Vogelkijkhut Westerplas

The Westerplas used to be an inlet for the sea, but was dammed off in the 1960s. The water slowly desalinated, and became a hotspot for birds. The lake is also the main potable water supply for the island. The dune valleys surrounding it bloom up in colour during spring, due to different types of orchids, sea-lavender and violets popping up. The Westerplas is also home to a spoonbill colony.

outdoors

Website: vvvschiermonnikoog.nl (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Schiermonnikoog, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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See
Schelpenmuseum Paal 14
Conch Museum
A small museum focussing on molluscs and their shells. The museum is owned and operated by the De Boer family, who have themselves collected the entirety of the over 1500-piece collection on display. For groups of more than ten people, they are willing to open outside of their conventional hours, as well as organise a conch-excursion on the beach. At their desk you can also present your own beach finds and have them identified.
14:00-17:00, from May to October also 20:00-22:00Adult €2, child (-12) €1
Buy
Bakkerij Donders
Bakery found in the middle of town.
Tue-Sat 08:00-16:00
Eat
Kwalitaria De Halte
Dutch snacks and ice-cream.
Tue-Sun 12:00-21:00
Drink
Toxbar
The only discotheque on the island.
Café/terrace from 12:00, disco: Sat from 21:00 July + August daily from 21:00