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

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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𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 🫕 Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue! I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️). 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: 📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East) Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included! 📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Centre) Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match. 📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre) Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻: 📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East) Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged. 📍 @fromagerielamuse (South) Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first? 📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre) Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in. On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam. Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends. #cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Do you still have a permanent job? This TRAVEL TIP is for everyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job. Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie! And then ask for time off as soon as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-). Happy travels 😘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗱𝗮𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: March 30 - April 2 & April 7 - 10 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free period: March 28 - April 12 (16 days) Holidays & Vacation ⟶ Take vacation days: April 28 - May 1, May 4 & May 6 - 8 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days ツ Total free: April 25 - May 10 (16 days) Holidays ⟶ Take vacation days: December 21 - 24 & December 28 - 31 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free: December 21 - January 3, 2027 (16 days) **Vacation Schedule & Holidays** ⟶ Take vacation days: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 ⟶ Vacation days needed: 4 - Total free: March 28 - April 6 (10 days) **Vacation Schedule** ⟶ Take vacation days: May 15 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 14-17 (4 days) 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 22-25 or May 23-26 (4 days) Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips. And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #vakantiedagen2026 #traveltips
Market agenda and prices are rising steadily 👀 The market agenda may now be a little different Quieter, but luckily there’s still plenty planned for January & February, including a new gem (I predict)! Don’t miss these weekend markets: • 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee. • @sundaymarket • Museum Market • @rotterdamseoogst • @themakermarket The complete guide on Your Little Black Book lists 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates & locations for January & February. Send these tips to your market-wandering bestie! Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #weekendmarkets #netherlandstips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

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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