Accessibility of the nature reserve
The largest part of Schiermonnikoog is freely accessible. To give the birds on the island the rest they need, there are a few exemptions:
- During the breeding season (April 15-July 15) the Oosterkwelder is inaccessible. Only as a participant in one of the special Natuurmonumenten excursions you are allowed to visit this area during the breeding season.
- During the breeding season, in the area between the Prins Bernhardweg and the Kobbeduinen you must stay on the paths and tracks that are marked with white posts.
- The direct surroundings of the Westerplas are not accessible for the public during the breeding season.
- During the breeding season, the beach from pole 10 to the easternmost point is only accessible close to the waterline. Between April 15 and July 15, the rest of the beach is closed to give the breeding birds the rest they need.
But outside the breeding season birds are sensitive to disturbances as well. Especially when they rest on ‘high-tide refuges’ (sandbanks that stay dry during high tide), like the Rif, of when they are foraging on the mudflats. Keep your distance, keep your dog on a leash and watch the birds through your binoculars. The same applies to watching seals that are resting on a sandbank or feeding their young.
Accessibility for disabled people
The paved roads in National Park Schiermonnikoog are readily accessible for wheelchair users. Most of the shell paths are accessible as well, but please take account of slopes and of paths that are not completely level. Sand and grass paths are difficultly accessible or inaccessible for people using a wheelchair.
Schiermonnikoog is inaccessible for motorized vehicles. Only vehicles that are intended for the transport of disabled people are allowed. You must apply for an exemption at the municipality of Schiermonnikoog, at least five working days prior to the day for which you need the permission. Look for more information on the website of the municipality Schiermonnikoog.
Beach wheelchairs
On two locations special beach wheelchairs are available. These wheelchairs have extra wide tires, so it’s easier to push them over the soft sand. You can find the beach wheelchairs at the end of the Badweg and at the beach crossing at the end of the Prins Bernhardweg. Ask for the key at the restaurant Noderstraun or the restaurant De Marlijn.
Publicly accessible toilets
You’ll find publicly accessible toilets at the end of the Badweg, at the beach crossing, and at the beach crossing at De Marlijn. These toilets are available from May 1 to November 1.
Excursions
On request we can organize a special excursion for wheelchair users or for a group that includes people using a wheelchair. We can adapt the route and the distance, according to your wishes and capabilities.
An excursion that is adapted to people who are visually impaired is also possible.
Please get in touch with information centre Het Baken (preferably some time in advance).
When riding with the Balgexpres people who have difficulty walking or sit in a wheelchair can get help getting in and out of the bus. Bringing your own wheelchair unfortunately is not possible, unless it can be folded together. Please consult us before you buy your tickets. You can come to the reception in information centre Het Baken or send an e-mail.
Ask for permission when you organize a group activity in the National Park
Are you planning to organize a (sports) activity in National Park Schiermonnikoog? You are welcome to do so, but as caretaker and nature conservation organization Natuurmonumenten wants to prevent a negative impact on the nature of Schiermonnikoog. Always ask for permission first. Together we will discuss how and where your activity fits best and what you can do for nature in return.
What are the focus points of Natuurmonumenten?
To assess if permission is possible Natuurmonumenten pays attention to the possible consequences for nature, for vulnerable species for example, and of the chances of disturbing specific kinds of animals and plants. We also consider possible inconvenience for other visitors or residents.
Natuurmonumenten wants everybody to be able to enjoy Dutch nature. That’s the reason we want to know what is going on in our nature reserves.
Contribute to nature conservation
When you get permission, certain rules apply and we ask from you a form of compensation, mostly financial. Making (sports) activities in nature possible requires investments from Natuurmonumenten, for example in supervising and in building and maintaining the routes and facilities that you use. And of course, we protect and reinforce the surrounding nature! Your contribution helps Natuurmonumenten to protect and maintain nature, now and in the future. Here you can find out what this implies for our activity.
Background
Every year more than 6 million people visit one or more of the domains of Natuurmonumenten. The total number of visits is about 50 million and this number is still growing. Natuurmonumenten gets asked increasingly often if special events may take place in nature. We are always open for this, but we cannot allow everything. By studying every request closely and ask for some kind of compensation, together we can protect nature and prevent inconvenience, unpleasant situations, and unexpected incidents.
Flyer
In the flyer Welkom op Schiermonnikoog all rules and arrangements that apply in the National Park are listed.