Schiermonnikoog is first and foremost a great hiking island. If it is not breeding season, you can also explore off the beaten track here. This pearl in the Wadden Sea has the widest beach in Europe and is also one of country's cleanest beaches. At the end of the day, walk along the beach and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
The Westerplas
The Westerplas on Schiermonnikoog is a beautiful freshwater lake located centrally on the island, close to the village. Known for its rich biodiversity, the area attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Westerplas is one of the best places on the island for bird watching. Thanks to its quiet surroundings and fresh water, it is an important habitat for breeding, resting and migratory birds, such as the spoonbill, avocet and bluethroat.
Extensive reed beds grow around Westerplas, providing shelter for birds and small animals. The reed beds are also an important breeding ground.
Be sure to bring your binoculars when you go to Westerplas! There are several bird-watching huts where you can quietly observe birds and admire the ever-changing nature.
Westerplas plays a crucial role in Schiermonnikoog's ecosystem. Its fresh water attracts animals you won't easily find elsewhere on the island. The area also acts as natural water storage and helps with the drainage of the island.
The Bellows
De Balg is a special and dynamic stretch of sand on the east side of Schiermonnikoog, where nature and tides have created a fascinating landscape. Known for its vast, quiet surroundings, the area is a wonderful example of how islands grow and change under the influence of wind and sea.
De Balg is located at the extreme eastern tip of Schiermonnikoog, an area constantly in motion due to the force of the tides. It is the result of sand accumulation, with the island slowly growing to the east.
The area is a haven for countless birds and seals. Here you can spot birds such as terns, spoonbills and shorebirds, and often seals are resting on the sandbanks. Peace and quiet
De Balg is remote and often feels like a place at the end of the world. The silence and vastness are impressive and make it a perfect destination for peace seekers and nature lovers.
Thanks to the currents and gullies, unusual shells such as whelks and rarer specimens often wash ashore on the Balg.
