Bike Tour: Wadden Sea & Schier Island - 5 days

Arrive in Pieterburen and settle in at your accommodation. Then jump right in with a visit to the seal centre or bike to Noordpolderzijl, the Netherlands’ smallest seaport and a favourite with the locals. Get your first taste of Groningen at dinner in the village and stroll to the seawall to admire the ever-changing mudflats. 

Wake up to the beauty of North Groningen where flat landscapes stretch out toward the Wadden, interrupted occasionally by scattered mound villages in the Wierden. Today’s short ride explores hamlets like Broek and the aptly named Kleine Huisjes while the brightly coloured Hornhuizen steeple juts up over trees in the distance. Glide along on a ‘sleepy’ section then move into the wide open Westpolder with views of the Zeedijk. Roll along the outer dike, breathe in the aroma of salt marshes and make it to Lauwersoog by 12:30 for the boat to Schiermonnikoog. 

We always try to book our standard hotel for the regular rate. However, due to the popularity of Schiermonnikoog, we may have to change to another, more expensive hotel on the island. This will be done in consultation. We therefore recommend booking early to avoid price increases.

Hear the seagulls’ call and take in the salty island air, with the Wad to one side and the North Sea beach to the other. The grey-green beach grass stretches out as far as the eye can see, broken briefly by a white or red lighthouse on the horizon. One sole tiny village can be reached only by bike and it will be a challenge to make up your mind, with much to do and so little time! Take a saltwater dip, stop for lunch at Paviljoen Paal 3, hit the beach for seal-spotting on the Balg, paddle in the Berkenplas, see the sun sink into the sea over dinner or browse at boutiques in the village. Still not tired out? ‘De Tox’ Bar stays open until late. Or curl up with a good book and rest up for tomorrow. 

Take the morning boat back to shore and follow the lock system on a jaunt into the neighbouring province. Roll along with the open Lauwersmeer to your left, lush green meadows to your right and Scottish highland and Konik horses ahead. Then suddenly it’s all water, boats and white sails and you find yourself in Friesland! Lauwersmeer National Park leads to Zoutkamp Harbour, the Tea Factory in Houwerzijl and Verhildersum Borg in Leens. Back in Pieterburen, you’ll be grateful for a comfy bed and well-deserved rest! 

Oh no, time to go? Was your visit beautiful yet too brief? If you have time, extend your stay with a tour of the Hogeland via Borgen and Wierden.