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Getting there
A long travel day with changes: choose connections with a comfortable buffer and allow time for loading and unloading the bikes.
It's best to sort out supplies and bicycle tickets before leaving Hannover.
This is where your trip begins. With your bikes packed and bicycle tickets in hand, you'll board regional and long-distance trains heading towards the Netherlands.
A family-friendly campsite right behind the dyke on the Wadden Sea, just a few minutes' cycle from the ferry harbour. There's a playground, easy beach access and a peaceful view over the bay. A good base for the crossing the next morning.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arriving at the Wadden Sea
A short, relaxed day to arrive and recharge after the long train journey.
The historic harbour of Harlingen is the starting point for ferries to Terschelling and Vlieland, and a lively spot with old sailing ships and brick houses. You can watch the boats from the quay and wander through the largely car-free old town. The bustle around the ferry terminals is exciting for children.
The dyke path south of the harbour invites a short, flat cycle loop with wide views over the Wadden Sea. At low tide, the seabed appears and birds pick their way across the mudflats. A relaxed day to ease into things without any luggage.
Crossing to the first island
Take the morning ferry so there's still time for the cycle leg to the campsite.
Terschelling is almost entirely flat, ideal for the children.
From Harlingen, Rederij Doeksen ferries cross to Terschelling. The bikes simply come along on board. Depending on the boat, the crossing takes around two hours.
The island's main village nestles around the striking Brandaris lighthouse and the small harbour. Many cycle routes across the flat island start from here. A great spot for a first wander and an ice cream by the harbour.
A peacefully located nature campsite in the middle of the island, surrounded by dunes and woodland, with secure bicycle parking. Short, flat paths lead to the wide North Sea beach. A family-friendly site with plenty of space for the children to roam.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Wide beaches
A day to unwind on the beach, with plenty of time for playing and swimming.
Bear in mind sun protection and wind, the coast cools down quickly.
A wide, gently sloping sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for swimming and building sandcastles. Reachable via well-maintained cycle paths through the dunes. Perfect for a full family beach day.
Wild Wadden Sea
A full-day but flat cycle loop of around 28 km through the wild east of the island.
Bring binoculars, the birdlife is impressive.
The easternmost village on Terschelling, with typical thatched-roof houses, is the starting point for the Boschplaat. Here the tarmac ends and the wilderness begins. A good spot for a break before continuing.
The expansive nature reserve at the eastern end of the island is a constantly shifting mix of salt marshes, dunes and wide beach, and one of the most important bird breeding grounds in the Netherlands. Flat cycle paths and walking trails let you enjoy the peace and quiet. In summer, parts are closed off due to nesting birds, but the wide views remain.
Switching islands
A ferry crossing plus around 28 km of cycling along the coast make for a full day. Choose a ferry time that fits your arrival.
The cycle path along the dyke is flat but can be tough with a headwind. Plan in plenty of breaks.
From West-Terschelling harbour, the ferry heads back to Harlingen. The bikes come along on board again.
A small, quiet campsite near Holwerd ferry harbour, from where the Ameland ferry departs. This means the next day starts without a long ride. Bicycle-friendly and family-suited, with easy access to the dyke.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arriving on Ameland
You'll stay in one place on Ameland for four nights, which takes the pace right down.
The whole island can easily be explored by bike from the campsite.
From Holwerd, the Wagenborg shipping company crosses to Ameland. The bikes simply come along on board. The crossing takes around 45 minutes across the Wadden Sea.
Ameland's cosy main village, with cobbled lanes, cafés and old captains' houses, sits right on the Wadden Sea. Cycle paths lead off in every direction from here. An ideal starting point for getting to know the island.
Right behind the dyke at Nes, the Wadden Sea begins – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to countless birds, crabs and shellfish. At low tide, you can look out over the wide mudflats from the dyke. A great taster for the Wadden Sea walk planned later.
A family-friendly campsite near Buren with a swimming pool, playground and a short, flat cycle path to the beach. A quiet spot in the dunes with secure bicycle parking. A good base for the coming days on Ameland.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The west of Ameland
Around 19 km of flat cycling with plenty of stops, easy to spread across the day.
Check the lighthouse's opening times in advance, in summer sometimes with timed slots.
The striking red lighthouse near Hollum is Ameland's landmark and can be climbed. From the viewing platform, you can see across the whole island, the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. For children, climbing the many steps is a little adventure in itself.
Ameland's westernmost village impresses with its white-and-green captains' houses and the historic lifeboat house. The horse-drawn lifeboat demonstration is still practised here today, a special sight to see. A quiet, picturesque spot for a stroll.
A wide, flat North Sea beach at the western end of the island with plenty of room for swimming and playing. Reachable via a short dune path from the lighthouse. Ideal for a long beach break.
Mudflats and seals
The schedule follows the tides, so treat the Wadden Sea walk as a fixed point in the day.
There are showers at the museum after the walk, don't forget dry clothes.
With an experienced Wadden Sea guide, you'll head out barefoot into the mud of the Wadden Sea, discovering lugworms, shellfish and crabs along the way. The children can wade through the mud and learn all about the tides. Only possible with a guide, as tides and channels can be dangerous.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The natural history museum in Nes shows the flora and fauna of the island and the Wadden Sea, with aquariums and a reconstructed seabed. Children can touch and try out plenty of exhibits. A good rainy-day or rest stop and the perfect complement to the Wadden Sea walk.
Seals and farewells
A relaxed final day with the seal-spotting highlight and time to say your goodbyes.
For the journey home the following day: ferry from Ameland to Holwerd, then by train from Leeuwarden back to Hannover, book bike spaces on the train in good time.
From the harbour at Nes, the boat trip sets off to the sandbanks in the Wadden Sea, where numerous seals bask at low tide. From the boat, you can watch the animals from a safe distance. A highlight for the children and a peaceful end to the island trip.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
One last stroll through the main village with an ice cream or a small treat before heading to the ferry. The boat departs from here back to the mainland.
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