Things to do, food and drink around the Vuurtorenloop
The race is only one day, but Vlieland has far more to offer than just that. Beach, dunes, forest, the Wadden Sea and a village with more terraces than you can get through in one day. Below are our tips for a complete race weekend. Detailed information, current times and bookings can be found at visitvlieland.nl.
Catch the boat, drop your bags at your accommodation and head into the village. Before you even dock you'll spot it: the big white letters spelling 'Vuurtorenloop' standing on the Vuurboetsduin. The Vuurtorenloop weekend has begun. Then a stroll along the Dorpsstraat, a beer on a terrace and a light meal — and climb the forty-metre-high Vuurboetsduin to get a taste of what your calves are in for.
Saturday is for the island itself. Hire a bike and ride the dune paths and forest trails, take a walk along the beach, or head out onto the mudflats at low tide with a guide — on foot, in boots, across the exposed seabed. Climb the lighthouse, visit the Vliehors or go on a seal safari — you'll find plenty of ideas below. Keep it easy, because tomorrow is the day it's all about: a good meal, kit laid out ready and an early night. Though there's always one runner who ends up in the Dorpsstraat for one more round of village life.
Time to shine! From 10:00 you collect your race number at Sportcentrum Flidunen — that's where the finish is too. Then it's time for your distance, with the running festival all around you: a brass band and mobile DJs along the course bring music to every corner of the route. After the finish there's a warm shower, catching up with fellow runners and — for most people — the last ferry or an extra crossing home. Want to make the most of the weekend? Accommodation providers often offer that extra Sunday night at a friendly rate.
Things to do
From quiet nature to an hour of paddling, from bunkers to donkeys — pick what suits your day and book straight away.
Seal-watching trips with the Geus, the Northern Diver or the Vlielander, guided mudflat excursions and birdwatching in the Kroon's Polders.
Trips and excursions →The vast sandy plain on the west side of the island, reachable by the Vliehors Expres tour bus from the Posthuys or from Badhuys beach.
To the Vliehors →
The whole island is accessible by bike: dune paths, woodland trails and the beach. Perfect for an easy recovery day after the race.
Active on Vlieland →Tours and tastings at Brouwerij Fortuna, the Kaasbunker and Zwammenbunker, or the quirky 'Tussen Kerk en Kroeg' tour through Oost-Vlieland.
Tastings and tours →
An island safari by tuk-tuk, beachcombing for treasure along the tideline, an evening ride with campfire and hot chocolate, or flying a kite on the beach.
With children →Woodcarving, linocutting and printing at the Natuur Educatie Centrum — great for a rainy hour or a moment of rest.
All activities →Food & drink
Restaurants in the village, cafés by the harbour, beach clubs by the sea and the bakery around the corner. Almost everything is within walking distance in Oost-Vlieland.
Most restaurants are around the Dorpsstraat, within walking distance of each other.
A terrace is mandatory after the finish. Later in the evening, the village carries on.
With your feet in the sand, exactly where you were slogging through it that morning.
For race-morning fuel and for an evening on the sofa in your cottage.
