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.

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52 Leeuwarden
The price is P5,644 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
P5,644
P7,067 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
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! (643 reviews)
"The staff were super friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and comfortable. Was a great stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Hotel Vie Via

Hotel Vie Via

3.5 out of 5
23 Tweebaksmarkt Leeuwarden FR
The price is P6,995 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,995
P8,702 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Verzetsmuseum Friesland and Fries Museum ...
Hotel Vie Via
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

4 out of 5
Tweebaksmarkt 25-27 Leeuwarden
The price is P8,228 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,228
P10,194 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (616 reviews)
"Perfectly situated and within walking distance of the center and its shops and restaurants. Very clean, well-organized, and welcoming."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2026

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Ein schönes Appartment mit guter Ausstattung. Die Anlage liegt mitten in Nes, alles ist gut fussläufig erreichbar"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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.