De Ouwe Smitte

Frisian Islands


Thanks to the Dutch love for serious coffee, the island has its very own bean roaster with a tantalising cafe, tearoom and boutique on Midsland’s main street. Choose from French press, cold drip, filter, espresso and a ravishing choice of flavoured cappuccinos and lattes: the Black Pearl with raw chocolate and chilli pepper is sensational.

Specialist teas, artisan Dutch chocolate, homemade cranberry fudge, and scones with whipped cream are among the irresistible sweet treats served.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Frisian Islands attractions

1. Bunker Museum

2.72 MILES

Hidden in woods east of West-Terschelling is an extraordinary subterranean network of 85 bunkers used as a military radar station during WWII…

2. Terschelling Museum 't Behouden Huys

3.63 MILES

Good for a rainy day, this small museum covers traditional Terschelling life and maritime history. It's named after the cabin on the Novaya Zemlya…

3. De Boschplaat

7.35 MILES

An extensive natural reserve at the eastern end of the island, De Boschplaat was a separate island until 1880, when the channel between the two silted up…

4. Museum Tromp's Huys

11.07 MILES

Journey back in time to island life in the early 20th century at this tiny house-museum, inside the oldest building on Vlieland, dating to 1575. The…

5. Lighthouse

14.57 MILES

Ameland's iconic red-and-white banded lighthouse stands 55m tall on the island's west end. The only lighthouse in the island chain that is open to the…

6. De Tobbedanser

15.24 MILES

Across from the ferry port, this bronze statue encircled by a wooden bench is a lovely spot to sit and contemplate the pretty waterside views. Sculpted by…

7. Museum Hannemahuis Harlingen

15.39 MILES

Housed in the 18th-century mansion of a prominent Harlingen family, this museum deals primarily with the town's maritime heritage, in particular its role…

8. Eise Eisinga Planetarium

17.14 MILES

The Eise Eisinga Planetarium is named after its builder, an 18th-century wool comber with a serious sideline in cosmic mathematics and astrology. Between…