The Wadden Islands
Fun fact: there are over 52,455 major islands in Canada. The Netherlands has about 38, some of which are man-made. Some are inhabited, some not. The most popular are the Wadden Islands, a series of 5 islands off the northeast coast of the North Sea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commonly referred to as TVTAS, these little-known islands are worth taking a look at.
Texel
This is the largest of the Wadden Islands, with a population of 13,846. The name itself is Frisian, but is pronounced “Tessel” in Dutch and means southern. Originally two islands connected by shoals, a dyke being built in the early 17th century and a polder in the mid 19th century made one larger island. Known for its national park, Duinen van Texel National Park, which covers over a quarter of the island. Also home to thousands of migratory birds.
Perhaps the most interesting is the island has almost as many sheep as it has people and are famous for the Texelaar breed. The island produces high quality wool products, sheep cheese, and tender Texel lamb.
Vlieland Island
The smallest of the five islands, with only one village, Oost-Vliehors, and a population of 1,100 people. Cars are not allowed, making the island very quiet and serene. Boasting vast nature reserves, complete with a 20 square kilometre sand plain on the western side of the island known as “Sahara of the North”. Home to the highest lighthouse in Friesland, bright red sitting atop a high dune.
Terschelling Island
At about 28km long and 5km wide, this island is small but a highly popular tourist destination. While there is some agriculture, most of the island is a nature reserve. The Oerol Festival is held each June, celebrating theatre, music and visual arts. The ten day event draws over 55,000 tourists, swelling the regular population of 4,870 people. Also known for cranberries, which are grown and mainly sold to tourists or used in restaurants and bakeries.
Ameland Island
With a whopping four villages, Ameland Island is home to 3,822 residents. Known for its extensive network of paved bike paths, nature reserves and camping on the beach, this island is the ultimate in getting away from it all. Also known for preserving its 18th century history.
Schiermonnikoog Island
This island is famous for having some of the widest sandy beaches in Europe. With a population of 935 people, they welcome over 300,000 tourists each year. At 16km long and 4km wide, this small, flat island is virtually devoid of cars, and tourists may not bring their cars here. Translated, the name means “Grey Monk Island”, since the first owners of the island were monks. They rely almost solely on tourism.
All five islands are known for their expansive nature reserves, beaches, and tranquility. While only accessible by ferry, taking anywhere from 1-2.5 hours, it would definitely be worth the trip.
While the Wadden Islands does have a fishing industry, it is very small and generally family-owned and run. Fresh seafood is the best - try some yourself with this a recipe for kibbeling.
