Try saying Schiermonnikoog ten times if you’re not Dutch! Schiermonnikoog is however an absolutely gorgeous little island off the coast of Holland and part of Friesland. To get to ”Schier” you need to take the boat from Lauwersoog on the mainland where you also need to leave your car, as if you’re not a local cars aren’t allowed on Schier.

Not to worry though, if you’re like us, staying at one of the hotel (we were staying at Hotel Bernstorff) they will pick you up at the ferry harbor with a bus and drop you off at the hotel. Bernstorff is the perfect location and a four star hotel. To be fair you’re not staying at a W Hotel and there’s no minibar but the hotel is fully refurbished and the perfect starting point to explore the island.

Once on the island I recommend renting a bike, I got mine from Soepboers and make your way around the islands beaches and restaurant.

I’d say in three or four days you’ve really explored the island and had time to go to my favorite hotspots including:

Marlijn for a long Sunday brunch/lunch. Marlin is located on the dunes and serves out of this world delicious scampi Caesar salad and other treats such as the most gorgeous Dutch shrimp salad below

shrimp salad at Marlijn

view over the activity beach on Schiermonnikoog

Noderstraun is another fabulous lunch restaurant after a day on the kite surfing beach and activity beach. I devoured some local oysters and a salad nicose! ?

gorgeous oysters at Norderstaun

If you prefer old school and local charm try out v/d Werff hotel restaurant. It’s a truly traditional and very classic dining. It’s friendly on the wallet to and after 11 the bar is packed!

When you’re not focusing on eating alone take your bike and cycle around the island. It’ll only take you an hour but you’ll be awestruck by the beauty☀️?