A cozy house on a grassy dune in Terschelling, surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky. Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling: A tall, historic lighthouse surrounded by cyclists and low-rise buildings.
Netherlands

Terschelling: Rushed, But Worth It

The Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling.
Terschelling, Netherlands, July 2022

Exploring Terschelling in just one hour—an impossible task. But with tightly scheduled ferry connections, that was all the time I had. A frantic hour, nowhere near enough. And yet, even in this brief window, the island made an impression.

In West-Terschelling, the main village, the Brandaris lighthouse towers above everything—a massive, centuries-old landmark that has shaped the town’s skyline for over 500 years. Climbing it isn’t an option; today, it serves as a radar station. But from the surrounding dunes, the views are just as striking—stretching out over the sea, the mudflats, and the rooftops of West-Terschelling.

Walking through the village, I noticed the variety of facades. No two streets look the same. Each house has its own character—some in brick, some in wood, some modern, some historic. I wished I could have stopped more often, taken in more details—but the clock was ticking.

Far too soon, it was time to head back to the harbor, back to the ferry. Terschelling is an island that can’t be seen in just an hour. Not even close.

Map of Terschelling
A picturesque street in Terschelling with cafes, trees, and colorful shops, bustling with passersby and visitors.
Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling: A family stands in front of the lighthouse, admiring it amidst trees and buildings.
Brandaris, the Netherlands' oldest lighthouse, has been guiding ships to Terschelling since 1594.
Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling: A tall, historic lighthouse surrounded by cyclists and low-rise buildings.
The Brandaris lighthouse on Terschelling is the oldest working lighthouse in the Netherlands. Built in 1594, it has guided ships through the Wadden Sea for centuries and remains a vital navigation point today.
House in Terschelling: A light-colored building with two windows and a modern fence, surrounded by trees and a lamp post.
Building in Terschelling: A historic brick house with a gabled roof, large windows, and green doors, surrounded by cobblestone streets.
House in Terschelling: A historic building with a gabled roof, large windows, and an ornate lamp post in front.
House in Terschelling: A yellowish-brown brick house with a curved roofline and black window frames, surrounded by green foliage.
Urban view in Terschelling: A lively street with cafes, trees, and a tall building in the background.
Brasserie Brandaris in Terschelling: Charming restaurant with outdoor seating and tables under a sunshade.
Lighthouse on Terschelling: A view of a picturesque coastal town with orange rooftops and a tall lighthouse.
The Brandaris lighthouse stands tall over the village of West-Terschelling, a beacon for sailors since the late 16th century.
House view in Terschelling: A gentle hillside landscape with colorful rooftops, surrounded by grass and the sea in the background.
A cozy house on a grassy dune in Terschelling, surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky.
A sailboat glides on the calm waters off Terschelling, surrounded by greenery and distant wind turbines.
Terschelling: A fishing boat is docked at a pier, surrounded by waves and a paved walkway.
Boat in the harbor of Terschelling: A historic sailing ship with multiple masts and orange life rings at the bow.
A fishing boat docked at a marina in Terschelling, surrounded by charming houses and a clear blue sky.
Terschelling harbor: A black boat at the dock beside historic buildings, with green trees and clouds in the background.
Jetty on Terschelling with a sailboat in the background on calm water and a cloudy sky.