Cold-water coast
West aan Zee
Terschelling, Friesland · 🇳🇱 Netherlands
Local gemEurope
Bike through Terschelling's dunes to a vast, wind-scoured North Sea beach with a single pavilion.
Open West aan Zee on the interactive map →- Sea temperature
- ~17°C in the warm season
- Water
- Green North Sea rollers, brisk even in August
- Sand
- An immense flat of pale wind-rippled sand, wide enough to lose the crowds entirely
- Swimming
- Guarded near the pavilion in season; rip channels form between the bars
- Surf
- Wind-driven beach breaks when westerlies line up
- Best time to visit
- Jun-Aug
- Setting
- Reached by cycle path through Terschelling's dunes from West-Terschelling, one pavilion at the road's end and the Noordsvaarder sands to the west
- Beach type
- Cold-water coast
- Region
- Europe
More beaches in Netherlands
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More cold-water coast beaches
Haukland BeachLofoten, Norway
Kampen BeachSylt, Germany
Luskentyre SandsIsle of Harris, United Kingdom
Barafundle BayPembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom
West aan Zee: frequently asked questions
Where is West aan Zee?
West aan Zee is at Terschelling, on the coast of Netherlands.
What is the sea temperature at West aan Zee?
In the warm season the sea at West aan Zee reaches about 17°C. Green North Sea rollers, brisk even in August.
When is the best time to visit West aan Zee?
The best time to visit West aan Zee is Jun-Aug. Europe's beach season peaks in July and August, with June and September quieter and cheaper.
What kind of sand does West aan Zee have?
West aan Zee has an immense flat of pale wind-rippled sand, wide enough to lose the crowds entirely.
Is West aan Zee good for swimming?
Guarded near the pavilion in season; rip channels form between the bars.
Can you surf at West aan Zee?
Wind-driven beach breaks when westerlies line up.