West-Terschelling: The Vibrant Heart of Terschelling

West-Terschelling is the place where you can fully experience the island vibe. With the iconic lighthouse, the Brandaris, cosy terraces, charming shops and beautiful beaches at West aan Zee, this is a perfect destination for a day out or a longer holiday. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, a friendly atmosphere or relaxation, West-Terschelling has it all!

What Distinguishes West-Terschelling?

The narrow streets, authentic houses, set along a natural bay and steeped in maritime history give the village a unique charm.

• Vibrant heart: The largest village on Terschelling and the place where you arrive by ferry from Harlingen.
• Shopping: In the centre of West-Terschelling you will find delightful shopping streets such as Torenstraat, Boomstraat and Commandeurstraat. Here you can leisurely stroll past boutiques, souvenir shops and stores offering local products. From handcrafted jewellery and island art to artisanal cheese and cranberry products, you’ll find unique souvenirs to take home.
• Perfect base: West-Terschelling is located on the Wadden Sea and is surrounded by beautiful natural areas of woodland, dunes and beach. From here you can easily explore the rest of the island, whether you’re cycling through the dunes or taking a day trip to the east side of Terschelling.
• Expansive beaches: West aan Zee is just a short distance away and offers wide sandy beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and beach walks.

What to Do in West-Terschelling?

Whether you’re after nature, culture, a friendly atmosphere or relaxation, West-Terschelling has it all!

Nature and Outdoor Activities

West-Terschelling and West aan Zee are nestled in a stunning environment, ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. With hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths and walking routes, you can perfectly explore West-Terschelling and the rest of the island.

• Ranger District West-Terschelling – To the north of West-Terschelling lies a beautiful woodland area where you can enjoy walking or cycling. The variety in landscape – from dunes to dense forests – makes it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
• The Green Beach – Near the harbour lies the Green Beach, a unique sandy expanse where the beach and the Wadden Sea blend together. This is a splendid place to walk, birdwatch or simply enjoy the tranquillity and vastness of the landscape. It is one of the few spots in the Netherlands where the sea so strongly influences the scenery that the view is ever-changing.
• The Noordsvaarder Nature Reserve – On the west side of West-Terschelling lies De Noordsvaarder, an impressive nature reserve featuring dunes, salt marshes and sandy areas. Here you can wander endlessly and savour the peace and space.

Other Nearby Attractions

West aan Zee: Peace and Space

About 5 kilometres to the north-east of West-Terschelling lies West aan Zee, a small seaside resort known for its beautiful, expansive beach and unspoilt dune landscape. This is the perfect place to completely unwind.

• Expansive beaches – Ideal for long beach walks or a refreshing dip in the North Sea. In winter, it’s a wonderful spot to let go and enjoy the tranquillity. The beach pavilions here offer delicious dishes and a splendid view over the North Sea.
• Cycling and Walking – From West aan Zee you can embark on delightful cycling trips through the dunes and woodlands of Terschelling.

Beach Pavilions

At the beach in West aan Zee you’ll find several excellent beach pavilions:

• Beach Pavilion West aan Zee – A charming pavilion with a view over the North Sea. Perfect for a snack and a drink after a beach walk.
• ZandZeeBar – A relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

Annual Events

Throughout the year, many events are organised that bring West-Terschelling to life.

• Oerol Festival – One of the largest and most unique theatre festivals in the Netherlands. For ten days in June, the entire Terschelling transforms into a stage for theatre, music and art.
• Open-Air Film Screenings at the Nature Theatre – During the summer months, films are shown in the open air at the Forest Theatre.
• Live Music Performances – Regular live music in various cafés and on the terraces of West-Terschelling.
• New Year’s Dive – Start the New Year with a refreshing dip in the North Sea at West aan Zee, a tradition that attracts many participants each year.

Where to Stay?

From cozy B&B’s to luxury hotels and campsites, West-Terschelling offers a multitude of accommodation options.

• Hotel Schylge – A luxury hotel with a splendid view over the harbour and the Wadden Sea.
• Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee – A magnificent 4-star hotel right on the beach of West aan Zee.
• Hotel Boschrijck – A stylish hotel with wellness facilities and a perfect base for cycling trips.
• Stayokay Terschelling – A budget-friendly and cosy option with a splendid view over the water.

Whether you come for the nature, the friendly atmosphere or the beautiful beaches, West-Terschelling and West aan Zee offer an unforgettable experience for everyone. From wandering through the dunes to enjoying a local beer on a terrace, the island vibe is felt everywhere.

Come and discover the magic of West-Terschelling for yourself and experience the ultimate island feeling!