Schiermonnikoog Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and famous landmarks to see in Schiermonnikoog. Learn about the culture, history, food, and local customs of this beautiful Dutch island.


Introduction to Schiermonnikoog

Located in the West Frisian Islands in the Northern Netherlands, Schiermonnikoog is a small but beautiful island filled with natural wonders and cultural attractions. The island is easily accessible by ferry, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the city and explore the great outdoors.

With its white sandy beaches, vast sand dunes, breathtaking landscapes, and scenic views, Schiermonnikoog is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, birdwatching, paddleboarding, and swimming. The island also has a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages, evident in its historic buildings, museums, and local traditions.

In this guide, we’ve highlighted the must-see attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more. Let’s dive in!

List of Places to Visit in Schiermonnikoog

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bunker Museum

Located in the heart of Schiermonnikoog’s National Park, the Bunker Museum is a well-preserved relic of World War II. The museum features an exhibition that tells the story of how the island was occupied by the Germans and how the islanders lived during the war.

Menkemaborg

Built in the 17th century, the Menkemaborg is a historic mansion that showcases life on a Dutch estate during the Golden Age. The mansion has been beautifully restored, and visitors can explore the grand rooms, beautiful gardens, and beautiful art collection.

Natural Attractions of Schiermonnikoog: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

National Park Schiermonnikoog

Covering almost the entire island, Schiermonnikoog National Park is a vast and varied landscape that provides a home for numerous species of plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy long walks on the beautiful beaches, hike through the dunes and forests, or go birdwatching.

Beaches

With over fifteen kilometers of pristine white sandy beaches, Schiermonnikoog boasts some of the most beautiful coastline in the Netherlands. Visitors can take a dip in the North Sea, go windsurfing, kite surfing or paddleboarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails and routes to choose from. Although the island is only 16 km2, it has a vast network of paths and trails. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transport on the island, and visitors can rent a bike from several locations.

Best Things to Do in Schiermonnikoog: Activities and Tours

Sea Tours

Visitors can take a boat tour around the island, go fishing, or explore the nearby sandbanks.

Guided hikes

Discover Schiermonnikoog’s stunning landscapes and wildlife during a guided hike across the island

Birdwatching

Schiermonnikoog is famous for its abundant birdlife, and visitors can discover the island’s feathered inhabitants with guided tours of the bird reserves.

Week-Long Itinerary for Schiermonnikoog

To make the most of your trip to Schiermonnikoog, we suggest the following itinerary:

Day 1

Arrive and settle in; Rent a bike and explore the island

Day 2

Guided hike in the National Park; Visit the Bunker Museum

Day 3

Visit the Menkemaborg, a historic mansion showcasing Dutch architecture during the Golden Age

Day 4

Take a boat tour or go on a fishing excursion

Day 5

Visit the lighthouse and enjoy stunning views of the island

Day 6

Visit the local shops and pick up some souvenirs; Enjoy traditional Dutch fish dishes

Day 7

Relax on the beach and take a dip in the North Sea; Take a guided birdwatching tour

Food and Drink Scene of Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog has a rich food and drink scene, with several traditional dishes that you must try during your visit.

Must-Try Dishes

Wadden Sea Oysters

Schiermonnikoog is home to some of the best oysters in the Netherlands. Fresh and salty, these oysters are a must-try for seafood lovers.

Local fish dishes

Visitors can enjoy traditional Dutch fish dishes such as smoked eel, herring, or kibbeling, a battered and fried white fish.

Local Beverages

Juttertje

This local herbal liquor is made with 34 different herbs and spices and is said to have medicinal properties.

Schiermonnikoger brewed beer

This small island brewery produces a range of delicious, artisanal beers that are worth trying during your visit.

Where to Stay in Schiermonnikoog: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Schiermonnikoog has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Mid-range Hotels

  • Hotel Brasserie Om de Noord
  • Hotel Graaf Bernstorff
  • Hotel Van der Werff

Budget options

  • Youth Hostel Schiermonnikoog - affordable dorm rooms and private rooms
  • B&B Op De Brouwerij - charming guesthouse with comfortable rooms and great breakfast options

What to Buy in Schiermonnikoog: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Schiermonnikoog can find a wide range of local products and souvenirs to take home, including:

  • Local honey and cheese
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics
  • Traditional Dutch wooden shoes and clogs
  • Local artisanal beers and herbal liquors

Local Culture and Customs of Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog has a rich cultural heritage, with many local customs and traditions that visitors can discover during their stay. The island is home to several festivals throughout the year, such as the Oerol Festival (traditionally held in June).

Local crafts and trades, such as knitting, fishing, and boat building, are still prevalent on the island, and visitors can learn about these traditions at several workshops and exhibitions.

Best Time to Visit Schiermonnikoog

The best time to visit Schiermonnikoog is between the months of May and September, when the weather is mild, and the days are longer. This period also offers the most extensive range of activities and events, such as the Oerol festival and the bird-watching season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Schiermonnikoog

Do:

  • Visit the National Park and enjoy the beautiful landscapes
  • Explore the island on foot or by bike
  • Try the local seafood and beer
  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Book accommodation in advance during peak season

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the fragile environment of the island
  • Ignore the signs and regulations in the National Park
  • Disturb the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog is a safe place to visit, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Visitors should be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, such as swimming in the North Sea or hiking in the dunes. It is always advisable to be prepared and follow safety guidelines.

Health in Schiermonnikoog

Visitors to Schiermonnikoog should ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The island has a medical clinic and a pharmacy, but for more severe cases, visitors may have to travel to the mainland for treatment.

Getting to Schiermonnikoog: Transportation Options and Logistics

Schiermonnikoog is accessible by ferry from Lauwersoog, on the mainland. Visitors can also travel by bus or car to the harbor. During the summer months, there are several daily ferry departures.

Airports Near Schiermonnikoog

The nearest airport to Schiermonnikoog is Groningen Airport Eelde, which has daily flights to several European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Schiermonnikoog

The nearest bus station to Schiermonnikoog is the one in Lauwersoog, which has buses arriving from larger towns in the area.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Schiermonnikoog by private boat or yacht.

How to Get Around in Schiermonnikoog

The best way to get around Schiermonnikoog is by bike, which visitors can rent at several locations on the island. Public transportation on the island is limited but efficient. Visitors can also travel on foot or take a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Schiermonnikoog: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations that visitors can explore from Schiermonnikoog include:

  • Lauwersoog Harbor
  • The city of Groningen
  • The other Dutch Frisian Islands: Ameland and Terschelling

Conclusion

Schiermonnikoog offers a unique travel experience, with plenty of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s wildlife, or soak up some Dutch history and traditions, Schiermonnikoog has something for everyone. We hope this guide has inspired you to visit this beautiful Dutch island.