Schiermonnikoog

The smallest inhabited island of the Dutch Wadden Islands. The whole island is a national park with no cars allowed. Cycle through the dunes to one of Europe's widest beaches, and see seals and migratory birds by the sea.

Schiermonnikoog is one of the Wadden Islands in the North Sea off the coast of Friesland, in the Netherlands. It is about 16 km long and is the smallest inhabited island in the group. In 1989, the whole island was designated the first national park in the Netherlands, and the Wadden Sea it sits in is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has only one village. Visitors cannot bring cars onto the island, so transport relies entirely on bicycles and walking.

The main highlights are the North Sea beach on the north shore, one of the widest in Europe; the village and the North Lighthouse; birdwatching at West Lake in the west; and the wild scenery of salt marshes and the Balgzand sandbar in the east. On the mainland side, Lauwersoog Harbor has a seal rescue center, and to the south, Lauwersmeer National Park offers birdwatching and stargazing. In summer, you can also walk across the mudflats from the Groningen sea dike with a guide to reach the island.

Getting there: from Groningen, take a bus for about 1 hour to Lauwersoog, then transfer to a ferry for about 45 minutes to the island's pier, and take a bus or cycle about 3 km into the village. Bicycles can be rented at the pier and in the village. A day trip is possible, but staying one night lets you see the sunset and the stars. Accommodation on the island is limited, so book in advance for summer weekends.

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