Schiermonnikoog

Travel Guide

Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by Jan Lalkens

Visit the most easterly of the Wadden Sea islands for a relaxing holiday and enjoy the beach, learn about the local history and take in the beautiful nature. 

Come to Schiermonnikoog! It's not only home to one of the biggest beaches in Europe, it also has great walking and cycling paths, a lovely village and a pleasant island culture. It's the perfect place to recharge your batteries.

Schiermonnikoog is the most easterly of the Wadden Sea islands and owes its name to a group of monks who settled on the island sometime in the Middle Ages. The grey colour of the monks' robes was referred to then as ‘schier’ (the first part of the island's name). ‘Oog’ (the last part of the name) was once the word for island. The 'monnik' in the middle of the name is Dutch for 'monk' – Schiermonnikoog actually means grey monk robe island.

You can still find traces of this chapter of the island's history. Visit, for example, Willemshof in the village of the same name, where a statue of the monks was erected in 1961. Another cultural sight worth seeing in the village is the Bunkermuseum Schlei, where a variety of objects from the Second World War are exhibited.

You cannot leave the island without exploring the nature. Take the kids to De Balg, a very wide beach on the eastern side of Schiermonnikoog.

On the west side of the island you'll find the Noordertoren, the island's lighthouse, and in the southwest you can visit the Westerplas, which is part of the National Park Schiermonnikoog. This is a great place to spend a day in nature spotting birds, for example.

Schiermonnikoog is a car-free island, but rare exceptions are made. If you have to take your car with you, remember to apply for a permit well ahead of time. Most people leave their car on the mainland and take their bicycles with them instead. If you left your bikes at home, you can hire some on the island. There are also buses and taxis, which are quite handy if you want to go on longer trips around the island or it’s raining.

You can reach the island from Lauwersoog by water taxi or ferry. The crossing takes 45 minutes. Lauwersoog is to the northwest of Groningen where you catch the bus to the ferry.

Enjoy Schiermonnikoog's beautiful nature, tranquillity and diverse wildlife. Book now for a great holiday.

The Social Hub Groningen
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3.5 out of 5
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The Market Hotel Groningen
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4.5 out of 5
Grote Markt 31, Groningen, GR
The price is RM679 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM679
RM780 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Groningen. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (338 reviews)
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Martini Hotel
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2 out of 5
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The price is RM414 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM414
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Stay at this hotel in Groningen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (318 reviews)
"This is a very cute hotel. It is older and thus has some older facilities. Our transactions with the staff were friendly and efficient. We definitely felt welcome. Our room was clean and comfortable. No frills but everything we needed it to be. As in many older hotels, the shower was small but adequate. ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

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De Vlindertuin Ameland
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2.5 out of 5
2 Polderweg, Nes, FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Nes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"Sehr gutes Appartement, gerne wieder"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

De Vlindertuin Ameland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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