A scenic view of Vlieland with the red Lighthouse Vuurduin overlooking quaint houses and lush greenery on a hill. Lighthouse on Vlieland: Two people walk along a path, surrounded by hills and trees, with a red lighthouse in the background.
Netherlands

Vlieland: Simplicity by the Sea

The Vuurduin lighthouse on Vlieland.
 Vlieland, Netherlands, July 2022

Vlieland welcomes me with a scene so picture-perfect it almost feels staged: as the ferry docks, people wave from the shore. Whether they greet every newcomer or just wait for someone in particular is unclear. Perhaps it’s simply part of the island’s hospitality.

There are hardly any cars on Vlieland. Here, people walk or cycle. The island’s only village, Oost-Vlieland, has kept its old-world charm—not because of any grand historical significance, but simply because there’s no reason to change anything. A single main street lined with small shops, old captain’s houses with ornate gables, cobblestone paths. No traffic, no noise—just the constant whisper of sea air.

Above the village stands Vuurduin, a lighthouse smaller than one might expect. Just 17 meters tall, but perched on a high dune, allowing its light to reach far out to sea. It wasn’t even built here—it originally stood in IJmuiden before being moved to Vlieland in 1909. The locals call it “Rode Kabouter”, the red dwarf.

Next to the lighthouse, there’s a viewing platform. Fifty-one steps lead up, but I decide to skip the climb. I can already picture the view: the sea stretching endlessly on one side, dunes rolling away on the other, maybe a few sailboats in the distance.

Beyond the village, there’s only nature. A vast beach, gentle dunes, a landscape that unfolds in all directions, with no real destination—just space. Vlieland is one of those islands that doesn’t need much to make a lasting impression.

Map of Vlieland
A lively scene in Vlieland with a group of people waving near a dock, surrounded by grass and houses, with a boat in the background.
Vlieland harbor: Several people are sitting on grass by the water, surrounded by numerous boats and masts in the background.
Village scene in Vlieland: Lush trees frame narrow paths with charming houses and blooming plants.
Vlieland: A historic square featuring a distinctive church, surrounded by green trees and charming buildings.
Lighthouse on Vlieland: Two people walk along a path, surrounded by hills and trees, with a red lighthouse in the background.
The Vuurduin lighthouse on Vlieland stands atop a 40-meter-high dune, making it one of the highest beacons in the Netherlands. Built in 1909, its red tower remains a vital landmark for ships navigating the Wadden Sea.
A cozy street in Vlieland featuring outdoor seating at a restaurant and café, surrounded by greenery and charming buildings.
House in Vlieland: Red brick facade with large windows, green hedge, and a bicycle in front of the entrance door.
Cemetery in Vlieland: A tranquil scene with gravestones among green trees and a modern building in the background.
A scenic view of Vlieland with the red Lighthouse Vuurduin overlooking quaint houses and lush greenery on a hill.
A sailboat cruising on calm waters near the sandy shores of Vlieland, with fluffy clouds above.
A sailboat glides through the waters near Vlieland, with sandy shores and dunes in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Sailing boat off Vlieland: A traditional sailboat with large white sails glides across a calm water surface.
Sailing boat off Vlieland: A white boat with large sails glides over deep blue water, with sand dunes and beaches in the background.
Beach on Vlieland: A vast sandy area with dunes in the background and a small building on the shore, people strolling around.
Pier in Vlieland: A wooden platform extends into the water, surrounded by boats and a green island in the background.