Het Rif - Nature

Het Rif is a large sand flat with salt marsh on the southwest tip of Schiermonnikoog, between the Westerplas and the Westerstrand. A wide, open landscape where thousands of birds rest.

What can you expect at Het Rif?

• A young salt marsh: Over recent decades Het Rif has grown into a large salt marsh.
• Resting place for birds: At high tide part of it floods, but the higher parts stay dry. Thousands of birds rest there.
• Birdwatching: You can see Kentish plover, curlew, shelduck, little egret and marsh harrier, among others. In autumn fieldfares and redwings pass through.
• Autumn colours: Glasswort turns the salt marsh deep red in autumn. Along the path, sea buckthorn is full of orange berries.

Practical information

• Access: Walk about a kilometre across the green beach from the edge of the Westerduinen.
• Keep your distance: Resting birds are easily disturbed. Watch from the path along the edge of the salt marsh and bring binoculars.
• Breeding season: Part of the area is closed during the breeding season. Follow the signs on site.
• Combine with: The Vogelkijkhut Westerplas bird hide.

Het Rif is one of the best places to experience the space and birdlife of Schiermonnikoog.

Furthermore Het Rif is near the following sights: Bird watching hut Westerplas (±400 m), Westerplas (±500 m), Vogelkijkscherm Westerplas (±550 m), Shell Museum Paal 14 (±1,2 km) & Marina Schiermonnikoog (±1,2 km).

For information

Het Rif, Schiermonnikoog