Schiermonnikoog
Schier · Schiermonnikoog haven · Westerburen
53°28.9'N 06°09.9'E
Depth
1.5–3m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on Wadden mud and sand in 1.5–3m at HW. National park restrictions — anchor only in designated zones shown on the national park chart. No anchoring in protected nature zones or bird colonies.
About This Anchorage
Schiermonnikoog is the smallest inhabited Dutch Wadden island and the only one designated as a complete National Park. The name derives from Grey Monks (Schier = grey, Monnik = monk, Oog = island) — a Cistercian monastery existed here until the 16th century. The island (population 950) has no cars, one village, and 16,000 hectares of protected dunes, beaches, and tidal flats. The 40km coastline includes the widest beach in the Netherlands (2km wide in places). The western spit (Balgsand) is the finest beach approach by dinghy in the entire Wadden Sea. Access from the mainland is by ferry from Lauwersoog (45 min) — the most easterly regular ferry connection to a Wadden island.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €15–18/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: National park — anchor only in designated zones; no landing in closed nature areas (April–July); no cars on island; Westgat channel — navigate only within 2hrs of HW; strict speed limits (5kt) in national park waters; dogs only in designated areas.
Hazards
- !Westgat channel approach — tidal streams 2kt; very shallow at LW; navigate only within 2hrs of HW
- !National park — strict anchoring zones; penalties for anchoring outside designated areas
- !Tidal range 2m — anchorage dries in parts at LW
- !Nature reserves closed April–July — limited landing areas in breeding season
- !Most isolated of the main islands — 8nm from mainland Lauwersoog; no fuel available
Skipper's Tips
- →The widest beach in the Netherlands is on the north coast — 2km from waterline to dunes; accessible by bicycle (30 min from village)
- →Schiermonnikoog is the quietest and most natural of all Dutch Wadden islands — ideal for sailors seeking complete tranquillity
- →Hire electric bicycles in the village — the island circuit takes 3–4 hours at leisure pace
- →The western Balgsand spit is accessible by dinghy at HW — land and walk the tidal flat edge; seal colonies visible on the eastern flats
- →Lauwersoog marina (mainland) is an excellent staging point — well-equipped, good fuel, and the departure point for the Westgat channel
Facilities
One village with a supermarket, restaurant, and café. Limited provisions — stock up in Lauwersoog before departure.
Nearest provisions: Schiermonnikoog village (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. The quietest Wadden island in summer — the national park designation discourages mass tourism. Birdwatching in spring and autumn (April–May, August–October) is exceptional — bar-tailed godwit migration in late August.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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