Discover Benelux | Tourism | Friesland Special
A paradise of peace and nature TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: HOTEL & BRASSERIE OM DE NOORD
It is the most thinly populated municipality in the Netherlands: Schiermonnikoog. With its beautiful scenery, peaceful dunes and cosy allure, this island is nothing like the rest of the country. The same can be said about Hotel & Brasserie Om de Noord. With only eight rooms, Hotel & Brasserie Om de Noord is unique in its personal touch. The building originates from 1913 and is located a mere 15 minutes away from beach. All rooms enjoy the same rustic atmosphere and are equipped with all the necessary comforts such as crisp white bed linen and a rain shower. Schiermonnikoog rightfully earned the title of National Park in 1989 and has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list together with the other Wadden Sea Islands. The island is completely free of cars. “You do not really have the feeling you are in the Netherlands at Schiermonnikoog,” begins owner Etty van der Veer. “But, actually, you are just two hours from Amsterdam.” Alongside nature, Om de Noord shines a 62 | Issue 39 | March 2017
bright light on culture. Every third Sunday of the month, an ensemble fills the hotel with beautiful music, and in summer there are barbecues, concerts and other festivities in the garden and on the terrace. “Culture, besides our stunning nature and hospitality, is one of Schiermonnikoog’s charms,” Van der Veer enthuses. “There is always something to do.” The hotel can arrange special extras allowing you to make the most of the island’s possibilities. Opt for a picnic with the best possible dune view during lunch, or rent one of the hotel’s bikes and enjoy the island’s nature with a sea breeze in your hair. Companies can choose to rent out the entire hotel for a business event, with the unique ‘hunting-suite’ complete with cosy fireplace being perfect for small and inspirational meetings. Schiermonnikoog would not be the perfect holiday destination without its fishfocused delicacies. Every day, Om de Noord’s atmospheric brasserie serves the ‘catch of the day’, sourced at the nearby
fish auction. For meat-eaters, the tournedos served at the restaurant are as tender as can be. For the sweet-toothed among us, there is a ‘poffertjes’ stall in the garden. Feeling full and content? You are not far from your comfortable room and a deep sleep, thanks to the utter tranquility surrounding you. The only sound is the soft whispering of the sea. An extra welcoming stay Hotel Om de Noord offers special benefits for returning guests who book directly via www.hotelomdenoord.nl