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 P5,445 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P5,445
P6,154 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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. ...
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Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden

Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden

4 out of 5
Stationsweg 4, Leeuwarden
The price is P4,891 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P4,891
P5,551 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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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! (761 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Leonardo Oranje Hotel Leeuwarden
Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

4 out of 5
Lynbaan 35, Leeuwarden, Friesland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,872 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P6,872
P7,749 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
Amazing
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Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden
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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 Mar 21, 2025

De Vlindertuin Ameland
Safari Tent Near Lauwersmeer Park

Safari Tent Near Lauwersmeer Park

1 out of 5
Vierhuizen
Stay at this campground in Vierhuizen. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Lauwersmeer National Park and Lauwersmeer are located nearby.
Safari Tent Near Lauwersmeer Park
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.