
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 Nieuwe Kooi is a hidden freshwater pond in the middle of the forest on Vlieland. It was dug at the end of the 19th century as the island's second duck decoy, but as far as is known it was never used to catch ducks. What can you expect at the Nieuwe Kooi? - A decoy that never caught: On 22 December 1892, two men from ...

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 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 ...

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 Witte lid is a large, high dune on the eastern side of Vlieland, between the Fortweg and campsite Stortemelk. It is a quiet and rugged part of the island, where the top rewards you with a wonderful view. What can you expect at the Witte lid? - A dune with character: In the past, this area was also known as the ...

The Valley of Malgum is a quiet and picturesque dune area in the west of Vlieland. What can you expect in the Valley of Malgum? - Varied landscape: Walk or cycle along winding paths, open plains, dunes and wet peat areas. The area is rich in unique flora and fauna and radiates a soothing tranquillity. - Birdlife up close: ...

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 ...

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 ...

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? - Panoramic View: From the tower you ...

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 Bokkendal lies along the Liesbeth Listpad, at the foot of the Vuurboetsduin on Vlieland. It is a quiet spot right by the lighthouse, in the middle of the dune landscape. What can you expect at the Bokkendal? - Right by the lighthouse: The Bokkendal is just a few steps from the lighthouse of Vlieland on the ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

The viewing point at the Pad van de Staatsschuur is a beautifully located spot on Vlieland where nature, peace and views come together. It lies on the transition from forest to dune and offers a view over the unique Kooisplek valley. What can you expect at the Pad van de Staatsschuur viewing point? - Beautiful View: ...
» View our complete 'see & do' list with many more museums, attractions, monuments and other places of interest.