Night of the Night

Since 2010, Stichting Natuurlijk Oosterend has been taking part in Night of the Night, a nationwide initiative that draws attention to darkness and light pollution. The Boschplaat is the first Dark Sky Park in the Netherlands, and local entrepreneurs are eager to let visitors experience the beauty of the night sky. On this evening, Oosterend itself will be largely cloaked in darkness: streetlights are switched off, and residents are encouraged to keep their outdoor lighting off as well. Experience true darkness.

October 23 and 24, 2026 | Oosterend

Activities 2026
During the Night of the Night weekend, Stichting Natuurlijk Oosterend offers a special Dark Sky programme in and around the Waddengoud village of Oosterend.

• Schemerwandeling “Joon”: Join the twilight walk guided by Eilandmeisje. “Joon” means evening in the Terschelling dialect Aasters. Starting at dusk – the in-between time of day and night – you walk into the evening. Along the way, discover the stories of the Oosterend dunes: drifting sands, living dunes, night hunters, shipwrecks, lost farmlands, and more.
• Three-course dinner: After the walk, enjoy a delicious dinner at Restaurant De Heeren van der Schelling or Eilandbistro De Boschplaat. The chefs have created a special seasonal menu in a warm and atmospheric setting.
• Dark Sky excursion: Horse-drawn wagons from Puur Terschelling will take you into the Dark Sky Park De Boschplaat. Astronomer Adrie van Warmhoven (director of the UNESCO Planetarium in Franeker) will guide you through the starry sky. A campfire, hot chocolate, and marshmallows complete this unforgettable night.

Please note: Each activity must be booked separately. Make sure to reserve in time, as places are limited.