Intermediate Wadden Trek

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T1 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 0 - 250 m ascent per day

Walk the Wadden Sea Trail from Den Helder to Terschelling
Sleep in handpicked hotels along the North Sea
Discover three unique Dutch islands in four days

Salt on your lips, seabirds overhead, and that eerie silence only the Wadden can offer. That’s the Wadden Trek vibe. This is a 4-day, 3-stage journey through the Netherlands’ most UNESCO-worthy wilderness. You’ll start in Den Helder, hop to Texel for your first ferry crossing, and end your trek in Terschelling, tucked into the dunes with the sea never far away.

This trek is only available from May to September, when the Wadden is at its most beautiful and the days are long enough to enjoy every step of the journey.

This trek is for hikers who enjoy long distances without mountain climbs. Expect 15–20 flat kilometers a day with the sea always nearby. All accommodations are within easy reach of ferry terminals and water taxi points, so your logistics stay smooth while the trail stays wild.

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival day

Welcome to Den Helder, where the land ends and your island adventure begins! This coastal town sits at the northern tip of North Holland and is the gateway to the Wadden Islands. Arrive early and explore the harbour, take in the maritime history at the Dutch Navy Museum, or stretch your legs with a walk along the dike as the sea breeze sets the tone for the days ahead. Den Helder may be the edge of the mainland, but for you, it’s just the beginning. Tomorrow, the islands are calling.

Hotel Lands End (Den Helder)

Info
Hotel Lands End  (Den Helder)
Hotel Lands End (Den Helder)
Day
2

Den Helder - Texel

Duration: 06:35 h
Distance: 26.1 km
Ascent: 30 m
Descent: 30 m

Je dag begint met de veerboot naar Texel, het grootste van de Waddeneilanden. Vanaf de haven loop je al snel over de bekende schapendijk — een kronkelend, groen pad met uitzicht over het Wad en gezelschap van nieuwsgierige schapen.

Na een paar uur langs de kust buigt de route af het binnenland in, richting Den Hoorn en De Waal. Je wandelt langs rustige dorpen, over bruggetjes en dijken, en onder die typische Texelse luchten. Het landschap blijft vlak, maar de kilometers stapelen zich op — een mooie, stevige wandeldag.

De laatste kilometers brengen je verder naar het noordoosten, door open akkers en langs het natuurgebied de Schorren. Een plek waar het Wad weer de hoofdrol speelt. Je eindigt vandaag ergens in de luwte van het eiland, met het gevoel echt op weg te zijn.

Smederij Texel (Texel)

Info
Smederij Texel (Texel)
Smederij Texel (Texel)
Day
3

Texel - Vlieland

Duration: 03:04 h
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 50 m
Descent: 50 m

Today starts early: the ferry to Vlieland departs in the morning, so set your alarm and get ready for a day of contrasts. Once ashore, you’ll hop on the Vliehors Expres — a rugged, old military truck that takes you across the vast sands of the Vliehors, also known as the Sahara of the North.

Your hike begins on the western side of the island. From there, you follow quiet trails through dunes and pine forests, past small lakes and open stretches of coast. The scenery shifts gently as you walk, offering a mix of wide horizons and sheltered paths under ever-changing skies.

The stage ends in Oost-Vlieland, the island’s only village. It’s a peaceful place where life moves slowly, the sea is always nearby, and the pace of the trek gives way to calm. A perfect moment to rest and take it all in before tomorrow’s final leg.

Loods Hotel Vlieland (Vlieland)

Info
Loods Hotel Vlieland (Vlieland)
Loods Hotel Vlieland (Vlieland)
Day
4

Terschelling

The final leg of your journey begins with a short watertaxi ride from Vlieland to Terschelling — a quick hop across the Wadden Sea, with seabirds overhead and salt spray in the air. Once you arrive at West-Terschelling, take the morning to explore the island on foot. Several loop trails start right from the harbor and lead you through dunes, forest, and along quiet paths near the village. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to close out your trek.

Later in the afternoon, you board the ferry from Veerhaven West-Terschelling to Harlingen Haven with Rederij Doeksen. As the boat glides back across the sea, you’ll have one last view of the islands fading into the horizon. From Harlingen, you can catch a direct bus back to Den Helder — a fittingly easy return after days of island wandering.

Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the Wadden Trek in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Wadden Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

  • Breakfast (when possible)

    We will arrange breakfast for you whenever possible. Some accommodations on the Wadden Trek, however, do not allow us to pre-book it. In those cases, you can usually request breakfast for the next morning directly at the accommodation (at your own expense), or simply enjoy one of the cafés in the area.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

  • Ferry Trip(s)

    Please note that ferry tickets are not included in this package. You will need to purchase them separately through local ferry operators. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.

FAQ

  • Getting to and from

  • How to Get Back

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Wadden Trek

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras