Nes

Travel Guide

Photo by Erik van Goor
Photo by Stefan Zijlstra

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.

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52, Leeuwarden
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$138 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$138
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (574 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Jan, 2025

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
4 out of 5
Tweebaksmarkt 25-27, Leeuwarden
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$154 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$154
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (544 reviews)
"Really cool hotel with a great restaurant and bar. Staff was very helpful and very friendly. Really cool room too!"

Reviewed on 31 May, 2025

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
4 out of 5
Stationsweg 4, Leeuwarden
The price is S$125 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$125
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and free train station pick-up. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (756 reviews)
"Great place near station. Very quiet and clean. Easy walk to restaurants and town centre. Very friendly staff and highly recommended."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
"Sehr gutes Appartement, gerne wieder"

Reviewed on 21 Mar, 2025

De Vlindertuin Ameland
Modern Chalet With Dishwasher, Near the Beach
Modern Chalet With Dishwasher, Near the Beach
4 out of 5
Hollum
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Hollum. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Ameland Lighthouse and Reddingsmuseum Abraham ...
Modern Chalet With Dishwasher, Near the Beach
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.