The Frisian Islands are a fairly large archipelago located in the North Sea, off the coast of Norway. A chain of islands of different sizes stretched along the territory of three European states. Therefore, the islands of the archipelago are not always equally divided between the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.
Most of the islands are inhabited, with good infrastructure and plenty of tourist attractions. However, there are small islands of land in the chain, on which there are no permanent human settlements. Some of them are reserves, others, due to natural features, are completely unsuitable for life.
Beaches in the north of the Netherlands
A chain of small West Frisian Islands stretches in an arc along the coast of the Netherlands and separates the North Sea from the Wadden Sea. The five largest islands are inhabited and very well maintained, they have hotels and shops. Each island also has its own anthem, flag and the status of a separate community. And this is despite the fact that a little more than 23 thousand live in the West Frisian Islands.man.
Several centuries ago, the islands of Texel and Vlieland were a single island. Then the water level rose and the strait separated them. Now a ferry runs between two pieces of land, which has to maneuver between the shallows in shallow water.
Tesel Island is the most well-groomed in this part of the archipelago. Many old houses, picturesque streets and picturesque landscapes.
But travelers dubbed Vlieland "Northern Sahara". Almost the entire island is made up of sand dunes, which move around the area under the influence of frequent winds.
The inhabitants of this Frisian island are trying to stop the movement of the dunes by growing coniferous and deciduous forests. They are so unwilling to give their land to the sea that they have learned to turn the sands into flowering meadows and fields. Experienced tourists recommend coming to Vlieland in April, when tulip fields bloom all over the island.
Untouched nature and national parks
When deciding to relax on the Frisian Islands, you need to tune in to a leisurely unity with almost untouched nature. Many islets are under the protection of UNESCO as unique natural ecosystems, the habitual life of which has not been disturbed by civilization. For example, the island of Richel is considered a kind of "maternity hospital for seals", during the winter about 300 babies are born on it.
A trip to the islands needs to be agreed in advance, since these are protected areas, but the impressions from such a visit will last for a long time.
The territory is goodto move around on bicycles, slowly examining the surroundings. Only when approaching the famous moorlands you need to be careful, you won’t be able to drive on two wheels on them.
Despite the fact that in June and July it is quite warm here and you can swim in the sea, do not forget about warm clothes and an umbrella. The weather in the Frisian Islands is very unpredictable and it can rain at any moment.
Places where no cars go
The group of East Frisian Islands, territorially belonging to Germany, consists of seven inhabited islands and about five untouched. It is here that fans of a relaxing outdoor recreation, lovers of eco-tourism and silence seek to get.
Besides beautiful landscapes, people are attracted by the fact that cars are prohibited on the islands. All movements are carried out on ferries that constantly run near the coast.
Life in this part of the Frisian Islands flows slowly and calmly. This is what attracts travelers tired of the hustle and bustle of big cities.
The island of Spiekeroog is considered the most popular among tourists. It is on it that the most comfortable hotels, spas and he alth centers are located. And lovers of silence prefer to relax on Wangerooge, the most picturesque island of the group.
When planning a trip to the Frisian Islands, it is better to take into account in advance that there are no noisy youth entertainments. The main category of tourists are the elderly and families with children, most often the Germans themselves. In addition, rest here is quitedear, the average cost of a room in a four-star hotel will be 116 dollars, and a room in a cabin can be rented for about 20 dollars per night.
Mussel Museum and Crown Prince's Residence
When you come to rest on the Frisian Islands, you should wander around each of them, breathe in the healing sea air and get acquainted with local attractions. For example, visit a tour of the seabed, which is held at low tide. And if you're lucky, take pictures with fur seals who love to relax on sandy beaches.
Arriving on the ferry to Spiekeroog Island, you should definitely visit the Mussel Museum, which has more than 3,000 shells from all over the world in its collection. And ride through the streets of the island on a horse-drawn carriage, stopping at the most interesting places.
And the small island of Norderney was nicknamed "Small World" by the locals. There is so often dense fog here that it seems that the island is separated from the rest of the world by a dense veil. Although it was here that Crown Prince George V of Hanover founded his summer residence in the middle of the 19th century.
According to the reviews of tourists, the most comfortable weather on the islands lasts from May to September. That's when you can bask on the sandy beach, enjoy swimming between the islands and enjoy first-class wines and fresh fish dishes in coastal restaurants.
Pearls of the North Sea
Among Germany's many North Frisian Islands, three stand out in particular:Sylt, Fer and Amrum, where you can break away from boring reality and plunge into the world of silence and solitude. Long white sand beaches, tall windmills, thatched-roof houses that have survived to this day, and amazing cleanliness and silence…
The island of Sylt is considered the most prestigious, it is very popular among tourists, and in the summer months the beaches are literally crowded. It is here that the most exquisite restaurants, expensive hotels and entertainment are concentrated.
The second largest, Fer Island, is more suitable for a quiet family vacation, leisurely walks and watching the life of seals. In terms of the level of tourist infrastructure, it is not inferior to Sylt, but much fewer guests come here.
The smallest and most picturesque of the North Frisian Islands is Atrum, which is half covered with sand dunes. Its area is only 20 sq. km, but there is everything for a comfortable stay and relaxation.
Wide beaches and pine forests
Of the whole placer of the North Frisian Islands, only six small islands belong to Denmark. Only three of them are permanently inhabited, and the southern island, Reme, is a popular resort.
The entire west coast here is made up of wide, deserted beaches covered in fine sand and shells. Thanks to the constant winds, fans of windsurfing, water skiing and sailing love to visit this island. For the convenience of guests, a network of walking and cycling paths has been laid around the island, and it is connected to the mainland by a wide dam, which greatly facilitates arrival from Denmark.
There are almost nohotels, but the owners of cozy houses are happy to rent out housing to visitors. Of the pleasures offered are horse rides through the dunes, walks through pine forests and inspection of colorful local houses. And, of course, very tasty and fresh fish, which is cooked in a cafe right on the beach.
