The Wadden Islands and Coast - Texel, Terschelling and Ameland by MotorhomeTexel, Terschelling and Ameland by Motorhome

Alkmaar exudes the atmosphere of a historic cheese city, where you can experience the lively tradition of the cheese market. On Friday mornings, cheese carriers in white suits carry cheeses across the Waagplein, a colourful spectacle at the monumental Waaggebouw. You can also explore the city with a canal cruise past charming courtyards and a historic windmill. The Beatles Museum adds a surprising cultural layer. Outside the city, you'll find the tranquility of the dunes and beaches of Bergen, a short distance away.

The Schoorlse Duinen are the highest and widest dunes in the Netherlands, with the Klimduin at Schoorl, pine forests, and the beaches of Bergen aan Zee and Hargen behind them. Cycle paths run throughout the area; the walk over the dune top to the beach of Schoorl aan Zee is the classic. Bergen is an artists' village with galleries and the Kranenburgh museum; the campsites are located in the dunes between Bergen and Schoorl.

Texel is the largest Wadden Island and the easiest by motorhome: the TESO ferry from Den Helder sails every hour and takes motorhomes without reservation. Ecomare has the seal sanctuary, De Cocksdorp has the lighthouse, and at De Slufter the sea flows into the island; a cycling route runs through the villages of Den Hoorn and Oudeschild. The campsites are located on the west coast behind the beach; Texel lamb and the beer from the Texel brewery are the regional products.

Harlingen is a historic port city where the scent of salt and tar fills the air. Along the Noorderhaven, stately warehouses stand, and brown sailing ships lie ready for their next journey. The charming city center boasts five hundred monuments that you can discover on foot in the narrow streets. From the quay, ferries depart to the Wadden Islands. If you cycle north, you'll pass along the sea dike and characteristic terp villages on the Wadden Coast. You can wander along the water with views of the bustling harbor.

Terschelling is the island of Oerol, cranberries and the Boschplaat, a nature reserve of salt marshes and dunes on the east side where no houses stand. In West stands the Brandaris lighthouse, a cycle path runs to Oosterend and the Boschplaat, near Formerum is the beach and there are guided mudflat hiking tours. Motorhomes are welcome at the campsites near West and Formerum; book the Doeksen ferry well in advance, especially in summer.

Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, surprises with a rich history and vibrant culture. You can admire the leaning Oldehove, an unfinished church tower that has dominated the skyline for centuries. The Fries Museum tells the stories of the region, while the Princessehof takes you into the world of ceramics. Stroll through the atmospheric district around the Prinsentuin and discover the birthplace of Mata Hari and Escher. The city offers a lively atmosphere, where you can walk along the canals and enjoy its watery character.

Ameland is the island of the commander's houses in Hollum and Nes, the red lighthouse, and the seals on the sandbanks off the eastern tip. A cycling tour covers the entire island; from Nes, the seal tour by boat departs and the nature center is located, and at Hollum, the lifeboat is launched with horses. The campsites are located behind the dunes near Nes, Buren, and Hollum; the Wagenborg ferry from Holwerd takes motorhomes by reservation.

The Lauwersmeer is a national park that was created in 1969 when the Lauwerszee was closed off: reed beds, ponds, and grasslands full of birds, with Konik horses and Scottish Highlanders as grazers. It is the darkest place in the Netherlands and a Dark Sky Park, so stay outside on a clear night for the stars. The campsites are near Lauwersoog, where the ferry to Schiermonnikoog also departs, and near Oostmahorn.

In Groningen, a vibrant student city, you can effortlessly cycle through the historic center. The Martinitoren towers high above the Grote Markt and offers expansive views. The striking Groninger Museum, with its colorful blocks on the water, showcases modern art and design. On the historic Vismarkt, you'll find a lively daily market with local products. The city buzzes with energy, with cozy terraces on the Grote Markt and courtyards offering tranquility.

Sneek is the water city of Friesland, with the Waterpoort as the most famous gate in the country and a harbour full of flat-bottomed boats; the Sneekweek in August is Europe's largest inland sailing event. The Frisian Lakes surrounding it are a cycling paradise of villages like Woudsend, Heeg and IJlst, with ferries crossing the canals. The motorhome pitch is located on the edge of the city by the water; renting an open boat for an afternoon is a must.

Enkhuizen was one of the richest cities of the Republic and has preserved that: the Drommedaris at the harbour, the warehouses along the canals, and the Zuiderzee Museum, with an open-air museum of complete streets and workshops accessible by boat. The campsite is located on the IJsselmeer with a beach, within walking distance of the centre. The cycle path over the Westfriese Omringdijk is a trip for the afternoon.

Alkmaar exudes the atmosphere of a historic cheese city, where you can experience the lively tradition of the cheese market. On Friday mornings, cheese carriers in white suits carry cheeses across the Waagplein, a colourful spectacle at the monumental Waaggebouw. You can also explore the city with a canal cruise past charming courtyards and a historic windmill. The Beatles Museum adds a surprising cultural layer. Outside the city, you'll find the tranquility of the dunes and beaches of Bergen, a short distance away.