From Leeuwarden to the Wadden
The ultimate base
Have you had enough of the hustle and bustle? Then visit one of the Wadden Islands (West-Frisian islands). For example, you can be in Ameland from Leeuwarden within just one hour. Within 2 hours you are also in Vlieland, Terschelling or Schiermonnikoog. You don't have to board a plane for a summer filled with sun, sea and beach because the Dutch Wadden Islands or "West-Frisian islands" have it all! We would be happy to give you more information about how to get there and what there is to do.
Ameland
From Leeuwarden you can reach Ameland via Holwerd, by taking the N357. Follow the signs for 'Holwerd' and 'Boot Ameland' on the road. You’ll arrive at the ferry terminal where you’ll sail from Holwerd to Ameland.
There is a regular ferry service that takes 50 minutes and an express service that takes just 20 minutes. Departure times, rates and other information about the ferry service to Ameland can be found Wagenborg Passenger Services.
Public Transport
You can reach the ferry terminal at Holwerd with two bus lines: line 66 (Leeuwarden-Holwerd, Arriva) and line 163 (Groningen-Lauwersoog-Holwerd, Qbuzz). Check the website 9292.nl for specific information.
Parking
If you aren’t taking your car to Ameland yet driving the ferry terminal, you can park at a car near the terminal. Two carparks are available in Holwerd.
What to do - in Ameland
Terschelling
From Leeuwarden you can reach Terschelling via Harlingen. Take the A31 and follow the ANWB road signs for 'Harlingen Haven'. The ferry service to Terschelling departs six times a day from the harbour in Harlingen. You can take the regular ferry service (120 min) or the fast service (45 min) here. The departure times for Harlingen-Terschelling, rates and other information can be found on the Rederij Doeksen website
Public Transport & Parking
Trains from Leeuwarden stop about a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal at Harlingen Haven station. Several buses stop near the ferry terminal. Check 9292.nl for specific details. Are you travelling by car? The De Bazuin car park is only 300 meters away from the ferry terminal.
What do do - in Terschelling
Vlieland
The ferry service to Vlieland also departs from Harlingen. Take the A31 and follow the ANWB road signs for 'Harlingen Haven'. The direct ferry service to Vlieland departs approximately three times a day.
The duration of the ferry service to Vlieland is approximately 95 minutes. For departure times from Harlingen-Vlieland, rates and other information, please visit the Rederij Doeksen website.
Public Transport & Parking
Trains from Leeuwarden stop about a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal at Harlingen Haven station. Several buses stop near the ferry terminal. Check 9292.nl for detailed information. Are you travelling by car? Then consider the De Bazuin car park.
What to do - in Vlieland
Schiermonnikoog
The ferry service to Schiermonnikoog departs from Lauwersoog. You can choose between the regular 50-minute ferry service or the 20-minute fast service. Lauwersoog can be reached via the N361. You can follow the signs 'Lauwersoog' and 'Boot Schiermonnikoog' on this road. These will direct you to the ferry terminal. For more information about departure times, rates and other information, please visit the Wagenborg Passenger Services website.
Public Transport & Parking
The Lauwersoog ferry port is accessible via two bus lines: line 163 (Groningen – Lauwersoog, Qbuzz) and line 155 (Leeuwarden – Lauwersoog, Arriva). Check 9292.nl for the specific details. Paid parking is available within walking distance of the ferry terminal in Lauwersoog. Schiermonnikoog is car-free, so you can't bring your own car.