Natuur Educatie Centrum De Lepelaar
Nature education centre in the former school of Oost-Vlieland with an exhibition on the island and the Wadden Sea, a creative workshop and excursions.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The former school building on the Dorpsstraat in Oost-Vlieland housed the Informatiecentrum De Noordwester for a long time. It showed aquariums, a ray tank, beach finds, a large sand collection and the skeleton of a stranded sperm whale. Latterly the building was outdated and closed.
The renewal into a modern visitor centre focused on the island and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site was expected to cost around €1.8 million; the Waddenfonds pledged one million euros, and funds from the Province of Fryslân and the Nature and Recreation Fund were added. The project was delayed by almost two years, and for cost reasons a cinema hall, an audio tour and the striking glass entrance, among other things, were dropped. The conversion ran from September 2025.
Under the new name De Lepelaar (Spoonbill) the building reopened in summer 2026; the press gave 8 July as the date. The operator is the Stichting Natuur Educatie Centrum Vlieland. The exhibition focuses on wind, water, birds and human influence on the island. Changing art exhibitions can be seen on the upper floor. The building is also the starting point for excursions such as mudflat walks, bird watching in Kroon’s Polders and tours through the dunes at Nieuwe Kooi, and it offers a creative workshop and a museum shop.
Highlights
- Exhibition on wind, water, birds and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site
- Starting point for mudflat, bird and dune excursions
- Creative workshop and children's studio
- "Kabouterpad" (gnome trail) walking path for children
- Renovated building in the former school with a lift
Permanent exhibition
- Ausstellung zu Insel und Wattenmeer – Interactive presentation of the special features and vulnerability of Vlieland and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site: wind, water, birdlife and human influence.
- Operated by
- Stichting Natuur Educatie Centrum Vlieland
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Holders of a season ticket for ferry commuters ("vaste reizigers") |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 2 · Children aged 3 to 14 pay half the adult price (adults from age 14); free up to and including age 2 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €4 per personSchool classes (up to age 14): €4 per pupil from 15 pupils, two accompanying adults free; other groups (max. 30 people) pay the regular price and visit the museum by reservation only and accompanied |
| Mudflat excursion (Wadexcursie) | €17.50Adults; children €12.50 |
| Nieuwe Kooi excursion | €17.50Adults; children €12.50 |
| Creative workshop | €10Adults from age 12, materials not included; children up to age 12 €6 including materials |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building is wheelchair-accessible and has a lift and an accessible toilet. Dogs are not allowed in all rooms and at all activities; assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The centre offers a children's studio, the creative workshop and the "Kabouterpad" trail; the exhibition is designed to be interactive.
Getting there & parking
The building is easily reached on foot, by bicycle and from the ferry terminal. Vlieland can only be reached by ferry.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop and creative workshop on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | In addition to visiting the exhibition, you can book tours and excursions, such as the mudflat walk (approx. 1.5 hours, from age 8). Groups (max. 30 people in the museum, max. 15 on excursions) and schools book after consultation. |
