This day was dedicated to exploring the island by land, under mild skies but with a strong headwind from the start.
We took the cycle route towards the western tip of the island, following the dunes and the Wadden Sea, with the landscape constantly changing as the kilometers went by.
As soon as we entered the village of Oost-Vlieland, on the edge of the ferry dock, a large, intriguing statue greeted us. It depicted a man wearing a tricorn hat, looking proud, almost like a pirate. He was actually Nicolaas Kikkert, a sea captain born in 1824 and originally from the island. He is known for his remarkable naval career and for contributing to the safety of the shipping routes around Vlieland.
🔦 From the lighthouse to the military zone
The ride continued to the Vlieland lighthouse, perched on a hilltop offering a breathtaking view of the village's red roofs, the Wadden Sea, and the wooded dunes.
We then followed the trail to Posthuis, on the edge of the restricted military zone. A well-deserved break was made there: an aperitif and a light lunch on the terrace, lulled by the sound of the wind in the tall grass.
🌾 Return via the dunes – Nature in its majesty
The return journey took us along superb cycle paths winding through the dunes in the eastern part of the island, more sheltered from the wind. This section offered us a true immersion in nature:
Seabird watching,
Numerous wild plants,
Expanses of heather in full bloom, in magnificent shades of mauve and violet. We also came across a tree split by lightning, whose bark still bore the dark traces of burning and the spiral grooves formed by the electrical impact. An impressive sight.