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12.4 km
~2 hrs 28 min
0 m
Loop
“A wind-kissed, mostly level coastal loop where tides, saltmarsh colour, and shifting bird flocks steal the show.”
This is a flat, coastal loop of about 12 km / 7.5 mi with essentially 0 m / 0 ft of elevation gain, built around wide-open horizons, tidal landscapes, and classic Wadden-island ecology. Expect a mix of firm dike-top walking, sandy or shell-strewn tracks, and sections that can feel exposed to wind—easy on the legs, but sometimes surprisingly “big” in weather.
- By car (to the ferry): Drive to Lauwersoog ferry terminal (Veerhaven Lauwersoog) on the mainland, park in the long-stay lots, then take the ferry across to Schiermonnikoog. - By public transport: Trains and buses connect to Lauwersoog (typically via Groningen/Dokkum region connections), then the ferry to the island. On arrival, you can usually continue by island bus toward the village area, or simply walk from the harbor depending on where your loop begins. - Nearest “known place” for the hike hub: Most routes with this naming convention are associated with Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog and the village-side access around Middenstreek (9166 LK, Schiermonnikoog), a common starting corridor for national-park walks. ([visitwadden.nl](https://www.visitwadden.nl/en/visit/routes/3064260061/wandelroute-nationaal-park-schiermonnikoog?utm_source=openai))
If you’re loading the route in HiiKER, confirm the exact trailhead pin and match it to a recognizable on-island landmark (village center stops, dike access points, or signed park entrances) before you set off—small shifts in start point can change whether you meet sand first or dike first.
What to look for: - Saltmarsh plants (kwelder vegetation): In season, you’ll notice low, hardy plants adapted to brackish conditions; in parts of the Wadden landscape, samphire (zeekraal) is a signature species and can color dramatically later in the year. ([visitwadden.nl](https://www.visitwadden.nl/en/visit/routes/3064260061/wandelroute-nationaal-park-schiermonnikoog?utm_source=openai)) - Bird concentrations: Schiermonnikoog is known as a major stopover with hundreds of bird species recorded across migration seasons; you’ll often see mixed flocks shifting with the tide cycle. ([wandel.nl](https://www.wandel.nl/routes/schiermonnikoog-hoogtepunten/?utm_source=openai)) - Quiet-zone etiquette: Many saltmarsh and dune-edge areas are sensitive—stay on the established path where signed, especially during breeding season.
Surfaces
Asphalt
Unknown
Wood
Grass
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