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Chain of islands off the north coast of the Netherlands
Photo: Patlo@mail.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The West Frisian Islands (Dutch: Waddeneilanden) are a chain of islands that lie at the northern side of the Netherlands. The islands separate the North Sea from the shallow Wadden Sea, with tidal mud flats. The uninhabited islands Griend, Rottumerplaat, and Rottumeroog are nature reserves, access requires a permit. Wieringen used to be an island, but has been connected to the mainland, since the reclamation of the Wieringermeerpolder in the 1930s. The islands are part of the transnational Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage site.
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In June, the island of Terschelling hosts one of the largest theatre festivals in Europe. The Oerol theatre festival is a cultural happening full of play, music and arts. Some 50.000 visitors come to the island to join the event each year. Stages are set up all over the island: in the dunes, in barns, on the dikes and in the villages, creating a delightful, bustling atmosphere all around.
By public transport
The ferries to the islands can be reached by train and bus.
Island hopping
Another possibility to visit more Wadden Islands in a short period of time is island hopping on the Dutch Frisian Islands.
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Groningen · International · GRQ
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