Frisian Wadden Islands guide
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Frisian Wadden Islands Bucketlist: 24 tips for Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog

July 9, 2022
Last updated: July 9, 2022

The real island feeling, but right here in the Netherlands. The Wadden Islands are a favorite destination for staycations in the Netherlands. As soon as you step onto the ferry, you feel the hustle and bustle of everyday life slip away. All your worries seem to have been left behind on the mainland when you take a walk through the dunes, on the beach, or in the woods a few hours later. That's why this bucket list guide is an ode to the landscape of the Wadden Islands. Frisian Wadden IslandsVlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog. Each one is an island I want to get to know better in 2021. Did you know these islands were number 30 on the New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2019" list? A list I, as a travel blogger, follow with great interest every year. It's no wonder these gems are being celebrated internationally, as the Dutch Wadden Sea has been an official UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱! I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long. Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨ 𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨. Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marktlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on with my passport to an old lady who doesn't realize it and checks it in for a flight to the UK! Now I'm stuck here in NY without my passport, and I've missed my flight. I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅. This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢 Note to self: better to take my passport with me all day, instead of leaving it 'safely' in the hotel apparently... and from now on, suitcases should be tied together with a cable in the storage room. Even if you're in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still human work. Now I'm stuck in one of the nicest cities in the world, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel as planned. 😔 To be continued 🧳✈️ And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ✖️✖️✖️ Anne
And do you also have a nice garden? I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲! This time we went to @williams.farmhouse one of my favorites for lunch in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is this also fun during the day with kids? We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success. Child happy, us happy… and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean this interior, I immediately dream away to the Cotswolds again! Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments, I'll collect all for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running from November 27th to January 18th. Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk and from Cocktails to an Old Amsterdam Drinks Walk. The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you, and there's a different experience available almost every day. Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are live now! I've added a link in my bio. 𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗫 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat Price: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth € 6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 35,50 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99) 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50 Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter? **Sunday in the evening in Amsterdam.** ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I hope everyone gets into the Christmas spirit this Christmas 2020 🎅🏼 The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I can tell you: this list will immediately get you in the Christmas spirit. 🎄 📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague. Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar. Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book. Let the Christmas anticipation begin! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️ The first rinks, like @schatbaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it. I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙 This year, there are some new rinks to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss. Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered. 📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio). Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️ ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #schaatsen
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻. From new hotspots to lowspots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try. Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️ 📍 Orchid House (Oost) Vibe: all day dining at Oosterpark, family friendly and good vibes. Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha. @orchidhouse.ams 📍 Omri (De Pijp) Vibe: small and cozy corner building with a warm interior and dimmed lights. Perfect for a date night. Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon. @omri_amsterdam 📍 Chingu (De Pijp) Vibe: mainly focused on take-away, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls. Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious. English: @chinguamsterdam 📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp) Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy corners in the always lively Pijp. Now also open for lunch on the weekend. Must orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about it. @leonardosraviolibar 📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Centrum) Vibe: like you've ended up in a Chinese canteen. You order via the kiosk and wait until your number is called. Must orders: choose your favorite thickness noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are really worth trying too. @yellowrivernoodles Let me know where you're going first. Or where you've had the most delicious meal recently, I'm curious! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas shows at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄 Only 7 more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect to get into the Christmas spirit. Trust me, I've already been ;-). Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #christmasshows #christmasshow2025 #christmasdecoration #christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discoveringthenetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #christmasholiday #christmasfeeling #christmasmarkets #decembertips

Go on a staycation to the Wadden Islands

How well do you know the (Frisian) Wadden Islands? I have to admit: I know Texel well, but the Frisian Wadden Islands I haven't visited all four yet. That's about to change in 2021! In this new guide, I'm sharing the bucket list tips for each island. If only because I think the Wadden Islands offer fantastic food. Restaurants are very focused on local produce, from Wadden Sea oysters to seaweed and, of course, plenty of fresh fish. And did you know you can also go on safari? Spotting animals, from birds to seals. Are you bringing kids? Then you won't be bored for a moment on the Wadden Islands. Beachcombing is a favorite here, but you'll also find a fun petting zoo or pick-your-own garden on almost every island, and of course, the iconic lighthouses. Want to dream away? Then watch the video below and discover the beautiful nature: 

Vlieland Bucketlist

Stay in a forest house: Looking for a cozy holiday home? The forest houses at Stortemelk campsite come in six different styles. These tiny houses were specifically designed for this forest, so they blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. You'll feel like you're part of nature.

Discover the island by Tuk Tuk: You really don't have to go to Thailand to ride a tuk tuk. During this island safari, there's a good chance of spotting Highland cattle, Soay sheep, goats, and seals. And did I mention the stunning views?

Go eat at Zuiver: Ask a local on Vlieland which restaurant you absolutely can't miss, and they'll tell you Zuiver. Restaurants closed? Then you can pick up a delicious package from Zuiver for your holiday home!

Vliehors, Vuurboetsduyn, and Kroons Polder: Which nature reserves are definitely not to be missed on Vlieland? These are the landscapes of Vliehors, Vuurboetsduyn, and Kroons Polder.

Picking oysters: How fun is this? Gathering oysters yourself (or plucking, as it's officially called) and preparing them in your own cottage that evening. When the mudflats dry out, you can find many other delicious things from the sea, like cockles. Ask the locals where the best place to go gathering is. They'll certainly be able to tell you, but you can also go out with Gerrit the Oysterman. The Japanese oyster, as the Wadden oyster is originally called, is somewhat larger and therefore perfect for gratinating.

Beach Club East: After a stroll on the beach, Oost is the beach club you'll want to visit for a bite to eat and a drink. You're in the right place for a daily changing seafood menu featuring sustainably caught fish.

Discover Vlieland

 

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Terschelling Bucketlist

Discover Darksky Terschelling: Experience the darkness at Boschplaat and discover the beauty of the starry sky. During this approximately two-hour excursion to Boschplaat, you'll learn more about the starry sky, listen to the sounds of the night sky, and the guide will share unique stories about the nature reserve.

Safari in your own country: Forests, dunes, beaches, polders… you'll encounter all these landscapes during the Eco Safari. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll travel in electric vehicles in search of animals and other natural beauty.

Flang in the Pan: Foodies visiting Terschelling will want to know about Flang in de Pan. They'll take you on a culinary walk across the mudflats. You'll gather oysters, cockles, seaweed, mussels, and periwinkles yourself, and then learn how to prepare them in various ways. Don't forget to pack your wellies!

Pura Vida Foodbar: With two locations on the island, this is one of those hotspots you shouldn't miss for a good coffee, a delicious healthy breakfast or a tasty lunch.

A different walk every day: On the Staatsbosbeheer website, you'll find several beautiful walks to get to know the island. Plenty of inspiration to discover something new in the landscape every day.

The Whale: Going for a walk along the beach? Then De Walvis is a beach bar you'll want to remember at the Groene Strand beach, nestled at the foot of the high dunes near West Terschelling. With expansive views of the mudflats, the Noordsvaarder nature reserve, and on a clear day, you can even see Vlieland in the distance.

Seal tours: Taking a seal-watching tour is still high on my bucket list. On Terschelling, you can book various boat trips to spot seals. Fun for the whole family!

Drowning House: At marker 23/24 near Oosterend, there's a small shelter for the drowning victims on the beach. It was originally built because this is where most shipwrecks occurred, and the drowning victims needed to be able to survive for a few hours until help arrived. The house was rebuilt in 2000, and now it's a landmark on Terschelling's beach.

Discover Terschelling

 

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Ameland Bucketlist

Eco-safari Hawthorn Field: Discover Ameland's unique natural beauty and embark on an eco-safari. For the early birds among us, the safari starts at 7:00 AM. The good news? You can completely relax from the very start of this eco-safari. The eco-vehicles are 100% electric and silent, ensuring the surrounding nature remains undisturbed during the approximately 2,5-hour journey. A breakfast picnic will be provided halfway through the journey!

Rent an electric bike: Ameland has four idyllic villages: Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren, each with its own unique atmosphere. The island offers over 90 km of cycle paths to explore.

Beach walk at Sjoerd's: Fancy a walk on the beach? Plan it so you start or end at Sjoerd's. A culinary beach pavilion that prioritizes sustainability. They're open year-round for delicious food and drinks.

Discover the Kooiduinen: Ameland boasts no shortage of beautiful nature. The Kooiduinen is a nature reserve where dry areas and salt marshes alternate. You'll also find a duck decoy there.

Nobel hotel & restaurant: A hotel that's still on my list to check into is Nobel. They have a very good restaurant that uses seasonal, local produce from local suppliers. A nice touch: some of the suppliers are also open to visitors, such as the cheese farm.

Discover Ameland

 

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Schiermonnikoog Bucketlist

Schiermonnikoog National Park: Did you know that Schiermonnikoog has been designated a National Park? It's not surprising when you consider that more than half of all the flowers and plant species in the Netherlands can be found here. You can imagine why the island is so beautiful in spring when the landscape is in full bloom.

Mudflat hiking: Various excursions are organized on Schiermonnikoog that take you out onto the mudflats. Always do this with a guide who knows the area well. While mudflat hiking, which is available for ages 6 and up, you'll learn all about the dynamics and importance of the mudflats for people, animals, and plants.

Brasserie 'Om de Noord': A cozy beach hotel located right on the sea. The hotel is the perfect base for a weekend getaway to Schiermonnikoog. After exploring nature, you can relax here for drinks or dinner.

The BellowsA visit to De Balg requires careful planning. It's only accessible at low tide, giving you a real sense of being at the end of the world. This is when the eastern tip of the island becomes exposed, and the water from the channels flows back into the North Sea. On the North Sea side, several common and gray seals often rest on sandbanks. Some swim right past the sandbank. You'll never tire of seeing this!

Yoga on the beach: Do you love yoga? Then you'll want to try Yoga Schiermonnikoog for a relaxing yoga class with a sea view!

Discover Schiermonnikoog

 

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