13 Nature reserves
Around the village of Vlieland lie 13 walking areas, each with its own character. From the bird paradise of Kroon's Polders to the spectacular sandflats of the Vliehors.
Vlieland is the quietest and most car-free of all the Wadden Islands. Those who walk here have the island largely to themselves. The routes lead through a surprisingly varied landscape, from a peaceful pine forest to an endless expanse of sand that feels like the Sahara of the far north.
Below are the walking routes on Vlieland, every path leads to peace, space and a different face of this remarkable island. Please note: the Vliehors is partly a military training ground on weekdays.
Around the village of Vlieland lie 13 walking areas, each with its own character. From the bird paradise of Kroon's Polders to the spectacular sandflats of the Vliehors.

The Vliehors is one of the most impressive and unique nature areas of Vlieland. What makes the Vliehors so special? - Gigantic sand plain: This vast sandy area covers around 24 square kilometres and is affectionately called the Sahara of the North. The immense open space and sweeping views give you the feeling of being in a completely different world. - Military training ...

The Meeuwenduinen (Seagull Dunes) on Vlieland form a unique nature reserve on the western side of the island, nestled between the North Sea and the Kroon’s Polders. What can you expect in the Meeuwenduinen? - Breeding ground for gulls and songbirds: In spring, black-headed gulls breed here, along with songbirds such as grasshopper warblers, bluethroats, nightingales, ...

The Posthuiswad on Vlieland is an impressive nature reserve where you can experience the power of the tides and the richness of the Wadden Sea up close. What makes the Posthuiswad so special? -

The Oude Kooi is a special cultural-historical monument on Vlieland. This duck decoy tells the story of a centuries-old method of hunting and nature management. What can you expect at the Oude Kooi on Vlieland? -

Discover a diverse natural landscape filled with forest, dunes, cranberry fields, and cultural history – located in the heart of Vlieland. What to expect in the Lange Paal forest? - Unique forest from the 1930s: Lange Paal is a man-made forest planted in the 1930s to prevent sand drifts. Today, it offers a lush contrast to the open dune landscapes of Vlieland. - ...

A climb of the Vuurboetsduin is an absolute must during your stay on Vlieland. Why a visit to the Vuurboetsduin should not be missed - Highest dune of the Wadden Islands: At 45 metres above sea level, the Vuurboetsduin is the highest dune on the Dutch Wadden Islands and even the third highest dune in all of the Netherlands – only the dunes of Schoorl and Zoutelande are ...

Vlieland has 13 spots with an exceptional outlook over the Wadden Sea, the North Sea or the island's landscape. Below are the finest viewpoints.

In the middle of the forest, northeast of the marina of Vlieland, you will find a hidden gem: the viewing tower Sjouwersmansbol. This peaceful spot offers one of the finest views of Vlieland and is an ideal stop during a walk or bike ride. What can you expect at Sjouwersmansbol? -

The viewpoint Kikkerbult, also known as Kooispleklid, is one of the most beautiful spots to experience the nature of Vlieland. What can you expect at the Kikkerbult? - Panoramic View: This high dune top offers a unique view over both the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, with the impressive valley of the Kooisplek in between. With a bit of luck, you may spot birds bathin ...

At the edge of the fourth Kroon’s Polder, along the dike by the Wadden Sea, you will find a special birdwatching screen. A staircase leads you to this quiet viewpoint, where you can admire the birdlife of the polders in complete tranquillity. What can you expect at the birdwatching screen? - Unique View: From behind the screen you look through special viewing windows ...

The birdwatching hide De Vogelkieker is located in the second Kroon’s Polder on Vlieland and is the perfect place to admire birds up close without disturbing them. Here you come face to face with the rich birdlife of the Wadden Sea. What can you expect at birdwatching hide De Vogelkieker? -

A short climb takes you to a viewing tower that offers a breathtaking panorama over Vlieland. Why visit the viewing tower? - Hidden gem in the forest: The tower is tucked away in the greenery, close to the water facility of Vitens, making it a surprising discovery during a walk or bike ride. - Safe climb: The steel spiral staircase leads you up to a platform that isn’t ...
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