Where can you eat and drink well at Ameland?

Grab a drink on the terrace, have a bite to eat, dive into one of the cozy pubs or go for a dance in one of the dance halls. On Ameland you can enjoy a snack and drink all year round.

Restaurants and eateries on Ameland

On Ameland there are countless restaurants for a tasty bite to eat or even an extensive dinner. Located in beautiful locations such as the beach or in the center. The restaurants and eateries can be found in various atmospheres and price ranges. This way everyone will find a restaurant to his or her liking.

Restaurant ‘t Koaikershuus, located next to the Nassaukooi, used to be occupied by the Kooiker families. Today this beautiful farm is used as an attractive restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes both indoors and outdoors. You can also charge your electric bicycle or car here. This way you can continue your wonderful trip on Ameland with a full stomach.

For delicious spare ribs you should visit Frankie’s Rib & Steakhouse. Tender portions of meat are used here, specially selected by the best butchers in Friesland. Do you like a challenge? When you finish that delicious 750 gram steak, you earn a spot on the Frankie’s Rib & Steakhouse Wall of Fame. A memory you will never forget!

Restaurant Cantina Dolores serves from Mexican fajitas to Spanish tapas. A touch of Mexican deliciousness on Ameland in a casual southern restaurant with Mexican aspects. Did you know that people also spend the night here in one of the ‘Mexican’ rooms? Beautifully situated, right in the center of Hollum, this is perhaps the ideal base for an exploration of the village.

Beach pavilions on Ameland

There are 4 cozy beach pavilions on Ameland, each with its own surprisingly tasty dishes. Each village has a unique beach pavilion. Gazing over the vast sea, you can enjoy a nice drink, a delicious meal or simply a good conversation. That’s just enjoying.

Beach pavilion ‘t Strandhuys in Buren is characterized by its wide terrace. It offers even more charm to your personal beach experience. In addition to an extensive dinner, you can also enjoy a refreshing ice cream or drink here during your walk on the beach.

A combination of Street food, classics and Mediterranean. Beach pavilion Sjoerd in Nes makes it happen! Thanks in part to the delicious dishes, Sjoerd was named the best Beach Pavilion of De Wadden in 2018. You are welcome to experience the unbridled cosiness and relaxed atmosphere for yourself. 

Located on the cycle path and around the corner from Beach Pavilion Ballum you will find the Groene Strand nature reserve. Numerous walking and cycling routes can be found here. Venture out and afterwards let yourself fall into the soft cushions of Beach Pavilion Ballum. Or just come and enjoy. Even then there may be a nice spot in the sun available for you.

The Sunset Hollum, unique because of the dazzling view over Terschelling. And with good visibility you even have the chance to see a part of the mainland of Friesland. Enjoy an extensive lunch with summer beats through the speakers at the “Ibiza van Nederland”. Would you like to experience The Sunset for yourself after a visit to the beach? Then, if desired, you can take a refreshing shower to wash away the sand grains.

Lunchrooms on Ameland

Bij Konditorei en ijssalon De jong kunt u vers belegde broodjes, sandwiches en gebak nuttigen op het terras. Met het centrum om de hoek bezoekt u eenvoudig diverse gezellige winkeltjes en begeeft u zich in een handomdraai in de historische oude straten van Hollum. Verfrissend en ambachtelijk zijn dé woorden die dit overheerlijke schepijs mogen omschrijven.

Just exploring the center of Hollum and ready for a delicious cup of coffee? At Coffee House and Bakery P.J. De Boer you can take a seat on the sunny terrace for a good cup of coffee. Enjoy the warmth of the sun while enjoying a delicious piece of cake, a sandwich or delicious cookie.

Lunchroom Forellenvisvijvers ‘t Nijlân gives you a magnificent view over three large fish ponds. The menu is full of tasty snacks that will surprise you completely. And have you had enough of casting your rod? Then take a seat on the terrace for a delicious buffet.

Bars and Cafés on Ameland

Eetcafé de Driesprong, opposite Ritskemoi in Buren, offers you delicious coffee with cake, lunch or even dinner. The unique thing about this eatery is that many dishes are prepared with Amelander products. Imagine yourself in the life of an Amelander when tasting these delicious dishes.

The feet off the floor? Discotheque De Mill is a nice disco, located on the Molenweg in Nes. Show your best dance moves and let yourself go. Did you know that the entrance is completely free? The Mill is open from 10 PM to 3:45 AM. 

Pubs, known in the Netherlands thanks to the wide range of various beers. A.G.’s Pub is an Irish Pub with a wide choice of different beers. Taste delicious beers, including the well-known Guinness and be completely surprised. You can also go here for a barbecue and klaverjas, there is live music and there is craziness especially at the karaoke.

What can you see on Ameland?

You will not get bored on Ameland. The island is not only known for its beautiful nature and cozy catering, but also for its rich history.

Lighthouse Bornrif

Lighthouse Bornrif, a historic national monument from 1880, is today used as a museum with many hidden stories. Today you can visit the lighthouse and take a look at its outdated spaces. This historic landmark, owned by the Municipality of Ameland, is no less than 55.3 meters high and has 15 floors. The top of the lighthouse is reached by taking 236 steps. Finally at the top you can imagine the daily life of a lighthouse keeper at the time. With a panoramic view you look over the sea, the vast landscape of Ameland and the beautiful Terschelling.

Maritime Center Abraham Fock

The Maritime Center Abraham Fock is a very versatile museum to visit during your stay on Ameland. The museum is also known for the horse rescue boat. A very interesting demonstration where powerful horses work together to assist a lifeboat. Be amazed during the demonstrations that take place on the beach southwest of Hollum. From the dunes you get a perfect picture of how it used to go during rescue operations.

But these spectacular rescues are not all the Maritime Center has to offer. Imagine yourself in the world of radio communications, take a look at the life of a captain, navigating a boat and learn more about strange captain stories. You, but also the children, will remember this indispensable day forever. Experience it all at Abraham Fock, the maritime center on Ameland.

Cultural-historical Museum Sorgdrager

Ameland has a rich history with its own culture. At Cultural History Museum Sorgdrager you can discover what society was like, what the antique furniture looked like at the time. And all that in the attic of the Sorgdragershuuske. The museum, located in the heart of Hollum, gives a new dimension to your stay on the beautiful Ameland.

Corn and mustard mill ‘De Verwachting’

Have you already tasted that delicious Ameland mustard? Which is produced on Ameland soil? The Ameland fields have been sown and cultivated for years to produce that well-known and delicious mustard. The mustard belongs to the Amelands Product, is made from organic ingredients and is characterized by no fewer than 14 different delicious flavors. You can fully witness the interesting process from grinding to jarring the mustard. It guarantees an afternoon of entertainment and taste! And all that at Koren- en mustardmolen De Verwachting.

At the mill you can not only go for the one and only real Ameland mustard. You can also bake a light and tasty cake yourself. At the mill shop there are traditionally made mill products available, which ensure that you will bake the tastiest pancakes and cakes.

Agricultural Beachcombers Museum Swartwoude

Agriculture-Juttermuseum Swartwoude gives you a good idea of the hard work of Ameland farmers. In a synergetic way you will get acquainted with the heavy Ameland peasant life around 1900. Just like then, you will experience that farm life is by no means easy. The industrious farming life was often combined with fishing, hunting and combing.

The beachcombing resulted in unique finds on the beautiful beach of Ameland. After a visit to the Beachcombers Museum, this museum is still seen as one of the most interesting on the island. Many different beautiful beach finds and their special stories can be admired during a pleasant afternoon in the Landbouw-Juttermuseum.

Bunker Museum

The Bunker Museum has a unique location in the dunes, west of the lighthouse in Hollum. Sit down on the terrace of The Sunset, fill your stomach with a delicious dish from the very diverse menu and then visit the unmanned bunker museum. Very interesting, small-scale, with its own story, unique finds and memorial space. That is what characterizes the Bunker Museum! The stairs that lead you down bring you right in the middle of the rich history of Ameland.

Flour mill De Phenix

Flour mill De Phenix is a well-known attraction in Nes. The old mill, with many serious setbacks, was already in active use in 1629. By means of a discman tour you will receive spoken guidance so that you get a perfect picture of the operation and history of the flour mill. It is in fact still used by hard-working millers, who ensure that rye is processed into an Ameland product, namely rye bread. Be completely surprised by the historical stories that will be told to you.

Nobel Nostalgic Museum

Be amazed by a beautiful collection of antique cars, fashion items, bicycles, musical instruments and household items from the last century, collected by Tjeerd Nobel. See shops, each with its own impressive story. From old-fashioned hairdresser to gas pump. It has all been recreated in the Nobel Nostalgic Museum. Can you imagine what daily life used to look like? The collection can be viewed every day and is also great fun for children.

Discover the villages on Ameland

A rich history, beautiful nature, many sights, cozy terraces… The villages on Ameland each have their own charm and are definitely worth a visit!

Nes

The lively capital of Ameland is an excellent starting point. A village that was once dominated by tough commanders. Whaling captains left their mark on the streets. Characteristic houses from the 17th and 18th centuries still breathe the heyday of hunting in the northern ice seas.

Tip: pay attention to the ‘mouse teeth’ in the facades. Two ledges with pointed stones in a commander’s house, one less row for the helmsman. But Nes is much more than historical tribute.

Nes, the capital of Ameland, has many beautiful sights. Take, for example, the ferry dock and the marina. The marina is open from April 1 to November 1 and is accessible to small ships. Due to the shallow depth at the harbor entrance, at low tide 0.60-0.80 meters, the harbor is not suitable for large vessels. Look out for the many beautiful ships and boats.

Buren

Buren, bordered by rolling meadows with cows and sheep, is also one of the picturesque places on Ameland. Buren is also known as the youngest village in Ameland and has visibly moved with the times. The cozy heart of the village is formed by modern amenities such as shops, lively cafes and inviting terraces, which guarantee conviviality.

The cozy heart of the village is formed by modern amenities such as shops, lively cafes and inviting terraces, which guarantee conviviality. Het Oerd is known for its old and richly overgrown dune complex. The Oerdblinkert is the highest dune of Ameland with +24 meters. From this high dune you have a beautiful view over the nature reserve.

The most beautiful walking route in the vicinity of Buren is Buurderduinen. During a 4.5 km long trip, this walking route takes you along the most beautiful locations on Ameland. This walk is very special as it also takes you through 3 different areas. It starts at the dunes, flows into the woods and ends with a walk on the beach. A real “must do” for every nature lover.

Hollum

The well-preserved historic heart of Hollum still breathes a maritime past. In beautiful commander’s houses that seem to seek shelter together. Stories… Hollum has them in abundance!

In addition to the rich history of Hollum, it is also the largest village and also the westernmost village of Ameland. Hollum is definitely recommended for cultural trips. With no fewer than 53 national monuments, you don’t have enough time to see everything in one day.

Ballum

In the leafy heart of the village, trendy and traditional effortlessly go hand in hand. Guests can enjoy a carefree Nobeltje (the ‘house drink’ of Ameland), wander through a museum full of nostalgia or enjoy active sporting activities. A sightseeing flight, para-jumping and gliding. Everything is possible!

Ballum has the smallest number of inhabitants of Ameland. It has a small-scale airport in the western part of the village. Ameland Airport was built in 1945 in consultation with the Ministry of Defense. The single 850 x 30 meter grass runway is used for landing and take-off by both business and recreational air traffic. For the real daredevil, parachute flights, sightseeing flights and gliding flights can be booked here.

Discover the area at Ameland

Peace seekers, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers can indulge themselves on the beautiful Ameland. Here you can enjoy every day! No day is the same. Directed by wind, water and the tides, Ameland goes on unperturbed.

Cycling on Ameland

There are many beautiful cycling routes on Ameland that will take you to the most beautiful places. The cycling routes run along the Waddenzeedijk, through forests, dunes and charming villages. Ameland offers approximately 100 km of cycle paths. Ideal for a day out exploring Ameland. Cyclists can see all types of landscapes within half a day. You will be amazed by the many different types of plants and birds. Furthermore, the cycle paths offer you a beautiful view of the sea, beach, meadows and the cozy terraces. Especially the cycle path along the Kooioerdstuifdijk and the Stuifdijkpad near the Het Oerd nature reserve are popular cycling routes among tourists. This cycle path was renewed and made wider in 2019, so that it is even more pleasant to cycle on this path.

Do you have a flat or slack tire? No problem. There are many bike shops along the bike paths that can fix your tire. There are also many bicycle rental companies for renting two-wheelers, tandems and even cargo bikes.

Walking on Ameland

The many walking routes along charming villages, nature reserves and over the dunes. That makes Ameland special! Here you can explore the challenging nature and of course the most beautiful spots of the island. Various interesting walking events are organized on Ameland every year. Hiking trails with distances from 3 to 25 kilometers. Everything, here on Ameland.

On Ameland you will also find various routes for young and old. The Paddenpad on Ameland is a fun route for young children. The path is 2.1 km long and the starting point is at the Nature Center of Nes. Then you walk a short distance along the edge of Nes. Pretty soon you end up in the forest and you can choose from different routes. Along the way you can read nice information about nature and life on Ameland on the signs.

Hollumerduinen and Lange duinen are a must for real hiking enthusiasts. The trail is 8.6 km long and the starting point is Oranjeweg. Opposite the Oranjeweg is the Lighthouse of Hollum. This is the very easy to find starting point. While walking this path you will walk over dry dunes, through damp dune valleys and along the beautiful beach. Beautiful!

Wad excursions, fun!

Have you always wanted to walk on the mudflats? The mudflat bottom dries out twice a day. That gives you the opportunity to walk on it. There are many interesting mudflat excursions on Ameland to learn more about the mudflats themselves. During the mudflat walking tour you take a walk on the mudflats and you will receive an explanation from a guide. The origin, management, threats and especially the enormous natural value of the mudflats are discussed. In this beautiful nature reserve you will find many surprises from the richness of flora and fauna.

It is also possible to take a seal tour. The seal tour is a trip on the Wadden Sea with the highlight being a visit to the nature reserve where the seals reside.

When the sandbanks have dried up, there is a lot to see. Behold the many mussels, cockles and the large number of different species of birds. During a shell tour you will see beautiful shells and you can disembark for a half-hour walk on the dry seabed. Experience the fantastic view from the sea on the island and see the beauty of Ameland from a different perspective.

Visit VVV Ameland to see if an excursion is planned during your stay on Ameland.

Ameland Adventures

Ameland Adventure makes your holiday on Ameland more interesting, more exciting, more active and more challenging! At Ameland Adventures you will find your limits in a safe way and you will experience a great day. From archery and sand yachting to bubble football and kite buggying. It’s all possible at Ameland Adventures! You can come here with small groups, but large groups are also welcome.

Ameland Adventures also offers you the opportunity to surf the waves. The first surf lesson lasts about 1.5 hours and will also focus on the theoretical part. The theoretical part takes about 15 minutes, and after that you race over the high waves of Ameland for the first time! 7 participants can join per certified instructor. There is also the possibility to take a private lesson. The instructor will then go on the water with you alone. Different surfing techniques are discussed, and you get more personal attention than group lessons. With a private lesson you will master the technique faster and wave surfing will be even easier for you.

Nature Center & Barefoot Path

Ameland Nature Center has a provocative Barefoot Path. Here you walk on sand, shells, gravel and the forest path. You can combine a visit to the Barefoot Path with a visit to Nature Center Ameland. Of course it is also ideal for a children’s party. The shoes can be left in a shoe box or you can take them with you in a special shoe bag.

In addition to the Barefoot Path, you can also do many other fun activities such as a beach excursion, mudflat wandering, mudflat tours, Kooiduinen safari, feeding fish or even a lighthouse tour.

Ameland Nature Center has a beautiful aquarium, a landscape room and a lab room. In the Water Theater you enter the underwater world full of life. On the first floor you will learn more about the porpoises, sperm whales and seals. You will also be amazed at the number of beautiful fish that live in the aquarium. The fish in the aquarium are fed at a fixed time and the experts enthusiastically explain certain fish species.

Nature reserve Het Oerd

Nature reserve Het Oerd is known for its beautiful old dune area with high dunes and moist dune valleys, which decorate the walking tour. Furthermore, the area has a rich and varied vegetation. The highest sand dune is no less than +24 meters and bears the name Oerdblinkert. In the nature reserve Het Oerd you can take a nice walk and have a unique view over the salt marshes. Fun fact: the name Oerd comes from a village that once drowned. The salt marsh is the accumulation of land outside the dam, and thousands of birds can be seen at high tide. In the area you can also spot many hen and hen harriers and in the eastern sand dunes you will find a colony of over 3300 pairs of herring gulls.

Outside the breeding season, many birds try to find refuge on the Wadden. When they return in search of food due to high tide, they stay at Het Oerd and De Hon. You will see many birds such as redshank, curlew, black-tailed godwit, stingray and sandpiper, especially in autumn.

Tourist tax 2023

What is it?

The municipality has a tourist tax because tourists use the facilities in the municipality. Entrepreneurs who offer sleeping accommodation to tourists and day tourists pay the tourist tax.

Do you offer sleeping accommodation in your hotel, guest house, group accommodation, holiday home or camping site? Then you will receive a tourist tax assessment. You can pass on this amount to the tourist (from age 4) who stays with you.

What do we do with the proceeds of the tourist tax?

The municipality is responsible for, among other things, the construction and maintenance of the roads, fire brigade, public lighting, cycling and walking routes and public gardens. None of these tasks is cost-effective. The municipality receives an allowance from the government for each resident to be able to carry out these tasks. However, the municipality does not receive benefits for residents of second homes. Because they also use the municipal facilities, they are asked to pay a contribution in the form of a tourist tax.

The rate for the tourist tax 2023 is €1.80 per person per night.

Source: Municipality of Ameland

Transport to and on Ameland

Ferry service Wagenborg Passenger services

The crossing to Ameland takes about 50 minutes. For more information about departures, please call the Wagenborg information line. For more information and online booking visit: www.wpd.nl

Wagenborg Water Taxi

With the Wagenborg Watertaxi you can quickly reach Ameland. This is possible on demand, at any time between 06.00 and 24.00. The Watertaxi only transports passengers and their luggage. Other items, such as pets, carts, mopeds and other vehicles are not included. Wheelchair users cannot be transported either. Reservations can be made via (0900-9238, € 0.70 p/g between 08.00 and 20.00) full = full and 12 passengers is the maximum.

Tornado Water Rapid Taxi

The sailing time to Ameland is approximately 10 minutes. The Tornado is suitable for passenger and freight transport. The Tornado is available between 06:00 and 24:00. Night rides are only possible on reservation, these must be discussed 12 hours in advance. You already have a crossing for € 20,- p.p. (min. fare is € 120). The boat has a maximum of 12 seats + luggage. Reservations can be made via phone: 06 5169 7868

Bus transport on Ameland

Bus transport on Ameland offers connecting transport from the ferry to the four villages and all campsites on Ameland (and vice versa). In addition, it is possible to travel quickly from village to village with line 130, 131 and/or line 132.

Are you coming with a larger group? Then you can book a bus in advance with transport company Arriva via tel. 088 277 62 76 of per e-mail: ameland@arriva.nl.

Taxi on Ameland

Cosi-Tax Ameland

At Cosi-Tax you are assured of good quality and service. With enthusiastic, customer-friendly and certified drivers, they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! In addition to passenger transport, Cosi-Tax also provides luggage, wheelchair and group transport. For more information and online booking, visit: www.cosi-tax.nl

Taxi De Boer

Taxi De Boer is a small-scale company on Ameland, specialized in the transport of people and luggage. Door middel van keurig verzorgde personenbusjes kunt u zich laten vervoeren vanaf en naar de boot of tussen de leuke dorpjes. For more information and online booking, visit: www.taxiameland.nl

Bike rental on Ameland

We have made agreements with bicycle rental Nobel on Ameland, you can order your bicycle online and they will ensure that the bicycles are delivered to your holiday address. This at benefitial prices. Look for this at: Bicycle rental Nobel. Other bike rental companies are:

Ameland Airport

The airport of Ameland is located near Ballum. From November 1 to March 31, the port service of Ameland Airport is limited and you first need permission by telephone. As a rule, permission is given before arrival or departure. Just a flight plan or notification by fax is not enough. It arrives in an unmanned tower.

From April 1 to October 30, the port service is busy daily from 09:30 to 19:00 local time. We request that you register your flight by telephone or fax at least 1 hour before arrival. 

For more info you can call 0519) 554030 or look at www.ameland.nl/vliegveld