Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog haven · car-free island · National Park
53°29.3'N 06°09.6'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on mud/sand in 1–3m at HW. Tidal range 2–2.5m — positions that are 2m at HW DRY at LW. Set anchor alarm AND plan departure before LW -2hrs. Exposed to N, NW, W — not suitable for overnight in northerly conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time — many Groningen Wad anchorages dry at LW
- Plan arrival at HW -2 hours or better for all tidal locations in this region
- Daylight navigation only in all Wadden and Ems channels — no exceptions
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — the tide will drop while you sleep
About This Anchorage
Schiermonnikoog (population 950) is the smallest and most remote of the inhabited Dutch Wadden islands — and arguably the most beautiful. It is the only island in the Netherlands that is entirely a National Park. The island (16km long, 4km wide at widest) has one village, one road, and strictly no private motor vehicles. All transport is by bus, bicycle, or on foot. The name comes from the 'grey monks' (Cistercian monks in grey habits) who farmed the island from the 12th century. The beaches are the widest in the Netherlands (over 1km wide between low and high water marks). The nature is exceptional: extensive dune systems, tidal flats, salt marshes, and enormous bird populations. The Westerstrand (western beach) is virtually deserted even in peak season.
Protected From
S · SE · SW · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €16–22/night; anchorage area free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: National Park — no anchoring in nature reserve zones (check Rijkswaterstaat signage); no landing outside designated areas April–July (bird nesting); daylight navigation only in Wadden approach channels; Waddengids essential; no private motor vehicles on island.
Hazards
- !Tidal approach: Schiermonnikoog requires navigating the Rif and Westgat channels from Lauwersoog — daylight only; Waddengids and updated charts essential; channels shift seasonally
- !Tidal range 2–2.5m — arrival and departure MUST be timed around HW; many positions dry completely
- !No fuel on island — carry sufficient fuel from Lauwersoog
- !National Park restrictions: no anchoring outside designated areas; no landing in bird-nesting zones April–July
- !Remote: nearest full services at Lauwersoog (9nm) — the island is self-sufficient but facilities are limited
Skipper's Tips
- →Hire bicycles in the village and ride to the Westerstrand — the widest beach in the Netherlands, virtually empty even in peak season
- →The island is completely car-free — the silence is remarkable after the noise of mainland Netherlands; embrace the pace
- →Arriving at HW gives the full tide advantage for a relaxed approach — HW Schiermonnikoog is approximately 1hr 45min after HW Den Helder
- →Bring a birdwatching guide: the island's position on the migration flyway makes it exceptional for autumn passage birds (September)
- →The single village has an excellent café (De Meerkoet) and a bakery — fresh bread delivered by bicycle from the village bakery is a Schiermonnikoog institution
Facilities
One village (Schiermonnikoog) has restaurants, cafés, and a small supermarket. Fuel not available on island — fill up at Lauwersoog before departure.
Nearest provisions: Schiermonnikoog village (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. The most unspoiled Dutch Wadden island. Fewer visitors than Terschelling or Texel despite equal beauty. September is excellent — quieter, migratory birds, warm autumn light.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Groningen Wad and Ems estuary, anchor drag on a drying tidal flat can leave you stranded at low water. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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