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
The price is P5,620 per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
P5,620
P6,352 total
Nov 23 - Nov 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (604 reviews)
Comfortable hotel with parking & frindly staff. Nice views over the town from the restaurant at the top.

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden

Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden

4 out of 5
Stationsweg 4 Leeuwarden
The price is P5,271 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
P5,271
P5,972 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and free train station pick-up. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (789 reviews)
Good location

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2025

Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard

Best Western Plus Hotel Restaurant Aduard

4 out of 5
Friesestraatweg 13 Aduard
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,886 per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
P5,886
P6,415 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aduard. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (458 reviews)
The breakfast had a lot of options.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Schöne Lage, schöne Zimmer

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

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.