Vlieland
Oost-Vlieland · Vlieland harbour
53°17.9'N 05°04.9'E
Depth
2–3.5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on deep Wadden mud in 2–3.5m. Tidal swing 2m — use 5:1 scope. The soft mud means the anchor buries deeply — recovery at departure may require breaking out slowly.
About This Anchorage
Vlieland is the smallest and most unspoiled of the inhabited Dutch Wadden Islands — one village (Oost-Vlieland, population 1,100), no cars, and the most pristine nature of any island in the region. The western half of the island (Vliehors) is a military firing range — access restricted. The remainder is a nature reserve: dunes, heathland, and forest. The harbour is approached via the Vliestroom (the main tidal channel between Texel and Terschelling, well-buoyed and deepened for ferry traffic). Vlieland receives fewer visitors than Terschelling — the absence of cars and a single shop/pub creates a genuinely isolated atmosphere. The north coast beach (20km long) is completely undeveloped.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €16–20/night; mooring buoys available in harbour
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Car-free island — no private vehicles; western Vliehors area is military range (closed when flag flying); nature reserves closed April–July; anchor only in designated areas; Vliestroom channel has strong streams — navigate at slack water.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 2m — check depths carefully; anchorage may be tight at LW for deep-draft vessels
- !Vliestroom carries 3kt ebb stream — anchor well clear of main channel
- !Vliehors military range (western island) — closed when red flag flying; check before approaching
- !Nature reserves closed April–July — no landing in restricted zones
- !Limited fuel on island — carry sufficient fuel from Harlingen or Texel
Skipper's Tips
- →Vlieland has mooring buoys in the harbour — using a buoy avoids the tidal complication of anchoring in the soft mud
- →Hire bicycles in Oost-Vlieland for the full island circuit (only road on island, 15km return to east tip)
- →The north coast beach is the most pristine in the Netherlands — accessible only on foot or bicycle, no tourist facilities
- →Time the Vliestroom approach for HW -2hrs to HW — flood tide carries you in; HW Vlieland is approx same as HW Den Helder
- →The single island pub (De Herberg) is the social hub of the island — sailors, residents, and day visitors converge; excellent local beer selection
Facilities
One main village (Oost-Vlieland) with a small supermarket, restaurant, and pub. Limited provisions — stock up in Harlingen before departure.
Nearest provisions: Oost-Vlieland village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Quieter than Terschelling — the car-free nature and single-village character make it the preferred destination for sailors seeking tranquillity. August weekends can be busy with day-trippers by ferry.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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