They separate the North Sea from the shallow Wadden Sea, with tidal mud flats. The uninhabited islands ''Griend'', ''Rottumerplaat'', and ''Rottumeroog'' are nature reserves, access requires a permit. ''Wieringen'' used to be an island, but has been connected to the mainland, since the reclamation of the ''Wieringermeerpolder'' in the 1930's.
The inhabited West Frisian Islands are:
The islands can be easily reached by car from Amsterdam. For Texel take the highway up north to Den Helder and take the (car) ferry to Texel. For Vlieland and Terschelling same way up north and cross the 'Afsluitdijk' (that separates the Wadden Sea from the IJsselmeer). Than follow the signs 'Harlingen'and 'Ferry'. Note: you can't take your car to Vlieland. For Ameland, follow the signs 'Leeuwarden' and from there 'Holwerd' and the ferry signs. For Schiermonnikoog from 'Leeuwarden' follow the signs 'Dokkum' and from there 'Lauwersoog' and look for the ferry sign. Note: you can't take your car to Schiermonnikoog.
Another possibility to visit more Wadden Islands in a short period of time is island hopping on the Dutch Frisian Islands. In a week time you visit at least four out of five islands in an 8-days sailing-/cycling trip by authentic sailing ship. Check out: www.wadfietsen.nl/english.html (fietsen is Dutch for cycling.)