Ameland: Dunes, Wadden Sea and Island Culture

Ameland lies between Terschelling and Schiermonnikoog and is part of the province of Friesland. Four villages, dunes, beaches and the Wadden Sea coast offer different perspectives on the island. Nature reserves in the east, marked trails, cycling routes across the island and cultural attractions offer different ways to discover the landscape and history.

Dunes and the Wadden Sea coast

Ameland consists mainly of sand dunes. The island has 27 kilometres of North Sea beach, polders, salt marshes, woodland, and fresh and salt water. Het Oerd and De Hôn are in the east; both nature reserves can be explored on foot. The ’t Oerd nature reserve includes an old, vegetated dune area with high dunes and damp dune valleys. Marked dune trails pass high elevations and open valleys.

The view over the Wadden Sea changes with the tide: at times, you can see water and sky; later, sandbanks and tidal channels are exposed for birds. Those interested in coastal landscapes will find a different scene here from the vegetated dunes and damp valleys in the eastern part of the island.

Cycling and walking routes

Ameland has 100 kilometres of cycling paths. The Amelandroute XXL is 60 kilometres long and crosses the entire island, passing through dunes, forests and polders, as well as the four villages. The 30-kilometre Amelands-Produkt cycling route offers insights into local island products such as cheese, mustard, beer and fish.

For nature lovers who want to explore eastern Ameland, the 25-kilometre Oerderduinenroute runs through the Het Oerd nature reserve. Rare plants, nesting birds and extensive dune landscapes line the route. The approximately 8.5-kilometre walk on the Nestalgische Route offers a different focus: it leads through Nes and its surroundings, past well-known places and other sites steeped in history. Route details, waymarkers and participating producers may change; check the latest information in advance.

Villages, history and knowledge of nature

Hollum, Ballum, Nes and Buren are characterised by old commandeur houses, which recall Ameland’s “Golden Age”, as well as distinctive Amelander farmhouses. At the cultural history museum de Sorgdrager, visitors can discover objects relating to Ameland’s culture, history and customs in several rooms. The Natuurcentrum offers insights into nature and natural processes on and around the island.

The Bornrif lighthouse has been shining its light over the sea and the island since 1881. In Hollum, the horse-drawn rescue boat demonstration begins at the boathouse of the Maritiem Centrum. Visitors can follow the team of horses and boat wagon on foot or by bicycle towards the beach. If you plan to attend the demonstration, check the latest date in advance.

Getting to Ameland

The ferry from Holwerd to Ameland takes approximately 45 minutes; a faster service is also available. As journey times and service availability may change, check the latest timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Buren, Nes, Hollum, Buren, Ballum, South Holland, North Brabant and Drenthe.

For the main travel overview: The Netherlands.