Bank van Banck - Observation point

The Bank van Banck is a stone bench on the sea dike of Schiermonnikoog. It is not worth a special trip, but if you walk or cycle past, it makes a lovely place to stop. The bench honours John Eric Banck, who bought the island in 1858 and in 1860 had the dike built that protects the village.

What can you expect at the Bank van Banck?

• Views: You have a beautiful view over the Banckspolder, the Westerplas, the Rif and the Wadden Sea.
• The bench: The triangular bench of masonry granite blocks stands on Banck's favourite spot at the corner of the polder. You can sit on three sides. It bears a poem in the island dialect by Lammert Wiersma, part of the Taalroute.
• History: Banck did a great deal for the island. He founded a nautical school and a bathing company, and had a duck decoy and a seaside hotel built.
• Birds: At high tide large flocks of waders rest on the Rif, especially in spring and autumn. With luck you may spot a peregrine falcon.

Practical information

• Getting there: The bench is on the Melle Grietjespad on the dike, within walking and cycling distance of the village.

The Bank van Banck is a simple monument with a big story and a wide view over Schiermonnikoog.

Furthermore Bank van Banck is near the following sights: Bank Minne Onnespad (±250 m), Bird watching hut Westerplas (±400 m), Westerplas (±650 m), Information centre Het Baken (±650 m) & Covered wagon tour (±650 m).

For information

Melle Grietjespad, Schiermonnikoog