Province(s)
Status
Surface
Landscape
From Primal Landscape to Nature and Bird Paradise
After a three-quarter-hour boat trip from the harbor of Lauwersoog, you arrive in a completely different world. Peace, space, and unspoiled landscapes; that's Schiermonnikoog. On this beautiful island, shaped by sea currents, wind, and drifting sand, you will find a great variety of plants and animals. Due to its unique nature, almost the entire island has been a national park since 1989. It is especially popular among peace seekers and bird lovers. The island has limited car traffic, so explore the most beautiful spots of Schiermonnikoog National Park by bike or on foot: the mudflats, the North Sea beach, the salt marsh, the dunes, and the forest.
Great diversity in Dutch flora
The dunes on Schiermonnikoog stretch out over a large part of the western half of the island. The dunes are special because they contain more lime than the dunes on other islands. As a result, remarkable plants such as sea buckthorn and hawthorn grow here. You will also find special dune valleys, called gloppen on Schiermonnikoog. Plants that love moist, lime-rich valleys grow here in abundance. Think of orchids, parnassia, and the seaside centaury. The result? Half of all plants and flowers from the Dutch flora can be found on this Wadden island.
Books at Het Baken
At Information Center Het Baken, you can book excursions, activities, and accommodations. You can also go there for information about the rich cultural history, attractions, and flora and fauna of Schiermonnikoog National Park. And of course, also for walking and cycling routes so you can explore the island on your own.
The best bird hotspots
The overwhelming nature also attracts many birds. Every year, thousands of migratory birds and geese take a break on the salt marshes and in the polders of Schiermonnikoog to gain strength for their long journey. Spoonbills, shelducks, and marsh harriers breed here.
Where can you witness this? A good place to watch the birds is the Westerplas. This area used to be called the Westerkwelder and the sea had free rein there. In 1964, the salt marsh was dyked, making it inaccessible to seawater. Now, the Westerplas is the most important freshwater area on the island. A bird hide offers views over this nature reserve. Look closely among the reeds, as birds like to hide here.
Towards the east side of the island lie the Kobbeduinen. From this spot, the salt marsh of Schiermonnikoog is easily visible. In winter, it is a pristine piece of nature that fills with water during storms and tides. In spring, however, it becomes a fertile breeding ground for birds like the spoonbill.
Note: Walking in the salt marsh is only allowed outside the breeding season. Don't forget your binoculars!
Experience the bird migration
At the boundary of water and land, many migratory birds can find food. Exactly along this watery boundary of water and land lie the six national parks: Lauwersmeer, Duinen van Texel, De Biesbosch, Schiermonnikoog, Nieuw Land, and Oosterschelde. In these iconic places in Dutch nature, many of these birds can be seen during migration. Together, these areas tell the story of bird migration, with each area focusing on its own iconic species. Discover below where and when you can spot the birds.
“The unspoiled nature, the space around you, how the clouds gather above the salt marsh and the smell of the sea. That's what I love about Schiermonnikoog!”
Cynthia Borras, Ranger
Wadlopen; a unique experience
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, then mudflat hiking is a must-do. If you want to walk to the island from Lauwersoog, you usually first go by motorboat to the sandbank Brakzand. From there, it is about another 10 kilometers of mudflat hiking. Various organizations offer mudflat hiking, all year round.
Plopping down at a beach pavilion
Paviljoen Paal 3 or Strandpaviljoen De Marlijn. Enjoy the beautiful view and breathe in the fresh, salty sea air.
Highlights
Travel to the uninhabited world or go on a hike
Do you want to visit the park?
Information Centre The Beacon
Reeweg 9, 9166 PW Schiermonnikoog
Do you want to know more about Schiermonnikoog National Park?
Discover all the current information on the park's website. From the activity schedule and walking routes to contact information and more.