The difference between high and low tide has a massive impact on the landscape of the Dutch North Sea island of Vlieland. There is high tide twice a day and low tide twice a day. A complete tidal cycle lasts about 12.5 hours. The average difference in water level between high and low tide is about 1.7 meters.
On Vlieland’s North Sea beach, the water recedes at low tide. The North Sea beach becomes much wider and offers vast sandy areas for walking. At high tide, the water rises. The North Sea beach becomes significantly narrower, and the sea reaches far up toward the dunes.