What to Experience on Terschelling: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events on Terschelling. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Fjoertoer
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Every spring, Terschelling becomes the stage for a unique walking and Nordic Walking event: the Fjoertoer. This special event takes participants through vast polders, mysterious forests, high dunes, and across the wide beach, partly at night. A combination of sportiness and relaxation, light and dark, fire and silence. The ...
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National Museum Week
Begin april
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
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Spring Market in Midsland
The annual Spring Market in Midsland is the perfect place to celebrate the arrival of beautiful weather! Wander through the charming streets of Oosterburen and Westerburen, where colourful stalls invite you to browse through handmade products, trendy fashion, and typical island treats. A perfect opportunity to get into the ...
The annual Meslâns tasting is the event in Midsland where you can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks. A tasteful experience for both young and old! What can you expect at Meslâns Tasting? - Tasty Snacks and Drinks: Sample various local specialties and culinary delights at the cosy stalls in the Oosterburen street. - ...
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Flea Markets on Terschelling
Every year, atmospheric flea markets are organised on Terschelling, where you can rummage through second-hand treasures, unique finds, and handmade products. A perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the island's coziness. What can you expect? - Unique Finds: From vintage clothing and antiques to toys and books ...
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Lifeboat Day
Early May
Each year, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) opens the doors of its rescue stations during the annual Lifeboat Day. This event offers a unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes. What's on at Lifeboat Day? - Educational Activities: Learn all about the rescue work and the equipment used, ...
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National Mills Day
The National Mill Day, celebrated annually on the second weekend of May, is a festive day when hundreds of wind and water mills across the Netherlands open their doors to the public. This event, which has been organised since the 1970s, celebrates the country's rich milling history and attracts thousands of visitors each ...
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Bunker Day
Along the coast of Terschelling, traces of the Second World War can still be found. Dive into the past and experience history up close during Bunker Day, a unique event that opens the doors to the hidden bunkers along the Dutch coast. From Zeeland to the Wadden Islands, discover the remnants of the Second World War and the Atlantic Wa ...
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Ring Jousting
Who can spear the most rings on horseback and has the fastest time? Beautiful folklore! - Saturday, May 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting with horse and carriage in Midsland. - Thursday, July 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting on horseback in Formerum. - Friday, August 1, 2025, start 7:30 PM Ring jousting in ...
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Flea Markets on Terschelling
Every year, atmospheric flea markets are organised on Terschelling, where you can rummage through second-hand treasures, unique finds, and handmade products. A perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the island's coziness. What can you expect? - Unique Finds: From vintage clothing and antiques to toys and books ...
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Oerol
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Every year, usually in June, the stunning Wadden Island of Terschelling is transformed into a grand stage for theatre, dance, music, and art: the Oerol Festival. This ten-day event is one of the Netherlands' most unique cultural festivals, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the island annually. Theatre in the Dunes, ...
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Sint Jan's Trotting Race
Every summer, the charming village of Midsland on Terschelling becomes the stage for a spectacular horse race: the Sint Jan’s Draverij. This unique event, one of the oldest festivals on the island, attracts both island residents and tourists. The race, where riders dressed in white race on farm horses without saddles, ...
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Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations
The annual demonstrations of the horse rescue boat Secretaris Schumacher are a unique spectacle you shouldn't miss! Experience how the rowing rescue boat was once launched with the help of powerful Frisian horses. What can you expect at the Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations? - Historical Spectacle: Ten strong Frisian ...
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Ring Jousting
Who can spear the most rings on horseback and has the fastest time? Beautiful folklore! - Saturday, May 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting with horse and carriage in Midsland. - Thursday, July 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting on horseback in Formerum. - Friday, August 1, 2025, start 7:30 PM Ring jousting in ...
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Evening Market in West-Terschelling
Every summer, the square beneath the iconic Brandaris lighthouse in West-Terschelling transforms into a charming evening market full of coziness, music, and delicious treats. What can you expect at the evening market in West-Terschelling? - Cozy Food Square: Sample local specialties such as spare ribs, pulled pork, ...
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Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations
The annual demonstrations of the horse rescue boat Secretaris Schumacher are a unique spectacle you shouldn't miss! Experience how the rowing rescue boat was once launched with the help of powerful Frisian horses. What can you expect at the Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations? - Historical Spectacle: Ten strong Frisian ...
Read more
Ring Jousting
Who can spear the most rings on horseback and has the fastest time? Beautiful folklore! - Saturday, May 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting with horse and carriage in Midsland. - Thursday, July 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting on horseback in Formerum. - Friday, August 1, 2025, start 7:30 PM Ring jousting in ...
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Terschelling Open Air Film Festival
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Experience the magic of movies under the starry sky at the Terschelling Open Air Film Festival (TOF) in West aan Zee. An unique outdoor film experience in a breathtaking location amidst nature. What can you expect at TOF? - Outdoor films in a magical spot in nature. - A cosy "theatre" opening at 20:30, with the film ...
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Record Fair
The annual Record Fair under the Brandaris lighthouse is the place to be for music lovers and collectors. Browse through dozens of meters of LPs, CDs, and singles, and discover hidden gems in all genres: from hip-hop to hard rock, and from Dutch to house. What can you expect at the Record Fair on Terschelling? - Extensive ...
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Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations
The annual demonstrations of the horse rescue boat Secretaris Schumacher are a unique spectacle you shouldn't miss! Experience how the rowing rescue boat was once launched with the help of powerful Frisian horses. What can you expect at the Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations? - Historical Spectacle: Ten strong Frisian ...
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Marktdraverij
The annual Marktdraverij in Midsland is a unique and traditional horse race that brings together lovers of speed, horses, and nostalgia. This spectacular event takes place on the historic Heereweg, on the north side of Midsland, and attracts a large audience each year. What can you expect at the Marktdraverij in ...
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Livestock Market Beestenmerk
Every second Thursday in September, the picturesque village of Midsland on Terschelling transforms into a lively livestock market during the traditional Beestenmerk. For over 40 years, this has been a popular event for islanders and visitors alike, where trade, tradition, and conviviality come together. What can you ...
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Rock 'n Roll Street
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At the beginning of September, the picturesque village of Midsland on Terschelling transforms into a true rock-'n-roll paradise. The annual Rock 'n Roll Street event takes you back to the 1950s with a weekend full of music, dance, classic cars, and authentic rockabilly vibes. What can you expect at Rock 'n Roll Street in ...
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Open Monuments Day on Terschelling
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Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments on Terschelling can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, with the logo as depicted here. It offers the rare opportunity to visit historical buildings, churches, windmills, residences, and ma ...
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Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations
The annual demonstrations of the horse rescue boat Secretaris Schumacher are a unique spectacle you shouldn't miss! Experience how the rowing rescue boat was once launched with the help of powerful Frisian horses. What can you expect at the Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations? - Historical Spectacle: Ten strong Frisian ...
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Bluescruise
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De Bluescruise is een jaarlijks muzikaal evenement in het laatste weekend van september. Met historische zeiltjalken wordt een weekend zeiltocht van Harlingen naar Terschelling en vice versa gemaakt met bluesbands en (blues)muziekliefhebbers. Het is op basis van all-inclusive wat inhoudt dat alle drankjes en maaltijden ...
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Art in the Church
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Art in the Church is an annual event in Midsland, where you are invited to explore the creative power of Terschelling. Since 2006, various island artists have exhibited their work in the atmospheric Reformed Church on Westerburen street, also known as the Meslânzer Church. What can you expect at Art in the Church? - ...
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Funfair on Terschelling
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The biennial funfair on Terschelling is an event full of fun and gezelligheid for all ages. In odd years, the parking lot behind the Brandaris, on Duindoornstraat in West-Terschelling, is transformed into a colourful fairground with various rides and stalls. What can you expect at the funfair in West-Terschelling? - Fun ...
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Brandaris Sailing Competition
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The Brandarisrace is a spectacular sailing race held every year in October. From Harlingen, classic flat-bottomed ships such as clippers, tjalks, and skûtsjes compete to be the first to reach the harbour of West-Terschelling. What Makes the Brandarisrace Special - Historical Background: First organised in 1994 to ...
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Ring Jousting
Who can spear the most rings on horseback and has the fastest time? Beautiful folklore! - Saturday, May 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting with horse and carriage in Midsland. - Thursday, July 24, 2025, start 7:00 PM Ring jousting on horseback in Formerum. - Friday, August 1, 2025, start 7:30 PM Ring jousting in ...
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Witches Market
The annual Witches Market in Midsland is a captivating event with a touch of Halloween! Every autumn holiday, on Wednesday afternoon and evening, the Oosterburen street is transformed into a magical setting full of witches, wizards, and fairytale figures. What can you expect at the Witches Market in Midsland? - Fairytale ...
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Berenloop Marathon
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The Berenloop on Terschelling is one of the most popular running events in the Netherlands. Every year on the first weekend of November, thousands of runners and supporters come to the island to participate in this unique race through villages, forests, dunes, and across the beach. In addition to the beautiful course, the ...
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Arrival of Saint Nicholas
Eind november
T ...
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Christmas Market on Terschelling
During the month of December, cozy Christmas markets are held on Terschelling. From quaint stalls with treats to atmospheric lights and winter activities — there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss these magical Christmas events! Christmas Market in West-Terschelling Wander through stalls offering a ...
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Christmas Market on Terschelling
During the month of December, cozy Christmas markets are held on Terschelling. From quaint stalls with treats to atmospheric lights and winter activities — there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss these magical Christmas events! Christmas Market in West-Terschelling Wander through stalls offering a ...
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Light tour
The annual Lichtjestocht (Light tour) in Oosterend is a magical winter walk for all ages. This atmospheric event takes place between Christmas and New Year's Day and takes you through the unique Dark Sky Park, one of the darkest places in the Netherlands. Here you can admire the starry sky in all its glory, far from the ...
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Christmas Market on Terschelling
During the month of December, cozy Christmas markets are held on Terschelling. From quaint stalls with treats to atmospheric lights and winter activities — there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss these magical Christmas events! Christmas Market in West-Terschelling Wander through stalls offering a ...