Art and culture

Terschelling has a rich history

For the culture fanatic, Terschelling is a beautiful destination with a rich history. Find out more about nature on the island at the Centrum voor Natuur en Landschap (Centre for Nature and Landscape), or visit the Natuurschuur of Staatsbosbeheer. For a journey back in time, Museum 't Behouden Huys, the Wrakkenmuseum and the Tiger Bunker Complex are definitely recommended.

Museum 't Behouden Huys

An excellent way to learn more about the history of Terschelling is through a visit to Museum 't Behouden Huys. Enter the ship of Willem Barentsz and discover the story behind this special piece of history. When Barentsz and his crew got their ship stuck in the ice in Nova Zembla in 1596, a shelter was built for surviving the harsh winter, called 'T Behouden Huys. You will find a replica of the house in the courtyard of the museum.

The museum is located in two beautiful Commander's houses, dating from the seventeenth century. In the past, these Commanders' houses were inhabited by courageous sea captains who were mainly engaged in whaling. Through the beautiful museum exhibits, you will learn about the history of Terschelling and about the heroes who lived here in the past. 

"A fun and educational outing for young and old!"

Centrum voor Natuur en Landschap (Centre for Nature and Landscape)

Broaden your knowledge about nature on and around the beautiful island of Terschelling! During a visit to the Centrum voor Natuur en Landschap, you will get the chance to learn more about the unique mudflats region and other natural phenomena on Terschelling. The museum has a permanent exhibition about nature in the mudflats area, as well as a changing exhibition.

Would you prefer to learn about the mudflat region below the water's surface? Do not forget to pay a visit to the sea aquarium! Here you come face to face with, among other things, the sea bass, the cod and many other sea creatures that can be found in the Wadden Sea. The museum also has a ray aquarium, where visitors can even pet the rays! The females regularly perform a mating dance to lure males towards them, which can be clearly seen in the special petting tank.

Wrakkenmuseum (Wrecks Museum)

Fancy an adventurous outing with the whole family? Then consider a visit to the Wrakkenmuseum. Pieces of wreckage have been collected by the owner of this museum since 1975, all originating from ships that went down between 1650 and the present around the Wadden Island of Terschelling. These unique pieces are exhibited in the farm. The garden is also filled with large pieces of wreckage, including cannons and anchors.

What makes the Wrakkenmuseum special is that it was partly built using remnants of the Norwegian ship Cyprian. This barge was lost around the year 1905 near Terschelling, after which various pieces of the wreckage have been recovered. Furthermore, the museum is excellent to visit with children. It has a real 'Pirate Garden', where you will find a real pirate ship. Your children will enjoy themselves a great deal on and around the ship, as well as in the castle or tree house.

Natuurschuur Staatsbosbeheer

Are you a true nature fanatic who would like to know more about the flora and fauna on Terschelling? Then consider visiting the Natuurschuur in Lies. In addition to changing exhibitions, you will find beautiful nature books here, as well as fascinating photographs of the Wadden Island of Terschelling. Find out more about the different types of beach birds that can be found on Terschelling or discover which types of flowers and plants the island is rich in! The Natuurschuur is also the starting point for various excursions organized by Staatsbosbeheer.