The salt marsh and the dunes
The salt marsh
On the Wadden side of the island lies one of the largest salt marshes in the Netherlands: land that floods wholly or partly at high tide. Salt-tolerant plants grow here. Water flows in and out through creeks and gullies. The salt marsh is an important breeding ground for birds and is therefore partly closed during the breeding season.
The dunes
Behind the beach lie high dunes with damp dune valleys in between. In summer these valleys bloom with special plants such as grass-of-Parnassus, orchids and sundew, a small carnivorous plant. The dunes are also popular with all kinds of songbirds.
The woods
The woods between the village and the dunes were planted by Count Von Bernstorff. The Berkenplas lies among the trees.
Read more
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.
Sources
- Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog, "Broedvogels op Schiermonnikoog" en "Waddenzee Werelderfgoed"
- Natuurmonumenten, "Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog" en "Tien avonturen die je beleefd moet hebben op Schiermonnikoog"
Details checked: September 2026. Always check opening hours with the provider.
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