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 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? -

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 ...

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 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 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 ...

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.

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? -

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 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 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? -

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? -
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