Terschelling Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The main gateway to Terschelling is via ferry from the Dutch mainland port of Harlingen, with crossings taking approximately 2 hours on the conventional ferry or 45 minutes on the fast service. Harlingen itself is well-connected by train to major Dutch cities, with regular services from Amsterdam (about 2 hours) and Groningen (about 1 hour). If traveling by car, Harlingen has several parking facilities near the ferry terminal where you can leave your vehicle during your island stay. Many visitors prefer to travel without cars as Terschelling is best explored by bicycle, with rental shops available near the ferry arrival point.

Nestled in the Wadden Sea, Terschelling stands as one of the most beautiful West Frisian Islands of the Netherlands. This 30km-long island combines pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and lush forests with charming villages that maintain their authentic character. As a ferry destination, Terschelling offers visitors a perfect escape from mainland bustle, where cycling paths wind through diverse landscapes and the rhythm of island life moves at a refreshingly gentle pace.

Summer (June-August) brings warm temperatures averaging 20-25°C, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) offers milder weather around 15°C with blooming wildflowers, particularly the island's famous cranberry fields. The Oerol Festival in June transforms the entire island into a performance venue, drawing thousands of art enthusiasts. September and early October provide a pleasant alternative with fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and the spectacular sight of migratory birds. Winter visits offer a different charm with windswept beaches and cozy cafés, though ferry services may operate on reduced schedules.

Terschelling serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other treasures of the Wadden Sea. Neighboring Vlieland is just a short ferry hop away (approximately 30 minutes), offering even more seclusion with its car-free environment and vast nature reserve. Ameland, reachable via connecting ferries, boasts charming villages and four distinct lighthouses spread across its dunes. For a day trip, consider Texel, the largest of the West Frisian Islands, famous for its diverse landscapes and local sheep cheese. The Wadden Sea itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with special excursions available during low tide that allow you to walk on the seabed in this remarkable ecosystem.

Climbing the island's iconic red lighthouse, Brandaris (the oldest in the Netherlands, dating from 1594), rewards visitors with panoramic views across the entire island. The expansive beaches on the North Sea side invite long walks, kite flying, and beachcombing, while the more sheltered Wadden Sea coast offers ideal conditions for mudflat walking tours. Sample local specialties like cranberry liqueur and sheep cheese at West-Terschelling's charming cafés and restaurants. The village of Midsland enchants with its historic houses and traditional atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon of wandering. For nature enthusiasts, Boschplaat nature reserve on the eastern end of the island provides a haven for rare birds and plant species in an unspoiled setting.

Terschelling's unique cranberry industry began in 1840 when a barrel of the berries washed ashore from a shipwreck, taking root and thriving in the island's sandy soil. The island boasts the Netherlands' darkest night skies, earning it recognition as one of the best stargazing locations in Western Europe. During World War II, Terschelling was one of the few Dutch territories to remain largely undisturbed by German occupation, preserving many historic buildings that were destroyed elsewhere. The island's name derives from 'Wexalia' in ancient times, meaning 'land between two tidal streams,' highlighting its unique geographical position in the Wadden Sea.