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 P7,505 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
P7,505
P9,314 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-Ameland

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-Ameland

4.5 out of 5
Strandweg 42 Nes
The price is P4,848 per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
P4,848
P6,290 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Nes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (268 reviews)
"Nothing"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Noordsee-Ameland
Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

Lynbaan 35 Leeuwarden Friesland
The price is P6,921 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
P6,921
P8,650 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (309 reviews)
"Lovely place. Great restaurant. Thanks so much."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2026

Van der Valk 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 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Alles was oké, maar we hebben maar van weinig gebruik gemaakt, daarom was de prijs wel aan de stevige kant"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 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.