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.

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

4 out of 5
Tweebaksmarkt 25-27 Leeuwarden
The price is S$169 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
S$169
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52 Leeuwarden
The price is S$127 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
S$127
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-Ameland

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-Ameland

4.5 out of 5
Strandweg 42 Nes
The price is S$128 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
S$128
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Nes. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (262 reviews)
"Nothing"

Reviewed on 8 Aug, 2025

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-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.
De Vlindertuin Ameland

De Vlindertuin Ameland

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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Alles was oké, maar we hebben maar van weinig gebruik gemaakt, daarom was de prijs wel aan de stevige kant"

Reviewed on 26 Sept, 2026

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.