The Wadden Islands Are Europe's Must-Visit Hidden Treasure

Despite being a classic holiday destination for generations of Dutch people, foreign travellers rarely venture onto the Wadden Islands, partly due to the archipelago’s remoteness. These stunning offshore retreats are easily among the most beautiful locations in Europe and are famed for their rugged shorelines, thick woodlands and windswept dunes.

Texel

As Texel is easily accessible from Amsterdam via Den Helder, it is probably the most popular destination in the Wadden Sea. Most of Texel’s western coastline is protected as a national park, due to its rich, biologically diverse landscapes. Eirland Lighthouse is located on island’s most northern shore and also appears on Texelse Brewery’s logo.

Before 1287, Vlieland was actually attached to the Dutch mainland and became an island after an catastrophic flood devastated the country’s northern shore. Since then, it has remained inhabited but is recognised as the second least densely populated municipalities in the Netherlands. For obvious reasons, the island is particularly tranquil.

Terschelling

During the warmer months of the year, Terschelling’s northern shore is absolutely stunning, thanks to its golden sands and unbroken seascape. Most of the island is recognised as a national park and features hundreds of scenic locales. A large, international performing arts festival called Oerol takes place on Terschelling every June.

Ameland

Ameland managed to resist mainland Dutch control for most of its history and was governed by a free lord until 1708, when its ruling family finally passed away. After joining the Netherlands, Ameland kept its local dialect, which is actually quite distant from standard Dutch. Like all of the Wadden Islands, Ameland is ridiculously beautiful.

Ameland’s coastline is ridiculously photogenic

Schiermonnikoog

There is only one village on Schiermonnikoog and less than 900 people permanently live on the island. Due to its size and flatness, bicycles are the primary mode of transport on Schiermonnikoog and there are only around 200 licensed motor vehicles within its municipal boundaries. The island’s coastal dunes are a Dutch national treasure and attract thousands of visitors every day during the holiday season.

Schiermonnikoog’s northern coast is drenched in golden sands

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.