12 Nature reserves
Around the village of Vlieland lie 12 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 12 walking areas, each with its own character. From the bird paradise of Kroon's Polders to the spectacular sandflats of the Vliehors.

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 ...

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 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? - Paradise for bird lovers: The Posthuiswad is one of the best places on Vlieland to spot wading birds. You may encounter the Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, ...

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, ...

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 forest consists of pines, spruces and deciduous trees ...

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. - ...
Vlieland has 9 spots with an exceptional outlook over the Wadden Sea, the North Sea or the island's landscape. Below are the finest viewpoints.

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 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 Valley of Malgum behind the forest – a perfect place ...

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 Kroon’s Polders and the adjacent Posthuiswad are among ...

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: From this elevated path you overlook the restor ...

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 overlook the marina, the Wadden Sea, and on clear days ...

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 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 Posthuiswad (flats). At low tide you can see ...
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