Vlieland in winter: quiet, storm and silence

Welcome, all year round

We live and work here in all seasons. Vlieland is open in winter as well: with accommodation, shops, cafés and restaurants. A winter visit is not a visit to a closed island.

Short days, different light

In winter, the sun is low and the days are short. A walk along the North Sea shows a different side of the island to a beach day in August. Walking paths run through the woods; on the Wadden side, the view changes with the ebb and flow.

Birds on the mudflats

The Wadden Sea is a place where birds forage for food and rest. At Dodeman’s Bol there is a bird hide. For guided excursions to special nature reserves, De Lepelaar and VVV Vlieland publish their current programme. Local signs indicate the access rules.

Into the village

Museum Tromp’s Huys tells of the island and the sea. In the Dorpsstraat there are two supermarkets, a bakery and other shops, alongside cafés and restaurants. Businesses publish their own opening hours; these may differ around public holidays.

Travel and stay

Rederij Doeksen maintains the connection with Harlingen throughout the year. Sailings may change or be cancelled depending on weather conditions. The shipping company publishes the current timetable. Our arrival page covers parking, bicycle hire and luggage transport; Over Vlieland gathers the other practical information.