ENGELSMANPLAAT

Engelsmanplaat (in Frisian: De Kalkman) is a sandbank located between Ameland and Schiermonnikoog, approximately five kilometers off the coast of Friesland. This sandbank has an area of less than one square kilometer and is almost entirely submerged at high tide. Only the Hiezel, a narrow ridge on the east side of the bank, usually remains dry.
Engelsmanplaat is a resting place for birds, especially migratory birds. Bird watchers study the birds from a house on stilts and there is a beacon. North of the bird watcher`s house lies a beautiful reef with pristine white sand. The high reef acts as a breakwater for the waves of the North Sea, thereby protecting Engelsmanplaat. The small dunes on the reef give the landscape a picturesque relief. Here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Ameland and Schiermonnikoog while searching for shells along the North Sea beach.

The mudflat hike starts from the dike between Nes and Wierum. In the first part, you walk through mud and water, then continue over the sand of the bank. You can continue to the bird watcher`s house and the beacon. In a lighter version of the hike, you can roam closer to the coast on the bank, where there are some beautiful oyster and mussel beds. Often, seals can be seen in the distance at the Smeriggat on the east side. Another option is to continue to the reef and then board a boat that takes the group back to Lauwersoog.

In short: Various hikes are possible in this area, ranging from light to strenuous. See also: RONDJE WAD WEST

Details Roaming hike Engelsmanplaat/Return hike bird watcher`s house

• Departure point: Parking lot on Nesserwei, halfway between Nes and Wierum
  NB For hikes with the Waddenvereniging, see departure point on the Waddenvereniging website
• Distance: 10-14 kilometers
• Duration: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (lighter and more strenous variants possible)
• Price per person: €25.00

Check out our PROGRAM for dates and times of already planned roaming hikes Engelsmanplaat