Schiermonnikoog

Population: 900

Schiermonnikoog (Frisian Skiermuontseach) is the most easterly of the West Frisian islands. Its name comes from the "gray" (schieren) monks of Rinsumageest, near Dokkum, to whom the island once belonged. Around 1580 Schiermonnikoog was incorporated in Friesland, in 1638 it was sold as an independent lordship, and from 1892 to 1945 it belonged to the German Counts of Bernstorff- Wehningen. It was acquired by the state in 1945.

With a length of 16km/10mi, a breadth of 4km/2.5mi and a total area of 4,000 hectares/10,000 acres, Schiermonnikoog is the smallest of the Dutch West Frisian islands. No cars are permitted on the island, large areas on which - Kobbeduinen (2,400 hectares/6,000 acres in the east and Kapeglob in the west) - are nature reserves.