De Balg - Nature

De Balg is the far eastern tip of Schiermonnikoog: a vast sand plain with low dunes. It is one of the youngest nature areas in the Netherlands and one of the quietest and darkest places in the country.

What can you expect at De Balg?

• An island on the move: Schiermonnikoog keeps shifting eastwards. In 1980 the eastern tip even reached into the province of Groningen, after which the provincial border was moved.
• Rare breeding birds: Rare ground-nesting birds such as Kentish plover, ringed plover and little tern breed on the low dunes.
• Seals: At low tide harbour seals and grey seals rest on the sandbanks across the channel.
• Shell hunting: The deep channel washes up special shells here, such as the whelk and the ocean quahog.
• Starry skies: With hardly any artificial light, De Balg is one of the darkest places in the Netherlands, ideal for stargazing.

Practical information

• Getting there: Reach it on a long beach walk, by beach bike or on the Balgexpres, a covered wagon pulled by a tractor. There are no facilities on the way, so bring food and drink.
• Watch the tide: The eastern tip can only be reached at low tide and the current is very strong. Stay away from the waterline by the channel.
• Breeding season: From 15 April to 15 July you may only walk along the tide line from beach post 10 to the eastern tip.

A trip to De Balg is a real experience, on the most unspoilt part of Schiermonnikoog.

Furthermore De Balg is near the following sights: Eilander Balgexpres (±150 m) & Kaap Willemsduin (±2,0 km).

For information

De Balg, Schiermonnikoog