Frisian Islands

[The Flash]

We're off to sunny Holland at the beginning of May, and planning to 'do' the Frisian Islands. Wondered if anyone had any tips regarding ferries. either island to island or mainland to island. Have trawled tinternet but not found much in the way of hard info!

[mike6]

I went to Texel last summer, the ferry from the mainland leaves from near Den Helder town centre and runs hourly during the day. Texel has several camp sites and is a pleasant island to explore. the ferry for vlieland leaves from a ferry terminal which would not look out of place in the Caribbean! Web sites www.teso.nl and www.waddenveer.nl for the Vlieland ferry. Both websites are in Dutch but you will be able to extract sufficient info, or send email to info@waddenveer.nl . Avoid the campsite at Den Helder, I nominated it for the Worst in Holland award in 2004.

[Jon H]

You will find links to the ferry companies that operate to the Dutch Frisian islands at the bottom of our Holland pagehttp://www.cycletourer.co.uk/cycletouring/holland.shtml

During summer months it is possible to sail from island to island. This is what the Dutch call 'Wad hopping'. You can take your bike on most of the ferries, there are some details here http://www.holland.com/global/index.html?page=http://www.holland.com/global/geninfo/travelinfo/Wadhop.html#tex-vlie

Vlieland and Texel are nice islands and the ferry between the two is a novel experience, there are some picies on this page http://www.cycletourer.co.uk/cycletouring/tours/denholtour03.shtml

Hope that helps.

Jon

[The Flash]

Thanks for the website info, Jon, I will definately check those out.
Mike; We also visited Texel last summer, which is what gave us the idea and inspiration to travel to the other islands this year. It's absolutely gorgeous up there, isn't it? Know exactly what you mean about Den Helder though; what a dump!
Thanks guys, both replies are much appreciated!

[mike6]

I enjoyed Den Helder, it was just that xxxxx camp site! Actually the friendly locals came to my aid when locked out of campsite, but thats a long story! Enjoy yourselves, might even see u there this summer!

[The Flash]

We possibly didn't see Den Helder at it's best because we never intended to stay there but circumstances forced us to, and it rained! We adored Texel though.

Jon; I LOVE your website and have recommended it to others for inspiration! One of the best cycling websites I've seen.