Holiday on Terschelling
Are you celebrating your holiday on the beautiful West Frisian Island Terschelling? Just like the other islands Terschelling has its own, rich history. The island was created in the Middle ages when a sandbank called de Schelling merged with the island of Wexalia. The oldest remnants date from the year 850, when a small church was built on the hill near Striep.
The municipality of Terschelling has a total of 12 official places, the main town is West Terschelling where you will find the oldest lighthouse of the Netherlands, ‘de Brandaris’. Until today this lighthouse is still an important manned coastguard post.
Terschelling has three islander dialects. Terschelling consists of no less than 80% natural dune landscape and salt marshes. The island has a rich cranberry culture. This plant, originally from America, ended up on the island after a barrel of this sour fruit washed ashore in 1845. Because the islander and finder Pieter Sipkes Cupido didn’t see the value of this sour berry, the barrel was left behind in a dune valley. On Terschelling, the cranberry is still called the Pieter Sipkesheide.
This island is characterized by the naturally formed bay, on which the village of West-Terschelling is located. This is also the mooring place of the ferry and the large marina of the island. West Terschelling was a significant port for shipping and today it is still the maritime heart of the island. In this village you will find the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz. Willem Barentsz was a Dutch sailor and explorer, born in the village of Formerum. Although the activities in the marina increasingly get a more touristic character, West guarantees cosiness and nice views of the mudflats.
The island’s history can almost be called illustrious and this fact probably guarantees the vibrant experience the island offers nowadays. The most famous streets and the theatre festival is of course Oerol, but you will also be surprised by numerous other highlights and activities the island has to offer, such as for example the museum Het Behouden Huys, which pays special attention to Willem Barentsz’s harsh wintering on Nova Zembla. The demonstrations and workshops of local crafts are definitely also worth a visit.
Terschelling offers numerous possibilities for active tourists. You can make long (beach) walks and cycle tours with various catering establishments along the way. The island also offers art, culture, sport and relaxation. Families with children will also amuse themselves.
Are you curious about everything Terschelling can offer you? Please check the Tourist Office (VVV) website.
Terschelling, a colourful West Frisian Island with a rich history!