
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 Northeast Corner of Vlieland, often called the Noordestoek or Noorderstoek by the islanders, is the easternmost part of the island. For many visitors, this spot is known as “going around the point.” It is a wild and unspoilt piece of nature where dunes, sea and beach meet. A walk to the eastern tip of Vlieland is a ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Kroon’s Polders form a unique nature reserve in the western part of Vlieland, near the Posthuys and the vast sandplain of the Vliehors. What makes the Kroon’s Polders so special? - Four different polders: Three of the polders are brackish (salt and fresh water), while one contains fresh water because it is ...

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 ...

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? - Historic heritage: The Oude Kooi was created in 1898 as a duck decoy. Using a pond and four catching pipes, ...

The IJsbaan (ice rink) is a shallow freshwater pond on the edge of Oost-Vlieland, which has been part of village life on Vlieland for more than a century. In a hard winter, islanders strap on their skates here, while the rest of the year it is a quiet spot full of life. What can you expect at the IJsbaan? - Skating on ...

Bomenland is the oldest pine forest on the island and offers a unique mix of nature, tranquillity and impressive views. Here you can walk among coniferous and deciduous trees, spot special birds and enjoy the silence of this remarkable part of Vlieland. What can you expect at Bomenland? - Varied forest landscape: The ...

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.

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 ...

The birdwatching hide Dodemansbol is located on the edge of the forest of Bomenland and offers a magnificent view over the salt marshes and the tidal Posthuiswad (flats). What can you expect at the birdwatching hide Dodemansbol? - View over salt marsh and tidal flats: From the hide you have a stunning panoramic view of ...

The viewing platform Bomenland is located on the northern edge of the Bomenland woodland area and offers a wonderful view over the dune valleys on the western side of Vlieland, all the way to the North Sea. What makes this viewpoint special? - Stunning view: From this spot you can look out over the vast dunes and the ...

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 ...

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 betwee ...

The Pad van Twintig is one of the numbered paths on Vlieland. It runs from the Postweg through a quiet stretch of woodland and dunes, leading you to one of the island's hidden spots. What can you expect on the Pad van Twintig? - Woods and dunes: The path winds through the woods and dunes in the western part of Vlieland. ...

Vlieland Groet U (Vlieland greets you) is the well-known green sign on the harbour head of Vlieland. It is the first thing you see when you arrive by boat, and the last when you leave again. What can you expect at Vlieland Groet U? - A warm welcome: The large sign welcomes everyone visiting the island and waves you off ...

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? - Unique bird area: The ...
» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.