Ameland Island is the third largest island of the West Frisian Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands, boasting four picturesque villages, captivating historic commander houses, numerous landmarks, museums, and restaurants, alongside 27 kilometers of North Sea seashore, the Oerd and Hôn nature reserves, infinite cycling and taking walks paths, polders and salt marshes, forests and dunes, both clean and saltwater; this is Ameland!
Not only does Ameland Island function as stunning nature with its miles of beaches and dunes, but it also has a wealthy cultural background. The villages of Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren are characterized by beautiful historic commander houses, harking back to Ameland’s "Golden Age," along with extraordinary Amelander farms. Of path, one ought to no longer neglect the shops and comfortable restaurants. The atmosphere on the island is particular and welcoming.
With a populace of 3,700 residents, the island is in consistent flux, each literally and symbolically. Nature is ever-converting, with every season showing terrific beauty. Ameland hosts numerous activities all through the year, making sure there's something for everybody. Each year, over 600,000 visitors come to the island to enjoy, relax, and revel in its attraction.
Map of Ameland
| Name | Ameland |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | Friesland |
| Coordinates | 53°27′N 5°46′E |
| Area | 268.50 km2 (103.67 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +1 |
| Population | 3,746 |
| Airport | Ameland Airport (EHAL) |
History of Ameland
Ameland Island is the third biggest island of the West Frisian Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands, boasting 4 picturesque villages, charming historic commander homes, numerous landmarks, museums, and restaurants, along 27 kilometers of North Sea seaside, the Oerd and Hôn nature reserves, endless biking and strolling paths, polders and salt marshes, forests and dunes, each clean and saltwater; that is Ameland!
Not only does Ameland Island feature stunning nature with its miles of seashores and dunes, but it also has a rich cultural background. The villages of Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren are characterized by stunning historic commander houses, harking back to Ameland’s "Golden Age," along with distinct Amelander farms. Of direction, one must not forget about the shops and comfortable restaurants. The environment on the island is particular and welcoming.
With a populace of three,700 residents, the island is in consistent flux, both actually and symbolically. Nature is ever-changing, with every season displaying top-notch splendor. Ameland hosts several occasions throughout the year, ensuring there is something for everyone. Each year, over six hundred,000 site visitors come to the island to enjoy, loosen up, and experience its allure.
Activities on Ameland
Explore the Amelander Forest, Beaches, and Lighthouse
Embark on an adventure without delay into the wooded area, in which winding paths lead you through unique locales. To the north, the layout of the wooded area is seen. On the southern facet, a pathway guides you from the doorway to the beach. At the top of the seashore front, it’s the proper moment to seize your binoculars, as to the west, you can see Terschelling Island, separated by a massive sandbank, in which dozens of seals can frequently be spotted.
As you preserve north, collect treasures washed ashore by the tide. Crossing returned via the 15-meter-excessive dunes, you're greeted by beautiful perspectives of the woodland and the lighthouse. At this time, the sky often darkens, and the lighthouse's beam will become quite seen. After a quick walk via the forest, your journey culminates at the lighthouse.
An ambitious 236 steps spiral upward, with the staircase narrowing as you ascend, however, the rewards are sufficient. From this vantage point, you can witness the lighthouse’s light illuminating the island. In the space, the tower of Terschelling Island comes into view, and every so often, you would possibly glimpse Schiermonnikoog or Vlieland. It’s the best finale of a lovely journey.
Beach Tractor Tour
Book this kind of exciting tractor excursion and embark on a trip in a tractor and wagon or a unique seaside bus to the easternmost tip of Ameland: the "De Hôn" nature reserve.
Experience the precise Strandexpress as you traverse the Oerd seaside, taking part in memories from the Ameland folklore of Tale and Playwoman, observed by three memories and songs. At three designated spots on the seashore, memories spread approximately the conventional Amelander Oerd attractions "Lourdes" and the beach adventures on Ameland, following the Odrit culture, in which absolutely everyone can savor coffee, tea, or lemonade.
Mini Forest Tour
For younger youngsters, exploring the creatures of the Amelander forest is a unique revel in. This is why the Ameland Nature Center organizes mini woodland tours, especially for youngsters under 8 and their parents. The meeting point is at the nature middle in Nes, wherein youngsters will create their personal woodland bingo cards. They will then play bingo and attempt to locate the whole lot in the woodland.
Duck Decoy Tour
In a tranquil and mysterious ecosystem, you will go to the duck decoy at Kooiplaats in jap Buren. In 1705, just a year after purchasing Ameland, Princess Amalia van Anhalt Dessau ordered the construction of this duck decoy. The proceeds had been intended for her son, Johan Willem Friso. A guide will introduce you to this precise fishing method via diverse catching channels, even as additionally discussing a piece of Amelander history. The enclosure additionally homes diverse geese. During this hour-long excursion, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of this historic Dutch craft.
Skydive Ameland
Skydiving over Ameland is an unheard-of enjoyment. The breathtaking views of mudflats, neighboring islands, beaches, Robbenplaat, lighthouses, and picturesque villages are superb. At the Ameland Skydive Center, skilled teachers will make sure you're safe leap. All you need to do is experience the ascent to jumping altitude, the exhilarating free fall, and the go-with-the-flow underneath the parachute.
You can book without delay through the Skydive Ameland internet site or go to the airport for reservations.
Getting to Ameland
Most people take the ferry from the Frisian town of Holwerd to Ameland. Ferries run nearly every hour, with the faster ones reaching the island in approximately 20 minutes. If you choose to drive, you will need to take the regular ferry service which takes about 50 minutes.
You can book ferry tickets via the Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten website.
Ameland Island has a small airport, but it is only used for sightseeing flights, skydiving, and medical emergency flights.