City Trips

Weekend away? This is the ultimate destination

By
Vlieland

From spring onwards, the period of mini-holidays begins again, thanks to all the public holidays that allow us to celebrate many long weekends. It seems as if we have extra days off every week, and I want to make the most of them. Going abroad for those few days feels a bit too enthusiastic for me, so I prefer to look for options closer to home. One of the nicest places to go, in my opinion, is the Wadden Island of Vlieland.

Vlieland is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday, both with and without children. The island is also known as ‘Vliebiza’, but I actually think that's unfair. There are no big parties, you don't have to run into anyone, and there's hardly any traffic because only the islanders are allowed to bring their cars. It's the ultimate way to unwind, as you do everything on foot or by bike.

These are the 9 things you definitely must do when you're on Vlieland.

1. Sleeping in the Loods Hotel
This hotel is located right in the village street, between the cozy cafes, shops, and restaurants. If you book a room with a sea view, you look out over the Wadden Sea where you can see the ferry arriving. By the way, it's not busy in the village either, as even the locals are not allowed to come by car.

2. Horseback riding
My love for Vlieland started with a pony. As a child, I could be found for days at Manege de Seeruyter, and not much has changed since then. Beginners ride through the forest and dunes, while advanced riders gallop along the beach.

3. Walking to Het Posthuys
Even if you're not a fan of walking, the walk to Het Posthuys is one you really shouldn't skip. The route goes through the beautiful nature of the island, and there's a good chance you'll encounter no one along the way. Once you arrive at Het Posthuys, you've definitely earned a glass of wine!

4. Lunching at ’t Badhuys
During a beach day after a dip in the sea, you can order delicious kibbeling with fries here. I don't think I need to explain what's so fantastic about that.

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5. Dining at Restaurant Zuiver
Besides all the cozy little restaurants, you should really reserve one evening at Restaurant Zuiver. The five-course dinner is prepared as much as possible with ingredients from their own garden; it doesn't get more Vlieland than that.

6. Drinking beers at Brouwerij Fortuna
The beer Fortuna brewed on Vlieland is slowly starting to conquer the rest of the country. The brewery is located in the dunes, close to the marina, and it's really cool to join the tasting after the tour here.

7. Massage at the wellness spa of Strandhotel Seeduyn
Besides the fact that a massage is a good idea at any location, it feels just a bit more relaxed on Vlieland. Especially if you enjoy the rest of the spa after your massage. The pool has a glass roof, allowing you to continue enjoying the Vlieland outdoors even there.

8. Seal watching tour
I think we can all agree that seals are extremely cute. I would love to cuddle them and lie on the beach with them all day, but unfortunately, that's not very wise. To get close to these adorable faces, you can book a seal watching tour. The ride on the speedboat is definitely a nice plan in good weather.

9. To infinite views with the Vliehors Expres
If you really want to feel like you're alone in the world, a ride with the Vliehors Expres is something you must experience. In the large wagon, it feels like you're being taken to the end of the world. Infinite views and ultimate peace is what you'll find there. From the May holiday, they also offer evening trips with live music by the campfire.