Vlieland

Fryslân, Netherlands

Why visit Vlieland?

Northern Netherlands West Frisian Islands

) is the second of the West Frisian Islands , being located between . It is wonderfully peaceful and natural, as it is , except for a few permitted vehicles of locals. After , it is the most thinly populated island of the bunch.

is neighbored by the islands of

Planning Vlieland? Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor the trip.

Ask on WhatsApp

How do you get there?

By Plane

The nearest airport serves Vlieland with connections from major hubs. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for the onward journey to the destination.

By Ferry

Vlieland has a single harbour for private boats: The Waddenhaven . Mooring prices are calculated based on a fixed daily rate during the winter as of Aug 2024) per square metre of space your vessel occupies. Note that this is calculated not by taking the usable deck space of your boat, but by multiplying the boat's widest and longest measurement. For commercial skippers and freighters, fixed rates based on the boat's length are used instead. In all of those prices, usage of electricity is included. The harbour has showers, watering facilities, and a laundrette. A municipal surcharge is also applied, totalling per person per night. Availability of mooring spots is best to be checked beforehand, as, especially during the summer, mooring spots tend to be scarce. Availability can be checked online , though it's recommended to contact the harbour beforehand. Do note that mooring spots be reserved beforehand. Aanloophaven Vlieland

By Car / Road

As mentioned above, private cars be brought onto the island. This section therefore details directions to the ferry terminal in , use the A7 highway to head north. Directly after leaving the Afsluitdijk , leave the highway at exit 15 (Zurich). This drops you on the N31 provincial road, which you should then follow until exit 19 (Harlingen Havens). Cross underneath the road you were just on, and keep to the road you're on now. , use the A7 to head west towards Heerenveen. At Drachten (exit 30A), turn onto the N31 heading towards Leeuwarden, and keep following this road until you've passed Leeuwarden. Use exit 19 (Harlingen Havens), and turn right at the roundabout you find yourself on. , use the A27 highway towards Lelystad, and follow that direction when the A27 ends and meets the A6. This highway then ends near . There, turn onto the A7 heading for Sneek, and follow the A7 beyond that town. At exit 15 (Zurich), leave the highway, turning onto the N31. Exit the N31 at exit 19 (Harlingen Havens), and turn to cross underneath the N31.

Vlieland is a small island - If you so choose, you could walk from one end of the island to the other end in under three hours, with the distance from the harbour in the east to the west-most landmass being about a 12 kilometres (7.5 -walk. For convenience (and your feet's sake), it's recommended to instead rent a regular city bike or speciality bike like a from Vlieland. Public transit Public transit on Vlieland really isn't that difficult to wrap your head around, as there simply is just one bus line. It starts at the harbour, loops around the town Oost-Vlieland, and makes its way towards Vliehorst via the Wadden Sea coast. The line frequency, however, is irregular and thereby not very useful if you require any kind of frequency. They depart from the ferry terminal at 09:00, 10:40, 10:30, 13:00, 14:45, 15:40, 16:30, 18:45 and 20:30. As of the 2024 service, a single return trip on the bus costs regardless of your destination. The

What are the things to do?

  • Walking and cycling tours through the historic streets and surrounding countryside

  • Boat tours or water activities (where applicable)

  • Local festivals and cultural events throughout the year

  • Shopping at local markets and specialty shops

  • Day trips to nearby attractions and neighboring towns

Planning Vlieland? Want these on a customised itinerary?

Ask on WhatsApp

Where to eat?

Dining options in Vlieland range from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants. Local Caribbean cuisine features fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and international influences. Many restaurants offer outdoor terrace dining.

Where to drink?

Beach bars and cocktail lounges are popular, serving tropical drinks and local beers. Happy hour is common at many establishments. Fresh fruit smoothies and local rum-based cocktails are widely available.

Planning Vlieland? We’ll book the stays and dining for you.

Ask on WhatsApp

Where to stay?

Budget: Hostels and budget hotels offer affordable accommodation starting from around €30–60 per night.

Mid-range: Comfortable hotels and B&Bs are available in the €70–130 range, often within walking distance of the town center.

Upscale: For a more luxurious stay, boutique hotels and higher-end properties offer premium amenities from €140 per night.

What should you buy?

Souvenir shops and local boutiques offer gifts and local crafts. Duty-free shopping is available at the airport. Local markets provide fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Where to go next?

  • Other parts of the island — Explore more beaches, national parks, and local communities
  • Nearby islands — Day trips by ferry or small plane to neighboring Caribbean islands

Nearby in Fryslân

More places to explore around Vlieland.

Guide content as of June 2026. Portions adapted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us.

Or connect over WhatsApp

Connect Over WhatsApp