Nes

Travel Guide

A historic brick building with a clock tower, a street lamp, and a sign for a chocolatier.
A transmission tower silhouetted against a twilight sky.

Visit Ameland's second biggest town and enjoy the beautiful nature and long walks on the beach or hire a few bicycles and cycle around the island.

Discover historic Nes, one of oldest towns on the island of Ameland. It's a great place to shop, relax at a sidewalk café or stroll among historic buildings. The rest of the island and the wide, long beaches are also must sees!

The town was once the capital of Ameland and is situated in the middle of the island. Whaling was so popular in the 17th and 18th centuries that a number of commanders settled here. A few of the houses they lived in can still be found today in Nes.

There's a lot to do in and around the village. Walk down cobblestone streets in the centre of town and visit the Dorpstoren, a striking landmark that dates back to the 17th century. If you're looking for a fun evening out, make sure to go to one of the cafés in Van Heeckerenstraat. Just outside the village lies Natuurcentrum Ameland, a real paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can stop by on a bicycle tour or walk there from the village centre. If you would like to learn more about the life of Ameland's farmers, visit the Landbouw- en Juttersmuseum Swartwoude near Buren. You can also take day trips to one of the neighbouring islands, such as Terschelling.

The centre of Nes is a low traffic zone, making it easy to explore on foot. Explore the nature around the village by car or bus, for example. If you prefer a slower means of transport, hire a few bicycles and cycle along the cycle paths to the east and west of the island.

Ameland is reached by ferry from Holwerd in the province of Friesland. You can take your car on the ferry at a surcharge and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. If you’re travelling by public transport, you can take the bus to Holwerd from Leeuwarden.

Thanks to its location, Nes is the perfect base to explore Ameland. Enjoy the nature, the history and the local charm typical of the Wadden Sea islands.

Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof

Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof

4 out of 5
Hofplein 29 Leeuwarden
The price is S$146 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
S$146
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very good! (44 reviews)
"The room was nice and clean, the only downsides were how many random sets of stairs you have to drag your luggage up and down to get to the correct elevator if your room is in the other building. The two person bed room is really great if you want to sleep next to your partner without snuggling, ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2026

Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof
Hotel Vie Via

Hotel Vie Via

3.5 out of 5
23 Tweebaksmarkt Leeuwarden FR
The price is S$147 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$147
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Verzetsmuseum Friesland and Fries Museum ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (94 reviews)
"The hotel is well located and pretty clean"

Reviewed on 6 Jun, 2026

Hotel Vie Via
Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard

Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard

4 out of 5
Friesestraatweg 13 Aduard
The price is S$148 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
S$148
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aduard. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
De Vlindertuin Ameland

De Vlindertuin Ameland

2.5 out of 5
2 Polderweg Nes FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Nes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
De Vlindertuin Ameland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.