Oerol Festival on Terschelling: Art and Nature in Harmony

A Festival Rooted in the Island

Oerol, which began in 1982 as an initiative by Joop Mulder to put Terschelling in the spotlight, has grown into one of the most beloved arts festivals in the Netherlands. The name “Oerol” comes from the Terschelling dialect and means “everywhere” – a nod to how the festival takes over the entire island. What started with a few street theatre acts is now an international stage for innovative art, with location theatre in the dunes, concerts on the beach and installations in the woods. Organised by the Oerol Foundation, the festival remains true to its mission: to connect art with nature and encourage visitors to reflect on the world around them.

The festival grounds cover the entire island, from the bustling Westerkeyn in West-Terschelling to remote locations such as the Noordsvaarderstrand or the Boschplaat. Every year, Oerol has a theme – in 2024, it was On the Move, about migration and movement – that inspires artists to create performances that resonate with current issues. With a mix of theatre, dance, visual arts and music, Oerol is a celebration of creativity in the great outdoors.

Highlights of Oerol

1. Location theatre in nature The heart of Oerol is location theatre, where performances are staged in unique locations such as dune basins, beaches or barns. In 2024, Theatre Group De Warme Winkel presented a hilarious performance about climate change in a dune valley, with actors literally rolling through the sand. One visitor wrote on Instagram: ‘I sat in the dunes and felt the wind in my hair while the story moved me – that's Oerol!’ The performances range from intimate monologues to large-scale spectacles, often with nature as a co-star.

2. Music on the Westerkeyn and Groene Strand The Westerkeyn, the festival heart in West-Terschelling, is the place to be for concerts and parties. With artists such as Kris Berry, The Cool Quest, or Klangstof in previous years, it offers a mix of indie, folk, pop and jazz. The Groene Strand, overlooking the Wadden Sea, is perfect for intimate performances at sunset. In 2023, a local band, De Terschellingse Troubadours, played an improvised set when a rain shower drove the audience to their tent – it turned into an unforgettable party under the sail!

3. Expeditions and Art Installations Oerol's expeditions are walks or bike rides to remote performances, such as a dance piece in the dunes or a sound installation in the forest. In 2022, artist Tjeerd Posthuma surprised visitors with an installation of mirrors in the Noordsvaarder, which reflected the landscape and made you think about your place in nature. One visitor tweeted: ‘I cycled for an hour to see a performance and got goosebumps from the beauty – Oerol is magical!’

4. Family fun and street theatre Oerol is also for families, with child-friendly performances and workshops at the Westerkeyn and in villages such as Midsland. Street theatre, such as acrobats or stilt walkers, pops up unexpectedly in the streets of West-Terschelling. A funny moment from 2024: a group of children ran after a stilt walker who ‘accidentally’ took a dip in a fountain, much to the delight of the audience. The Family Square offers craft workshops and theatre for the little ones, so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

Why Oerol is a Must-Visit

Oerol is unique because of its symbiosis of art and nature. The island of Terschelling, with its dunes, beaches and forests, is not just a backdrop, but an essential part of the experience. With 50,000+ visitors, it is large enough for a vibrant atmosphere, but small enough to feel intimate. The mix of disciplines – from experimental theatre to accessible pop concerts – attracts a diverse audience, from art lovers to families and partygoers. The festival is also sustainable: many performances use natural materials, and the organisation collaborates with local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Getting there is an adventure in itself: take the Rederij Doeksen ferry from Harlingen (45 minutes by fast boat) and cycle across the island to the venues. For disabled visitors, there are adapted routes and shuttle buses, and the Oerol App provides a map and timetable. Food is a feast, with food trucks on the Westerkeyn offering everything from fresh oysters to vegan wraps and local Terschelling cranberry liqueur.

An Artistic Adventure on the Wadden Sea

The Oerol Festival is a celebration of creativity, nature and community, where the salty sea air and the rustling of the dunes merge with art. Whether you're laughing at a street theatre act, getting goose bumps from a performance in the dunes, or dancing at a concert on the Green Beach, Oerol lets you see Terschelling with new eyes. As one visitor wrote on X: ‘Oerol is where art and the Wadden Sea kiss – you arrive as a visitor, you leave as a fan!’ So, grab your bicycle, book your ferry, and dive into this arts festival. Terschelling awaits you!

Practical Tips for a Top Experience

• Book early: Accommodations on Terschelling fill up quickly. Reserve campsites or B&Bs via www.vvvterschelling.nl at least six months in advance.

• Purchase a Passe-Partout: A passe-partout (€50-€100) grants access to paid performances. There are also plenty of free performances on the Westerkeyn and in villages.

• Rent a Bicycle: Terschelling is perfect for cycling. Rent a bicycle upon arrival at the harbour (€10-15 per day) to reach locations.

• Dress in Layers: The Wadden Sea weather can be changeable. Bring a raincoat, sturdy shoes for the dunes, and sunscreen for beach performances.

• Download the App: The Oerol App has all the information about performances, expeditions, and places to eat. Check www.oerol.nl for updates.