Frisian Islands

The Frisian Islands is a chain of islands in the northern part of the Netherlands, which I've visited 3 years ago. I was with a group of friends and we have participated to the mudflat hiking ( the famous ''wadlopen'' of the Dutch). At first I really doubted that hiking in the mud can be fun, until I finally tried it. If the Dutch can do it I can do it!

In the beginning it might be a little bit frightening, but it is fun once you get the hang of it. However, you will have to be well-equipped for this sport. They will tell you to wear boots, but I think that sport shoes or sneakers are better, because after a while the boots can get heavy from all the mud making it really difficult for you to keep up with the guide. From the weight of the boots you can get stucked in the mud, which isn't a pleasant feeling. Don't buy new shoes for mudflat hiking, at the end of the tour you will have to throw them away for sure! For the equipment as well wear clothes that are not new, because you will get really dirty.

A guide will take you across the islands when the water is low. Mudflat hiking alone can be really dangerous, you have to know exactly when the tide comes and which are the spots that are safe. Sometimes the guide would tell us that we have to hurry up to get to a safe place before the tide.

All in all, I can only tell that it was one of the greatest experiences so far. This sort of hiking is just perfect for teambuildings (you will need each others help when the first person gets stuck in the mud) but also for a day spent with family or friends. Take the risk, you won't regret it!Less