The island code
We like to share our island, all year round. Here you can read how we live together and find practical information for your stay, with links to the municipality and Staatsbosbeheer for rules and facilities.
In the village and on the Wadden dyke our dogs walk on a lead. On the beach and in the eastern part of the island, including the woods around the village, dogs may run free. West of those woods dogs must be kept on a lead; the signs and the Staatsbosbeheer map show the areas. Near resting birds and seals we keep our dogs on a lead. Separate access rules also apply on the Vliehors.
Dogs on a lead? See the areas · Municipality of VlielandThere are bins for rubbish at the beach entrances. Harmless washed-up litter, such as plastic and rope, can go in them too. Where there is no bin nearby, we take our rubbish to the next one. Unknown drums, possible phosphorus and other suspicious beach debris we leave where they are: the municipality has them cleared professionally. You can report them on the service number 06 4635 1579.
Beach litter and reporting to the municipality · Municipality of VlielandWe cycle on the cycle paths and follow the marked routes. That leaves room for the plants and animals in the dunes. At nature areas, signs show where the walking and cycling routes run and which parts are not accessible.
Access to the nature areas · StaatsbosbeheerAccording to Staatsbosbeheer, almost all nature areas on Vlieland can be visited freely or with a guide. During the breeding season, parts may be closed to give birds peace. That is why we check the access rules on the signs at the entrance of each area. The Vliehors has separate rules set by the Ministry of Defence.
Visitor information for nature · StaatsbosbeheerAccording to Staatsbosbeheer, the cycle paths are accessible to wheelchair users. In places they are fairly narrow, and Vlieland is hilly. That makes the choice of route important: accessible does not mean every path is flat or equally wide.
Accessibility with a physical disability · StaatsbosbeheerIn Kroon's Polders and Nieuw Kooi, guides talk about birds, plants and the landscape. For information about excursions, Staatsbosbeheer refers to the De Lepelaar nature education centre and VVV Vlieland. Their calendars show which tours are on the programme.
Excursions and providers · StaatsbosbeheerFor an organised activity or event in a Staatsbosbeheer area, the forester must be notified at least six weeks in advance. This allows agreement beforehand on what suits the area and the season. Notifying Staatsbosbeheer is separate from any municipal permits.
Reporting an activity or event · StaatsbosbeheerIn the Dorpsstraat, homes, shops and restaurants stand side by side. People also live behind a façade next to a terrace. We take each other into account, especially when a pleasant evening goes on a little longer.
In the Dorpsstraat, on the cycle path, in the queue at the bakery: a nod or a good morning. It costs nothing and keeps the island small. On a path where only one can pass, we briefly step off.
For most visitors the car stays in Harlingen. Vehicles do drive on the island: those of residents, businesses and emergency services, as well as buses and taxis. So we share the road with more than just cyclists. Your accommodation can provide information about luggage transport or transport for people with limited mobility.
The Vliehors is a Ministry of Defence training area and is not open to visitors on weekdays. At weekends and on public holidays, access is only permitted when the red flags are down, between sunrise and sunset. The tower, camera post and target areas remain off limits. From 15 March to 1 August the south side and the sand dykes are also closed. We leave cartridge cases, projectiles and other munitions where they are: touching or picking them up is extremely dangerous.
Access rules for the Vliehors · Municipality of VlielandAll year round, Vlieland is a place for a holiday, a weekend or a day on the island. Opening hours vary per business and per season. The website of a shop, restaurant or activity provider gives the current times; your accommodation and the VVV are also happy to help with what is possible that day.
On the mudflats, the tide and the channels determine the route. We go out with a guide who knows the area and adapts the tour to the conditions. That way there is also attention for life on and beneath the mudflats along the way.
The sea is always moving. Rip currents are strong currents between the sandbanks and can occur at both low and high tide. In the summer months, KNRM Lifeguards supervise parts of the beach. We look at the flags and the information at the lifeguard post. Wristbands on which a phone number can be written are available there too, handy for children. Beach supervision does not mean the whole coast is supervised.
Swimming in the sea and beach supervision · Municipality of VlielandAt the beach entrances of the Badhuys and the Bolder there are sunscreen dispensers from mid-May to mid-September. Anyone can use the sunscreen there free of charge. A small facility for a day outdoors, even when it is windy.
Free sunscreen on the beach · Municipality of VlielandBeneath Vlieland lies a freshwater lens that is replenished by rain and snow. Vitens extracts the water in the Bokkendal, purifies and tests it, after which it comes out of our taps. There is no drinking water pipeline from the mainland. That is why we are careful with our own dune water, especially in dry periods.
How drinking water works on Vlieland · Municipality of VlielandA lost or found item can be reported to the municipality, including online. That way belongings and their owners can be reunited. A found item can also be handed in to the municipality for safekeeping. In case of suspected theft, the police are the point of contact.
Reporting lost or found items · Municipality of VlielandAccording to the municipality, recreational drone use is prohibited over almost the entire island. This relates to the nature areas, the Ministry of Defence training area and the helipad for medical transport. The current GoDrone map and the rules per area determine what is possible; an empty beach does not automatically mean flying is allowed.
Municipal information about drones · Municipality of VlielandQuestions we often get
