Explore a Car-Free Nature Park by Bike or on Foot? Rent a Holiday Home on Schiermonnikoog!

Schiermonnikoog is a unique area in the Netherlands where nature is free to flourish. The entire island is a national park, and cars are not allowed. If you're heading to the Wadden Islands for a holiday, you'll be welcomed here by wide beaches, salt marshes, dunes, forests, and a rich bird population! In fact, animals far outnumber people here—Schiermonnikoog has just under a thousand residents, making it the smallest municipality in the Netherlands. Still, the island doesn’t lack charm and entertainment. Adventurous activities like blokarting—kite-powered go-karting on the beach—await! Considering a trip to the Wadden? Get a breath of fresh air on the widest beach in the Netherlands or explore pristine nature from your holiday home on Schiermonnikoog!

Hiking through the Kobbeduinen

To the east of the island lies the Kobbeduinen, a beautiful nature area with views over the salt marshes. If you're staying in a holiday home on Schiermonnikoog during springtime, you'll see this area transform into a popular breeding and resting ground for birds as the water recedes. Be sure to bring your binoculars when walking along the dunes and salt marshes—if you're lucky, you might spot a spoonbill! Join a guided excursion to learn more about the migratory birds that land here, and discover which sounds belong to which birds.

Planning to hike on Schiermonnikoog? You’ll need to park your vehicle at the Lauwersoog harbour. Note: ferry reservations are required, whether you're bringing a bike or coming as a pedestrian!

Cycling on Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog is one of the best cycling municipalities in the Netherlands. This is largely due to its vast natural areas, but seasoned cyclists also praise the island for its excellent network of cycle paths, which make the park very accessible. A survey by the Dutch Cyclists’ Union revealed that riders hold the island in high regard—and in 2022, Schiermonnikoog was even named the best cycling municipality in the country! The rides are far from boring, taking you past wetlands, rugged dunes, and woodlands. You can buy route maps at the local tourist office, and a 20-kilometre ride will take you around the entire island in about two hours.

Thijs Kite Paradise: The Top Activity from Your Holiday Home on Schiermonnikoog

Still choosing between a holiday home on Schiermonnikoog or accommodations on the mainland? Beyond its expansive natural landscape, the island also offers plenty of fun attractions for all ages, ensuring a full holiday experience! Don’t leave without visiting Thijs Kite Paradise for some unforgettable activities. Buy a kite at the shop—or better yet, try blokarting on the beach. You'll ride a three-wheeled cart and let the wind carry you along!

Oerrr Speelnatuur Adventure Playground

A unique attraction for children is the Oerrr Speelnatuur play forest near the Berkenplas. There’s a beautiful treehouse and various features that let kids connect with nature through play—such as a raft operated by a rope ferry, a trench, and climbing areas.

Shell Museum

At the Shell Museum, you can admire an extensive collection of shells personally gathered by the owner from the island. In addition to shells, the museum showcases other beach treasures like amber, starfish, and pieces of driftwood.

Join the Eilander Balgexpress Tour

The eastern tip of Schiermonnikoog is off-limits to most, but you can get there with a guided trip on the Eilander Balgexpress. Even the transportation is unique: a large tractor takes you across the beach to the Balg. If you're lucky, you might spot a seal. But above all, it's a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the beach, sea, and dunes.

Discover Remnants of the Atlantic Wall

Schiermonnikoog was one of the last municipalities to be liberated at the end of World War II. The German forces refused to surrender until June 1945. Traces of the Atlantic Wall, a defensive line built in anticipation of an Allied invasion, are still visible. While walking or cycling, you may come across bunkers like Bunker Wassermann. There was even a small stronghold with a German radio station called Schlei. Today, you can visit a museum there that offers insight into what life was like in this wartime bunker village.

Great Spots for Food and Drinks

In the town of Schiermonnikoog, you'll find several inviting spots to relax in a restaurant, café, or lunchroom. There are also scenic locations by the beach and harbour where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a drink with a view.

Beach Pavilion De Merlijn

Though Beach Pavilion De Merlijn isn’t directly on the beach, its spacious terrace still offers impressive views. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from hearty fish soup with prawns to goat cheese on Frisian sugar bread, and sugar waffles with ice cream and cranberry compote!

Wad Anderz

Wad Anderz offers beautiful views of the mudflats and marina, both indoors and outdoors. Sample the shrimp croquettes or book a cheese fondue. Dining at Wad Anderz is guaranteed to be something different!

Beachclub Noderstraun

Looking for a sunny terrace to lounge on? Then Beachclub Noderstraun is the place to be. Enjoy traditional Dutch pea soup with rye bread and bacon, a snack platter with prawns and ham, or a vegetarian platter.

Rent a Holiday Home on Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog might not be the first island that comes to mind when planning a trip to the Wadden, but it certainly holds its own among the others. In fact, it’s a top choice for a cycling holiday thanks to its well-maintained paths and car-free natural areas filled with dunes, forests, and salt marshes. Schiermonnikoog’s beaches are among the widest in Europe. Culinary hotspots and fun attractions like blokarting complete the experience. Want a unique Wadden getaway or simply feeling curious? Cross over from Groningen and enjoy multiple days in this car-free nature park from your holiday home on Schiermonnikoog!