De Strandtenten

De Strandtenten are the beach pavilions of Schiermonnikoog, the smallest of the inhabited Dutch Wadden Islands, and they are the places where visitors take a break from the sand and the sea. The whole island is a national park, one of the first in the Netherlands, protected since 1989, and it lies within the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The pavilions are simple structures on the beach, offering seating, drinks and food, and they make it possible to spend a whole day on the shore without going back to the village.

The island is reached by ferry from Lauwersoog, on the mainland coast of Groningen, a crossing of around forty-five minutes, and there is no causeway. On arrival, visitors find an island that is largely free of cars: most of the traffic is on foot or by bicycle, and a bus links the harbour with the village. The distances are manageable, and the main beach lies on the north side, reached by cycling or walking through the dunes. The beach is huge, wide and sandy, and it stretches for kilometres, so even on a busy day there is plenty of space.

The pavilions give structure to a beach day. They serve coffee, snacks, lunches and cold drinks, and some have terraces with views over the water. In summer, they are busy and lively, and in the cooler months they offer shelter from the wind and a place to warm up with a hot drink. Opening seasons and hours vary, and some are closed in winter, so check before you rely on them. Beyond them, the beach is empty, and walking along the waterline gives a feeling of space that is rare in the Netherlands.

The national park around the beach has other landscapes: dunes, salt marshes, forest and tidal mudflats. Birds are abundant, particularly in spring and autumn when migrants pass through, and seals can often be seen on the sandbanks. The information centre, Het Baken, organises guided excursions that explain the ecology of the island, including walks onto the mudflats and across the salt marsh. The village has a church, a village square and the lighthouse, De Vuurtoren, and the old harbour, Oude Haven, is a pleasant place to walk.

The pavilions suit families, walkers, cyclists and anyone who enjoys a simple day by the sea. Check ferry times in advance and book if you are bringing a bicycle or a car, and bring windproof clothing and sunscreen. Spring and early autumn are quieter, and the light on the sand is especially fine in the evening.