
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.

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 ...

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 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 unique experience you should not miss during your ...

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. - ...

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: In spring, thousands of herring gulls and lesser ...

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? -

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? -

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 ...

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 ...

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? -

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? -

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