Beach of Schiermonnikoog

The beach of Schiermonnikoog is among the widest and most expansive in Europe.

• 18 kilometres of coastline: The beach stretches almost unbroken along the entire northern and western edges of the island – perfect for long seaside walks or bike rides.
• Incredibly wide: With a width of over 1 kilometre in some areas, the beach offers an unmatched sense of space.
• Peace & quiet: Even during summer, it remains remarkably tranquil – plenty of room to relax, sunbathe or stroll, far from the crowds.
• Soft white sand: The fine, light sand and gently sloping shoreline make it ideal for families with children.
• Easily accessible: Car-free cycling paths lead directly through the dunes to the beach.
• Facilities: During the high season, you can rent beach chairs and windbreaks, and enjoy a drink or snack at the beach pavilion overlooking the sea.
• Active enjoyment: Try kite flying, land sailing, or a beach walk along the tideline. In spring and autumn, you might even spot seals on the sandbanks.
• Pure island feeling: Thanks to the car-free nature of Schiermonnikoog, you’ll experience peace and unspoiled nature unlike anywhere else along the Dutch coast.

The island has an almost uninterrupted 18 km long sandy coastline. Below are some of the most beautiful and popular beaches:

1. Badweg

   This beach can be reached via the Badweg, the main road that runs through the village and leads to the sea. The beach here is wide and expansive, with fine white sand that invites long walks, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. During the summer, the beaches here can be a bit busier, but there is always plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Here you will also find Beach Pavilion Pole 3, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while overlooking the sea.

2. Prins Bernhardweg

   This section of the beach is perfect for families, with plenty of space for children to play and adults to relax. The northernmost beach pavilion in the Netherlands, Beach Pavilion Marlin, offers delicious food and a great atmosphere. This is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.

3. Oosterstrand

   An untouched and expansive beach on the eastern side of the island Schiermonnikoog. It is known for its tranquility and beauty, making it the perfect place for a peaceful beach walk, sunbathing, or spotting wildlife. Accessible via the Reddingsweg or the Waterstaatpad. Once you reach the beach, you can walk eastward to reach the Oosterstrand. The Oosterstrand is a perfect spot for those seeking peace and quiet. The beach is wide and unspoiled, giving you a feeling of being far away from the inhabited world. With the sounds of the waves and seabirds, it's an ideal place for meditation or a relaxing stroll.

   During the breeding season, you will find various bird species, and it is not uncommon to spot seals on the nearby sandbanks. Additionally, if you're lucky, you may find pieces of amber among the shells and seaweed during autumn and winter.

4. De Balg

   An expansive and pristine area on the eastern side of the island Schiermonnikoog. De Balg consists of an elongated sandbar that constantly shifts and changes due to the influence of the tides and the wind. Due to its remote location, it is one of the most peaceful and tranquil places on the island, where you can truly experience the power and beauty of nature.

   A visit to De Balg is like a journey to another world. The vast expanses of sand, the towering dunes, and the endless sea create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and soothing. It's the perfect place for long undisturbed walks, bird watching, or simply sitting and enjoying the view.

   During low tide, it is not uncommon to see seals resting on the sandbanks around De Balg. The area is also an important breeding ground for various species of seabirds, making it an excellent spot for birdwatchers.

Please note that the accessibility of the beaches may depend on the tides, and remember to follow the local rules and regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the island.

Facilities & Safety on the Beach

The beaches of Schiermonnikoog are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.

• Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
• Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
• Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.

Comfort for Everyone

Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Schiermonnikoog offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.

• Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
• Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.

Lifeguard Supervision on Schiermonnikoog

On one section of the beach on Schiermonnikoog, lifeguards are on duty to ensure a safe and carefree day by the sea. This allows you to fully enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.

• When: Daily in July and August from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue equipment.
• Lifeguard station location: Located near pavilion De Marlijn on the Prins Bernhardweg, on the north side of the island. Easily recognisable by flags and lookout points. Active supervision is provided from this staffed post.
• Warnings in case of danger: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.

Flags and Their Meanings

On the beaches of Schiermonnikoog, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:

• Red-Yellow Flag

  Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present
  Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.

• Red Flag

  No swimming! Very dangerous sea
  Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.

• Yellow Flag

  Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea
  Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.

• Orange Windsock

  Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices!
  Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.

• White Flag with Blue Question Mark

  Child found!
  
  A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.

• Green Flag with White Cross

  First Aid Post
  
  First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.

• Black and White Chequered Flag

  Water sports allowed
  
  In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.

Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.

Dogs on the Beach

For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.

Dogs are allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Schiermonnikoog all year round. In many other parts of the island is loosening allowed. Leash is mandatory only in urban areas, in the National Park and the Rif.

However, it is prohibited that dogs go after other animals on the island. This can causes damage to these animals, resting places or residence (such as nests or dens).

Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Beach of Schiermonnikoog

Beach tips

• At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
• Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
• Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
• Help to keep the beaches clean.