The island measures 4.052 hectare, of which the largest part is a desert-like area in the west, the Vliehors. There is one village on the island, Oost-Vlieland. On the empty plain on the west used to be another village, West-Vlieland, but it was taken by the sea in 1736. The plain is now used for military exercises.
The island has a population of approximately 1100 people and is well-known for the beautiful landscape, the large and various bird population and the peacefulness. In summer, many tourists come to visit the island.
Vlieland was divided from the mainland of Friesland in a flood in 1287, which formed the Waddenzee.
It used to count two villages, West- and Oost-Vlieland, but the former was evacuated after repeatedly being flooded.
Vlieland is an island of dunes. It has the North Sea to the north and the Waddenzee to the south. The north coast has beautiful, peaceful beaches.
To get into Vlieland, you have to take the ferry from Harlingen. There is a train that goes to Harlingen Harbour from Leeuwarden, and also by car, this is easy to reach.