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Visitor Info

Accessibility: The five largest (inhabited) islands can all be visited, but visitors cannot take their car to either Vlieland or Schiermonnikoog. Access is not allowed on Rottumerplaat, Rottumeroog nor on the small island Griend.
Some forms of recreation are prohibited in the Wadden Sea region. For others, exemption is required. Prohibited forms include the use of hydrofoils, hovercraft, water scooters, jet skis and other noisy craft. Water skiing is also forbidden, as are off-road cycling, kite flying, hang-gliding, the use of light aircraft and ULV's and ballooning. Yachting, mud-flat walking and some other forms of recreation are regulated in order to keep them under control.

Hiking: The five largest islands offer excellent opportunities for quiet hiking. Because of strong tidal influences, it can be dangerous to walk across the shallows and therefore they can only be explored with a guide to avoid dangerous situations. It is forbidden to cross the sea from any island to another (see under Excursions). One can do shallow hiking by low tide. It is a very special activity in the area during which a lot of animals can be seen in their natural habitats.

Biking: The bike is ideal to explore the five largest islands, but only on marked paths. All sorts of bikes and also beach transportation can be rented at various businesses on all main islands.

Excursions: Information on excursions can be obtained through the visitor centres and Tourist Offices (VVV's) of the five main islands. Crossing the shallows ('wadlopen') is only allowed with a licensed guide; www.wadlopen.net.

Water: The Wadden Sea can be visited by boat but visitors should beware of the shallows. Harbours include Den Helder, Harlingen, Lauwersoog and Delfzijl.Wind surfing and swimming is possible in many places. The zones where little or no recreational use is permitted are the closed areas such as refuges at high tide, areas where seals lie out, nesting colonies etc. If they are open to recreational users at all, then it is only at strictly limited times. Annually, the situation is re-examined to see whether the zoning arrangements need to be modified in the interests of wildlife.

Dogs: Allowed on the five largest islands. On several beaches and in the dunes dogs have to be kept on a leash.Horses: On the islands horseback riding is possible, e.g. along the beaches.

Annual events: Several sailing matches are organised every year. A very popular festival is the Oerol: culture and plays, every summer on Terschelling: www.oerol.nl Tel. 0562 448448.

Transportation
Train & ferry: The ferry to Texel leaves from Den Helder (bus connection to Den Helder station). The ferry to Vlieland and Terschelling leaves from Harlingen (station Harlingen Haven). The ferry to Ameland leaves from Holwerd (bus connection with Leeuwarden) The ferry to Schiermonnikoog leaves from Lauwersoog (bus connection from Leeuwarden and from Groningen)
Cars: it is recommended to leave your car on the mainland; visitors are not allowed to bring their cars to either Vlieland or Schiermonnikoog.