The island
Vlieland — one village, an island full of stories
One village, almost 1,200 residents and nature between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. We live and work here all year, and like to share the places and stories of our island.
History
An island that kept reinventing itself
Vlieland lies between Texel and Terschelling. Sea currents, storm surges and drifting sand have changed the shape of the island over the centuries. The name refers to the Vlie, the tidal inlet between Vlieland and Terschelling.
Two villages, one lost
Until 1736 Vlieland had two villages: Oost-Vlieland and Westeijnde further west, also known as West-Vlieland. After decades of attempts to save it, that second village finally disappeared into the sea. What remained is today's Oost-Vlieland — since then the island's only village.
The Golden Age on the Vlieland roadstead
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Vlieland roadstead was a natural harbour for ships bound for the Baltic. The islanders earned their living from Baltic trade, whaling and pilotage. Michiel de Ruyter, Cornelis Tromp and Witte de With came to the island. The Tromp's Huys museum tells more about this maritime history.
Not Frisian, but Fryslân
Until 1942 Vlieland belonged to North Holland. Only during the German occupation were Vlieland and Terschelling administratively joined to Friesland. That provincial history partly explains the historic ties with Holland. Today mainly Dutch is spoken on the island.
First on the Morse telegraph
In 1866 Vlieland — because of its pilot service and nautical school — was the first of the Dutch Wadden Islands to be connected to the Morse telegraph. A remarkable modernisation for such a small island.
Nature
Dunes, woods and the Sahara of the North
Outside the village, Vlieland consists largely of nature: dunes, woods, salt marshes, polders and the sand plain of the Vliehors. Staatsbosbeheer describes an area of about 4,000 hectares, 19 kilometres long and on average 2 kilometres wide.
Vliehors: over 2,100 hectares of sand
The Vliehors lies on the western tip. The VVV gives about 2,120 hectares for this sand plain, also known as the Sahara of the North. Part of it is a military training area. Access depends on exercises and local closures; trips with the Vliehors Expres follow their own programme.
Vuurboetsduin: the highest point in Friesland
Over 40 metres high. That is enough to make Vuurboetsduin the highest point in the province of Friesland. The lighthouse on top has been in use since 1909.
Kroon's Polders
Four polders were diked in the first decades of the twentieth century under the supervision of Rijkswaterstaat warden Jan Wouter Kroon. Today the area is important for breeding birds and for birds that rest and feed there. There is a lot to see from the surrounding paths and with a guide.
Seals on the Richel
The Richel sandbank, between Vlieland and Terschelling, is a popular resting place for common and grey seals at low tide. RIB boats sail there from the ferry harbour.
The village
Oost-Vlieland: history along the Dorpsstraat
Oost-Vlieland is the island's only village. Along the Dorpsstraat stand historic houses, shops, cafés and restaurants. At the entrance to the street lies the Coupure: the white walls and closable barrier protect the village at high water.
Tromp's Huys (1575)
The oldest house on Vlieland stands in the Dorpsstraat. Tromp's Huys is now a museum with maritime and art collections, among others. The building dates from 1575 — older than the Dutch Republic itself.
Protected village view
The historic village scene is protected. Not just individual buildings, but the coherence of the street too tells something about the past. At the Oude Raadhuis you can see the coats of arms of Oost- and West-Vlieland; next to the Nicolaaskerk stands the Armhuis from 1662.
Practical
How does Vlieland work?
Getting around without a visitor's car
Vlieland has little traffic: visitors cannot bring their car. On the island you can hire bikes and the Qbuzz bus runs. Parking options in Harlingen, the crossing and transport on the island are on our ferry page.
The Doeksen ferry
Rederij Doeksen sails between Harlingen and Vlieland all year round. Journey times and sailings vary per service. The current timetable, tickets and changes are available from Rederij Doeksen.
Luggage service
Bagagevervoer Vlieland is waiting on the ferry pier on arrival and takes luggage to your accommodation for a fee. For the return journey, transport is arranged with the luggage carrier at least 24 hours in advance.
Bike hire
Frisia, Jan van Vlieland and Wimo hire out bikes. E-bikes and mobility scooters are also available. The hire companies provide information on availability, booking and bike delivery.
Groceries, outside the summer too
The Dorpsstraat has SPAR and Poiesz, alongside the bakery and other shops. Several shops offer delivery and collection. For current opening hours and conditions, we refer you to the shops.
Shops and groceries at the VVV (in Dutch)Accessibility and holidays with care
A beach wheelchair at the Badhuys, mobility scooter hire and adapted hotel rooms make different kinds of stays possible. Palet provides home care during a holiday and Medipoint hires out mobility aids. Which facilities are suitable and available is discussed with the provider.
Accessibility and care at the VVV (in Dutch)Lost and found
The municipality has a reporting form and an overview of found items.
Found items at the municipality (in Dutch)Waste on the island
Paper, glass and textiles are collected separately. Other reusable materials are separated from residual waste by Omrin. There are collection points at the harbour and at the holiday home parks.
Explanation of waste collection at the VVV (in Dutch)Harbour and island hopping
The marina on the eastern tip is open all year. For trips to other islands there are seasonal connections, including De Vriendschap, Doeksen and the Eilandhopper. Their timetables determine what is possible.
Current harbour informationConnections with the other islands (in Dutch)Library and Nicolaaskerk
Bibliotheek Vlieland is at Lutinelaan 3, in De Jutter. Holidaymakers can also borrow books after registering. The Nicolaaskerk at Kerkplein 7 holds church services and has times for visits.
Library information at the VVV (in Dutch)Visiting the Nicolaaskerk (in Dutch)
Practical on the island
Frequently asked questions
Sources for history and landscape: VVV: about Vlieland (in Dutch).
For access to nature areas and dogs: Staatsbosbeheer: visitor information (in Dutch).