Terschelling
West-Terschelling · Brandaris · Terschelling Havn
53°21.7'N 05°13.1'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on excellent mud holding in 2–4m. Allow for 2–2.5m tidal swing — use 5:1 scope minimum. Check tide tables and anchor well clear of fairway and ferry route. The designated anchorage area is marked on Dutch chart 1811.
About This Anchorage
Terschelling is the second-largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands and one of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the North Sea. The town of West-Terschelling is dominated by the Brandaris lighthouse (1594) — the oldest working lighthouse in the Netherlands at 54m. The island stretches 30km from west to east, car-free beyond the small villages. The harbour at West-Terschelling is the main Wadden ferry port and offers good shelter. The annual Oerol festival (June, 10 days, 60,000 visitors) transforms the entire island into an outdoor theatre — plan accordingly. Excellent cycling and walking on marked trails. The beach (Boschplaat, east end of island) is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve — no anchoring, no landing in nesting season (April–July).
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €18–22/night; designated anchorage free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Anchor only in designated areas (marked on chart 1811); no anchoring in nature reserve zones; Boschplaat (east island) closed April–July; navigate in daylight and within 2hrs of HW in unfamiliar channels; Waddengids essential.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 2–2.5m — anchor goes dry at LW in some positions; check depth carefully
- !Vliestroom channel carries 2–4kt tidal stream at springs — time approach for slack or flood
- !Ferry traffic (Terschelling–Harlingen, multiple daily) — keep clear of ferry berth and route
- !Oerol festival (June): extremely crowded — book harbour berth well in advance
- !Nature reserve zones closed April–July — check Rijkswaterstaat restrictions before anchoring near Boschplaat
Skipper's Tips
- →The Brandaris lighthouse (1594) is open for climbing in summer — views across the entire Wadden Sea and Vliestroom channel
- →Rent bicycles in West-Terschelling for the full island circuit (30km) — the beach on the north coast is 30km of continuous white sand
- →Time arrival for HW +/- 2 hours via Vliestroom channel — deepest and most straightforward approach from sea
- →The Waddengids tidal tables show that HW Terschelling is approximately 1hr 30min after HW Den Helder — plan accordingly
- →Avoid Oerol festival week unless you enjoy crowds — June bookings fill months in advance
Facilities
West-Terschelling has several restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. Fresh fish (smoked eel, herring) from harbour stalls.
Nearest provisions: West-Terschelling village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Summer (July–August) is peak season with strong SW sea breezes. Spring and autumn have cleaner skies and fewer crowds but stronger tidal streams. Winter navigation in the Wadden Sea requires specialist knowledge.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Wadden Sea, anchor drag during a rising tide can strand you in a drying channel. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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