Terschelling

Welcome to Terschelling, a Temperate island in the North Sea, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Terschelling unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Terschelling
Size: 88.7 km²
Coastline: 86.5 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: North Sea
Continent: Europe
Terschelling is a Medium Island spanning 89 km² with a coastline of 86 km.
Archipel: Frisian Islands – A chain of islands in the North Sea, off the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, known for their distinctive culture and natural beauty.
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 53.40043852 / Longitude: 5.33697259
Climate and weather of Terschelling
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.
Topography and nature of Terschelling
Timezone: UTC+01:00
Timezone places: Europe/Paris
Max. Elevation: 14 m
Mean Elevation: 2 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 42%
The mean elevation is 2 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 14 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. Terschelling has a tree cover of 42 %.
Vegetation: 13 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Terschelling
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Terschelling. The nearest airport is Lelystad Airport, located 105 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Terschelling. The closest major port is HARLINGEN, approximately 23 km away.
The mean population of Terschelling is 54 per km². Terschelling is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Netherlands.
Continuing your journey, Ameland is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Netherlands is classified as Developed region: nonG7: Developed economies outside of the Group of Seven, characterized by high income and advanced economic structures. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Terschelling
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Terschelling. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Unknown Architects sinks timber cabin into dune-filled Dutch island - dezeen.comon 22 June 2026
Unknown Architects sinks timber cabin into dune-filled Dutch island dezeen.com
- Islands of the Netherlands: a guide to the Wadden Islands - DutchReviewon 20 May 2026
Islands of the Netherlands: a guide to the Wadden Islands DutchReview
- Terschelling could be cut off from mainland as harbor quays deteriorate - NL Timeson 19 March 2026
Terschelling could be cut off from mainland as harbor quays deteriorate NL Times
- The best places to sleep on the Wadden Islands (hotels, B&Bs and beach houses) - Barts Boekjeon 22 February 2026
The best places to sleep on the Wadden Islands (hotels, B&Bs and beach houses) Barts Boekje
- Video: Huge batches of suspicious packages, likely drugs, wash up on Dutch island - NL Timeson 11 January 2026
Video: Huge batches of suspicious packages, likely drugs, wash up on Dutch island NL Times
- asymmetric roof tops prefabricated holiday home by team v architecture on dutch island - Designboomon 22 August 2025
asymmetric roof tops prefabricated holiday home by team v architecture on dutch island Designboom
- Inburgering with DN: Dutch islands to get away from it all on - DutchNews.nlon 31 July 2025
Inburgering with DN: Dutch islands to get away from it all on DutchNews.nl
- Oerol Festival 2025 - Plays Internationalon 27 June 2025
Oerol Festival 2025 Plays International
- March 2025 sets records for sunshine and dry weather in the Netherlands - NL Timeson 1 April 2025
March 2025 sets records for sunshine and dry weather in the Netherlands NL Times
- Changing sea level, changing shorelines: integration of remote-sensing observations at the Terschelling barrier island - Copernicus.orgon 28 November 2024
Changing sea level, changing shorelines: integration of remote-sensing observations at the Terschelling barrier island Copernicus.org
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
