieland
» Day at the beach

Vlieland has dozens of kilometres of sandy beach on the North Sea side of the island.

Follow Badweg from the village and you will arrive at Vlieland's bathing beach. On the left you will find the Badhuys and behind it the Vlieland Outdoor centre for surfing, beach sailing and kite surfing.

To the right is plenty of space to (paddle) swim or just make a sandcastle.