Transport and Accommodation on the Island

Travelling to Harlingen

Before boarding the ferry, you first need to travel to Harlingen. You can do this by car or by public transport. The Harlingen-Haven train station is within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

The Ferry

Make sure you arrive on time for your booked ferry with Rederij Doeksen in Harlingen. You can have your ticket scanned directly from your phone, so there is no need to print it. In June, almost all ferries are fully booked. You definitely do not want to miss your crossing, as there is no guarantee of space on the next one. If you think you might miss your ferry, please call the ferry company; they can often rebook your ticket free of charge. However, if your ferry has already departed, you will have to book a new ticket and will lose your money.

Bicycles

When you arrive at the harbour on Terschelling, you can rent a bicycle from one of the affiliated rental companies or take the bus. You can rent a bike at Zeelen, Tijs Knop, Bakker, or de Groot. If you mention that you are a volunteer for Oerol, you will receive a discount. They have a list of volunteer names and will tick your name off the list.

The bicycle rental companies can also transport your luggage to your campsite (how luxurious!).

The discount applies to a standard bicycle. If you would prefer a different type of bike, the standard discount amount will be deducted from your total reservation cost.

More about bikes

Oerol offers a discount of 4 euros per day on the rental of a standard bicycle from one of the following rental companies: De Groot, Tijs Knop, Zeelen, and Bakker. To receive this discount, simply give your name to the rental company. They have a list of all volunteers.

Due to high demand, some locations may run out of bicycles for hire. This occurs most frequently in West-Terschelling. Your chances of finding a bicycle increase as you head further East.

Please note: do not carry passengers on the back of your rental bike. There is a risk that the rental companies will confiscate the bicycle, potentially leaving you without transport in the middle of your route.

If you want to ensure you have a bicycle you are comfortable with, you can bring your own! It costs approximately 15 euros for a return ticket to take your bike on the ferry (please note this is not possible on the fast ferry service).

If you are staying for more than 11 days this year, you can choose to bring your own bicycle to Terschelling at our expense. Oerol will reimburse the costs of your bicycle tickets for both the ferry and the train, up to a maximum of 27.50 euros.

Address details of bike rental companies:

De Groot: Westerburen 20 | Midsland (09:00 – 18:00)

Zeelen: Willem Barentszkade 15 – at the harbor | West Terschelling (09:00 – 22:00, Sun until 18:00)
Heereweg 30 | Midsland (9:00 – 18:00)
Formerum 39 | Formerum (9:00 – 18:00)

Tijs Knop: Torenstraat 10/12 | West Terschelling (09:00 – 18:00)

Bakker: Molenweg 6 | Formerum (09:00 – 18:00)

Camping

As a volunteer, we offer you a camping spot for your tent on the days you work as a volunteer (including arrival and departure days). The costs for these camping spots are covered by us.

We have a limited number of camping spots available. Since not all volunteers are on the island at the same time, we have fewer spots than volunteers. This means that when a volunteer leaves, a new volunteer will take their place. It also means that large tents are absolutely not allowed. If you wish to stay longer to enjoy the festival as a visitor, you will need to move your tent, and the costs will be at your own expense.

At camping Nieuw-Formerum, Terpstra, Staatsbosbeheer West Swartduin, and Appelhof, there are special Oerol camping hosts who will welcome you as a volunteer and help you get oriented. At camping De Kooi, you can check in at the reception upon arrival.

Camping Rules of Oerol

– Limit noise disturbance, especially in the evenings. There are people sleeping who need to get up early for work the next day.
– Only tents are allowed on the campsite. Campers, caravans, and excessively large tents (compared to the number of volunteers they can accommodate) are not permitted.
– Keep the camping area clean and dispose of your waste in the designated bins.
– Keep the sanitary facilities clean and do not dispose of items in the toilet that do not belong there.
– Open fires and campfires are not allowed (unless specifically indicated).
– Cooking in tents is prohibited. Terschelling and its nature are sensitive to fires, so prevent any potential fire hazards.
– Access may be denied if you fail to present an identification document and/or a staff wristband.

Camping

As a volunteer, we offer you a camping spot for your tent on the days you work as a volunteer (including arrival and departure days). The costs for these camping spots are covered by us.

We have a limited number of camping spots available. Since not all volunteers are on the island at the same time, we have fewer spots than volunteers. This means that when a volunteer leaves, a new volunteer will take their place. It also means that large tents are absolutely not allowed. If you wish to stay longer to enjoy the festival as a visitor, you will need to move your tent, and the costs will be at your own expense.

At camping Nieuw-Formerum, Terpstra, Staatsbosbeheer West Swartduin, and Appelhof, there are special Oerol camping hosts who will welcome you as a volunteer and help you get oriented. At camping De Kooi, you can check in at the reception upon arrival.

Camping Rules of Oerol

Limit noise disturbance, especially in the evenings. There are people sleeping who need to get up early for work the next day.
Only tents are allowed on the campsite. Campers, caravans, and excessively large tents (compared to the number of volunteers they can accommodate) are not permitted.
Keep the camping area clean and dispose of your waste in the designated bins.
Keep the sanitary facilities clean and do not dispose of items in the toilet that do not belong there.
Open fires and campfires are not allowed (unless specifically indicated).
Cooking in tents is prohibited. Terschelling and its nature are sensitive to fires, so prevent any potential fire hazards.
Access may be denied if you fail to present an identification document and/or a staff wristband.

Camping Nieuw Formerum

Camping Nieuw Formerum is located right on the edge of the forest and close to the dunes. As a volunteer, you’ll be camping with your colleagues in a cozy field. Camping hosts Frank and Pier are there to welcome you, so you don’t need to check in at the reception. When you arrive at the campsite, you’ll find the volunteer field directly on the left side.

Camping Terpstra

Camping Terpstra is a lively and bustling campsite. Upon arrival, you first need to check in at the reception. Here, you’ll need to deposit €10 as a deposit (in cash!). This year, there are no camping vouchers; you can simply check in at the reception! Then, head to the volunteer field, located at the back right of the campsite. Camping hosts Carolien & Annet will ensure you get a nice spot. Don’t forget to bring some loose euros for the shower.

If you’re sleeping in a military tent, remember to bring a fitted sheet, sleeping bag, and pillow. That’s all you need!

Staatsbosbeheer West Swartduin Groepsterrein

Camping Appelhof

Camping Appelhof is a relatively quiet campsite during Oerol. The camping hosts are Rob and Fons. As a volunteer, you’ll camp together in a volunteer field. Don’t forget to bring loose euros! A nice, warm shower costs €1. Upon arrival, you can check in at the campsite reception, where you can also check in with camping hosts Rob and Fons.