West Frisian Islands

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Location of the West Frisian islands. The numbered islands are: 1. Noorderhaaks 2. Richel 3. Griend 4. Rif 5. Engelsmanplaat 6. Simonszand 7. Rottumerplaat 8. Rottumeroog
Location of the West Frisian islands. The numbered islands are:
1. Noorderhaaks
2. Richel
3. Griend
4. Rif
5. Engelsmanplaat
6. Simonszand
7. Rottumerplaat
8. Rottumeroog

The West Frisian Islands (Dutch: Waddeneilanden) are a chain of islands in the North Sea off the Dutch coast. They belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They continue further east as the German East Frisian Islands.

From west to east the islands are: Noorderhaaks, Texel, Vlieland, Richel, Griend, Terschelling, Ameland, Rif, Engelsmanplaat, Schiermonnikoog, Simonszand, Rottumerplaat, Rottumeroog, and Zuiderduintjes.

The islands Noorderhaaks and Texel are part of the province of North Holland. The islands Vlieland, Richel, Griend, Terschelling, Ameland, Rif, Engelsmanplaat, and Schiermonnikoog are part of the province of Friesland. The small islands Simonszand, Rottumerplaat, Rottumeroog, and Zuiderduintjes belong to the province of Groningen.

The Frisian Islands are nowadays mostly famous as a holiday destination. Island hopping is possible by regular ferries from the mainland and by specialised tour operators. Cycling is the most favourable means of transport on most of the islands. On Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog cars are only allowed for regular inhabitants.

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Coordinates: 53°22′N, 5°20′E