Nature on Schiermonnikoog
The island in pictures
Impression images; our own photos are coming soon.
An island that is almost entirely nature
Almost all of Schiermonnikoog has been a national park since 1989. Within a few kilometres you find every Wadden landscape together: the wide North Sea beach, the dunes, the woods, the salt marsh and the mudflats. The Wadden Sea around the island is a World Heritage Site. Twice a day the seabed falls dry, which makes it one of the richest natural areas in Europe.
Respecting nature
- From 15 April to 15 July part of the national park is closed so birds can raise their young in peace. Follow the signs.
- Outside the breeding season, too, birds are sensitive to disturbance. Stay on the paths and keep your distance.
- Seals on the beach: do not approach or touch them. If you see a sick or young seal lying alone, call the coordinators.
The darkest night in the Netherlands
The whole Wadden area has the darkest starry sky in the Netherlands. On a clear evening you can see the Milky Way from the beach or the dike, without the light pollution of the city.
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Birdwatching on Schiermonnikoog
More than 300 bird species: breeding birds on the salt marsh, waders at high tide, geese and winter visitors, and the best places to watch.
Seals and life in the Wadden Sea
Where to see seals on Schiermonnikoog, what to do about a seal on the beach, life on the mudflats and guided mudflat walking.
Shells and beach finds on Schiermonnikoog
The five shells you find most often, rare finds such as the ocean quahog, and tips for shell hunting on Schiermonnikoog.
The salt marsh and the dunes
One of the largest salt marshes in the Netherlands, dune valleys with grass-of-Parnassus, orchids and sundew, and Count Von Bernstorff's woods.
Nature and beach: Westerplas, Kobbeduin, Berkenplas
Activities and sports: the Balg Expres
Sources
- VVV Schiermonnikoog, "Vogels spotten op Schiermonnikoog" en "Vogels kijken op Schiermonnikoog"
- Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog, "Broedvogels op Schiermonnikoog" en "Waddenzee Werelderfgoed"
- Natuurmonumenten, "Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog" en "Tien avonturen die je beleefd moet hebben op Schiermonnikoog"
- Vogelbescherming Nederland, "Wintervogelen op Schiermonnikoog"
- Visit Wadden, "De Balg"
- Waddenvereniging, "Op 't randje... strand" en "Strandvondsten"
- VLIZ, "Welke schelpen vind je meest op het strand?"
Details checked: September 2026. Always check opening hours with the provider.
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