Vlieland is one of the West Frisian Islands in the Netherlands.
Vlieland is neighbored by the islands of Texel and Terschelling. It is wonderfully peaceful and natural, as it is car-free, except for a few permitted vehicles of locals.
The island measures 4,052 hectare, of which the largest part is a desert-like area in the west, the Vliehors. There is one village on the island, Oost-Vlieland. On the empty plain on the west used to be another village, West-Vlieland, but it was taken by the sea in 1736. The plain is now used for military exercises. The island has a population of approximately 1100 people and is well known for the beautiful landscape, the large and various bird population and the peacefulness. In summer, many tourists come to visit the island.
Vlieland was divided from the mainland of Friesland in a flood in 1287, which formed the Waddenzee. It used to count two villages, West- and Oost-Vlieland, but the former was evacuated after repeatedly being flooded.
Vlieland is an island of dunes. It has the North Sea to the north and the Waddenzee to the south. The north coast has beautiful, peaceful beaches.
- The Vlieland lighthouse. €2.50 to visit inside, timings restricted.
- Birds. The island is known for its bird life, and if you have any interest at all, make sure to bring you binoculars.
- Tromp's Huys Museum, Dorpsstraat 99, +31 562-451600. This is the oldest building of the island, originating shortly after 1575 and since the 1950s home to this little museum. It has a collection of art works on display, mostly from the hand of local artist Betzy Akersloot-Berg, who was Nordic by birth but lived in this house from the end of the 19th century. The museum also has a range of silver works and other collectibles. €4.
The Vlieland lighthouse. €2.50 to visit inside, timings restricted.
Birds. The island is known for its bird life, and if you have any interest at all, make sure to bring you binoculars.
Tromp's Huys Museum, Dorpsstraat 99, +31 562-451600. This is the oldest building of the island, originating shortly after 1575 and since the 1950s home to this little museum. It has a collection of art works on display, mostly from the hand of local artist Betzy Akersloot-Berg, who was Nordic by birth but lived in this house from the end of the 19th century. The museum also has a range of silver works and other collectibles. €4.
- The Noordwester, informationcentre, also nice to visit with young children.
- Excursions organised by Staatsbosbeheer. May till September.
- The Vliehors Expres.
- There are all kinds of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking and horse riding are the main ones.
- Enjoy a day at one of the islands nice beaches, which are popular with adults and kids alike
There are all kinds of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking and horse riding are the main ones.
The village has a bunch of restaurants, varying romantic restaurants to snack bars.
- C'est la Vie, Dorpsstraat 118, +31 6 536 800 54. This place is a good choice for lunch, with simple, tasty dishes and fine coffee.
- De Lickebaert, Dorpsstraat 4-6, +31 562 451 888. Everyone loves a pancake, and this is the local place to go when you're looking to get one. Their speciality, however, are the typical Dutch "poffertjes", fluffy mini-pancakes served with sugar.
- Zuiver, Willem de Vlaminghweg 2, +31 562 451 857. This modern restaurant gets good reviews, both for food and service. They have a love for regional, biological produce and modern twists for traditional dishes. In high season, they also serve lunch. It's best to make reservations in advance. €34.50 for a 3-course surprise menu.
- Het Posthuys, Postweg 4, +49 562 451282. 18 Feb–27 Nov and 30 Dec–8 Jan: daily 10:00 – 17:00 (kitchen 11:30 – 16:00). Dutch food
- Armhuis, Kerkpkein 6, +49 562 451935. daily. One of the better restaurants in town, and the closest thing to fine dining. Good service, nice food and a proper restaurant-style atmosphere. If you're looking for a romantic evening, try their private dining rooms. Make sure to call ahead though, especially in high-season, as this place fills up quickly. €40 for a menu.
- Badhotel Bruin, Dorpsstraat 88, +49 562 451201.
C'est la Vie, Dorpsstraat 118, +31 6 536 800 54. This place is a good choice for lunch, with simple, tasty dishes and fine coffee.
De Lickebaert, Dorpsstraat 4-6, +31 562 451 888. Everyone loves a pancake, and this is the local place to go when you're looking to get one. Their speciality, however, are the typical Dutch "poffertjes", fluffy mini-pancakes served with sugar.
Zuiver, Willem de Vlaminghweg 2, +31 562 451 857. This modern restaurant gets good reviews, both for food and service. They have a love for regional, biological produce and modern twists for traditional dishes. In high season, they also serve lunch. It's best to make reservations in advance. €34.50 for a 3-course surprise menu.
Het Posthuys, Postweg 4, +49 562 451282. 18 Feb–27 Nov and 30 Dec–8 Jan: daily 10:00 – 17:00 (kitchen 11:30 – 16:00). Dutch food
Armhuis, Kerkpkein 6, +49 562 451935. daily. One of the better restaurants in town, and the closest thing to fine dining. Good service, nice food and a proper restaurant-style atmosphere. If you're looking for a romantic evening, try their private dining rooms. Make sure to call ahead though, especially in high-season, as this place fills up quickly. €40 for a menu.
Badhotel Bruin, Dorpsstraat 88, +49 562 451201.
Hop on the ferry to Terschelling, or make your way to one of the other West Frisian Islands. Texel is the largest one, with most attractions. Alternatively, head back to charming Franeker and explore the often overlooked destinations in the Northern Netherlands, including Leeuwarden and Groningen.