Schiermonnikoog National Park, Protected coastal nature area in Friesland, Netherlands
Schiermonnikoog National Park is a protected area on a Frisian island featuring dunes, forests, reclaimed polders, and salt marshes spread across the landscape. The terrain transitions between coastal ridges and low wetlands, creating distinct habitats within a single location.
The area became a national park in 1989 after generations of dike construction and forest planting to manage sand movement and hold back the sea. These early interventions shaped how the landscape functions today.
The name comes from Franciscan monks who settled here centuries ago, and you can sense this heritage in how the island remains quiet and undeveloped. Locals maintain a careful balance between allowing visitors and protecting the land's delicate systems.
Reach the island by ferry from the mainland, as no cars are available for visitors once there. Visit outside spring and early summer to avoid seasonal access restrictions that protect nesting birds.
Nearly half of all plant species found in the Netherlands grow within this single park, making it exceptional for botanists and nature photographers. This rare concentration of flora supports migratory birds and seal colonies that rely on the habitat during their journeys.
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