One of the smaller West Frisian Islands off the coast of The Netherlands, Vlieland boasts of a great diverse mixture of terrain. Sand dune and forest. Combine that with it being virtually car free and higher average temperatures than the mainland you have a perfect fresh air, nature filled hideaway.
photo by SanShoot
Oost-Vlieland is the one village on the island, the sea took West-Vlieland in the 1700s. But for the visitors you can stay in one of the hotels there or take your break in one of the many guest-houses or on one of the two camping sites. There is so much sand, unique for throughout the whole of Europe even, especially to the West side that the nickname ‘Sahara of the North’ has been given to it.
The highest point of the island is just 40m on a great dune above sea level, and there sits the lighthouse. It is open to the public and gives panoramic views all around, coast to coast.
Being such a mix of sand dune and forest the flowers and birds have flourished. Excursions can be made to areas of great interest in the islands natural life. For something totally fun and different you can take a journey across the sand flats in a converted military truck! You can also take boat trips to go seal watching offshore. For history lovers why not visit Tromp’s Huys, the oldest building on the island from the 16th century. Here you can learn about their cultural and maritime history.
An island with no rush and plenty of uniqueness. A special place, a special quiet place.
Main Image: by psd
