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in each season. Every season
Terschelling, almost 30 kilometres long, composed of 80% nature and unspoilt scenery. Magnificent dunes area, forests, endless white beach, moors, the polder behind the Wadden dike and salt beds on the Boschplaat of a size that is unique in Europe. Along the South side of the island there is an extensive Wadden landscape that emerges at low tide. On Terschelling, you are as free as the birds. Nature areas stretching tens of kilometres with a unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking views. The Boschplaat is the crown jewel of the island’s rich nature.
Birds on Terschelling
Every type of bird has, just like the plants, its own preference to settle and nest in certain areas. In total, the dunes of Terschelling house approximately 90 different species of birds each year.
Wild plants
Terschelling is the home of more than 600 different types of wild plants, from very generic types up to the, in our country, rather rare orchids that can be admired in May and June. Because of the soil poor in chalk, the dune area has many extensive moors. On the Boschplaat, where seawater from the Wadden Sea often penetrates far into the area, one can find plants that are typical for this area like glasswort, sea aster and sea lavender.
The Boschplaat
Everyone who visits Terschelling has, at one time or another, heard of the “Boschplaat”, in 1970 pronounced the first European nature reserve with this status in the Netherlands. The varying scenery causes a rich and varied plant life. Of the 700 distinct plants found in the Netherlands, the Boschplaat is home to half.
The Wadden area is a tide area. At low tide, the view is of an endless mud-flat. About 6 hours later, at high tide, a sea lies before you. The ground, especially the areas that emerge at low tide, is riddled with animal life. Shellfish like cockles and mussels, worms like lobworms. The water is home to enormous amounts of shrimp and young fish. They are food for the large numbers of birds that stay here for a shorter or longer period of time. For several species of birds, the Wadden area is crucial, as well as for a number of species of fish that grow up there. Mammals are also found in the Wadden area, like the seal.
Climate
The climate on the island is, and very few people know this, not Dutch. On average, the sun shines twice as often on the island as it does on the Dutch mainland. It also sees more wind, but this very same wind makes the rainstorms drift by quickly and gives the island its clean air. Especially the summer months are sunnier but cooler than the rest of the Netherlands. The sea’s influence can be noticed throughout the year. Winters are mild, spring is light, sunny and favourable to growth, the summer is cooler but sunnier than the mainland. Autumn is long, with a beautiful lukewarm September and pretty and scented up into October, it is not until the November storms before this ends.
Bicycling, on foot or by horse
Bicyclists and hikers find unequalled opportunities for an active and healthy holiday. A vast network of bike trails (70 kilometres in length) allows for a multitude of routes. The island is best explored by bike. A vast bicycle path network will guide you to the most beautiful spots. The “Outside dike cycle path ” (bicycle path around the outside of the dyke) is a unique feature for Terschelling.
Exploring Terschelling on foot is possible regardless of the season. The wind in your hair in autumn, searching about the flood line with a cool breeze in summer, or a spring stroll in the polder with dozens of birds calling overhead. Hikers can choose their own routes using the over 250 kilometres of hiking path, unhardened forest and dune trails or by using the marked hiking routes and nature trails. Along the way you can find several dunes with lookout points, which will give you a wide view over the surrounding area. Nowhere else in the Netherlands will you find so many types of plants and animal species in an area of this size.
For horse lovers, there is an extensive network of riding tracks and bridle routes. People who did not bring their own horse on holiday have the opportunity to rent one.
There is an extensive excursion and tour programme, possibly adjusted for the time of year. Ranging from a short walk through a duck decoy to a 5 hour long ramble over the Boschplaat. In spring, you will also be able to visit the seagull colonies on the Boschplaat.
Cranberries
Cranberries and Terschelling are closely related. The cranberry was first sighted on the island in 1868, specifically in de dune valley that is now called Studentenplak. It is assumed that a beachcomber first brought the cranberry to Terschelling soil. At the time, cranberries were transported from the New World on ships because of their healing properties, and as export goods to England. Back then, the dunes were a lot wetter. The berry seeds found a good soil there and started to sprout, and this way, the cranberry spread across Terschelling. The harvesting rights for the cranberry on Terschelling have been granted (leased out) to cranberry company Skylge, that makes regional products from the berries like compote, fruit juice, jam, and wine.
Dune apples and pears
Especially in spring they catch the eye, the flowering apple and pear bushes in the dunes. Caused by apple and pear cores tossed aside by thirsty hikers. Of these, the seeds have sprouted and grown into wild fruit bushes. This way, hundreds of apple and pear bushes can be found, almost all of them right alongside the hiking and bicycle trails.
The lighthouse “Brandaris”
The Brandaris was built in 1594, by the “Staten van Holland” (states of Holland), as a beacon for ships. Around 1835, it was remodelled and the tower fitted with a turning light. The tower’s height is 45 metres, about 55 metres including the light fixture. Special lamps and a set of lenses allow the light to be seen for up to 36 kilometres away in favourable weather conditions. The tower has been closed to the public since the late 70’s. The Brandaris is, however, one of the places on Terschelling where you can get married.