Informatiecentrum Het Baken

About the museum

Het Baken is the information centre for Schiermonnikoog National Park and has been run jointly by Natuurmonumenten and the local VVV since May 2021. The VVV has been housed here since 1 May 2021. The building was designed sustainably by the architect Nynke Rixt Jukema; it generates its own energy from renewable sources.

The exhibition introduces the national park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea. Using sound, images and interactive elements, it shows the island's landscapes – dunes, salt marshes, forests and beaches – together with their plants and animals. Visitors encounter a lifelike seal, see on screens when migratory birds arrive and depart, and learn more about the starry sky, as the island is considered the darkest place in the Netherlands.

Besides the exhibition, the building serves as a contact point for information about the island: nature excursions, activities and accommodation can be booked here, and a shop stocks nature books, hiking and cycling routes and souvenirs.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition on the national park and the Wadden Sea
• Lifelike seal figure for photos
• Migratory birds and starry sky
• Sustainable, energy-self-sufficient new building
• Booking of nature excursions

Permanent exhibition

• Ausstellung Nationalpark Schiermonnikoog – Interactive presentation of the island's nature, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, migratory birds, seals and the starry sky.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Natuurmonumenten und VVV Schiermonnikoog

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition is described by the VVV as accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Interactive stations, a drawing corner for young visitors and nature search games from the shop.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with nature books, hiking and cycling routes, nature tracking games and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit