Schiermonnikoog, Wadden island in Friesland, Netherlands
Schiermonnikoog is one of the West Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea off the Dutch coast. The island stretches about 16 kilometers in length and 4 kilometers in width and features a particularly wide sandy beach that reaches almost one kilometer into the sea in some places.
The monks of Klaarkamp gave the island its name in 1440 as they built dikes and established agricultural land. In the late 20th century the area became the first national park of the Netherlands, permanently protecting the landscape.
The name refers to Cistercian monks in grey robes who once lived and worked here. The single village shares the same name as the island and preserves a traditional settlement structure with low houses that shelter from the western wind.
The ferry from Lauwersoog takes about 45 minutes and brings visitors to the island where they can rent bicycles. Cars are not allowed for tourists, so you move around exclusively on foot or by bicycle.
The protected area covers more than 5,400 hectares (13,343 acres) with dunes, salt marshes and beaches. This diversity makes the place an important stopover for migratory birds that rest here on their journeys between north and south.
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