Bird watching hut Westerplas - Observation point

The Westerplas bird hide stands in the middle of the water of the Westerplas, south-west of the village on Schiermonnikoog. The hide is very open, so birds come right up underneath it and you see them up close.

What can you expect at the Westerplas bird hide?

• History: The hide opened in 2008. It came about thanks to the NCRV "Most beautiful place in the Netherlands" vote, for which islander Sytze Schut had entered Schiermonnikoog. The lake itself was formed in 1964, when the Westerkwelder salt marsh was diked in.
• Birds: Almost all Dutch duck species can be found here, along with spoonbills, great crested grebes, coots and gulls. Shy birds such as the bittern live in the reeds, together with songbirds like the bluethroat and reed bunting.
• Plants: From spring onwards the dune valleys around the lake bloom with orchids, heath dog violets and sea lavender, among others.

Practical information

• Getting there: The hide is about a kilometre and a half from the village and is reached via a boardwalk. The Westerplas bird screen stands in the north-west corner of the lake.
• Accessibility: The hide is wheelchair accessible.

The Westerplas bird hide is one of the finest birdwatching spots on Schiermonnikoog.

Furthermore Bird watching hut Westerplas is near the following sights: Westerplas (±250 m), Bank van Banck (±400 m), Het Rif (±400 m), Vogelkijkscherm Westerplas (±450 m) & Bank Minne Onnespad (±650 m).

For information

Westerplas, Schiermonnikoog