Balg & Oostpunt
De Balg
A wild sandbar and salt marshes at the island's easternmost tip, home to seabirds, reachable by the tractor-drawn 'Balg Express'.
Balg is a sandbar at the island's eastern tip that keeps growing. It is surrounded by extensive salt marshes and desolate beaches with almost no man-made facilities, making it an excellent place to observe seabirds, shorebirds and seals in the distance. From the village, it is about 10 km by bike to the eastern parking point, and from there you must walk. In summer, a tractor-drawn sightseeing vehicle called the 'Balg Express' carries visitors there and back with commentary. The sandbar is affected by tides, so check the tide table in advance. Parts of the salt marsh are closed during the breeding season.
Opening hours
All day; sightseeing shuttle runs on a seasonal schedule
Nearby sights
- Mudflat Walk to Schiermonnikoog
- Schiermonnikoog National Park
- Bunker Museum Schlei
- Seal Centre at Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre, Lauwersoog
- North Sea Beach (Noorderstrand)
- Zoutkamp
- Schiermonnikoog Village
- Noordertoren Lighthouse