Ameland is part of the West Frisian Islands and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Netherlands. Not only the Dutch themselves are regularly drawn to the island for relaxation in nature, Germans also like to take advantage of the variety and combine a visit to the almost untouched nature of Ameland with a holiday in the northern part of the Netherlands. The island is also known for its youth camps. Thousands of children and young people, especially from North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony , flock to the camps on the island every summer – a tradition that has existed in this form for almost 100 years. But there is also plenty of reason for adults to visit the island.
Ameland in the West Frisian Wadden Sea – Nature, Beach and Recreation
One of the reasons why Ameland is still one of the most popular islands in the North Sea today is nature. Even though infrastructure has been built up over the years for the many visitors and offers tourists an attractive holiday and excursion destination, the island is by and large still in its original state today. A varied nature is offered, which is suitable for a wide variety of requirements and activities. From swamplands to small forests to the impressive beach, visitors to the island take advantage of a variety of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life on the mainland.
Of course, the approximately 27-kilometre-long sandy beach that stretches around the island needs a special mention. While some areas are designated as designated swimming zones, the beach also passes hiking trails that lead once around the island. These can be used on foot but of course also by bike and offer a great opportunity not only to take a long walk directly by the sea, but also to see a lot of the island.
Various tours to the Wadden Sea also start from Ameland. You can watch one or the other seal from the ship or learn more about the special nature of the Wadden Sea on a hike. The local guides will make sure that you can not only see the most beautiful parts of the island, but also that you are back at your accommodation safe and sound at the end of the day.
The most important sights of Ameland at a glance
On the island, nature is the star, so it is also the most important attraction. Between small forests and beautiful sandy beaches, however, there are one or two buildings that you should have seen during your visit to the island. After all, Ameland has been inhabited for many centuries and even though the great economic success and growth only came with tourism in the 20th century, many stories and legends still bear witness to the original life of the islanders. Whaling in particular played a role in history. If you want to learn a little more about Ameland, you can do so in various small museums. There you will not only learn more about the pirates who started from here, but also about whaling and coastal protection, which has played an important role on Ameland for a long time.
In addition to the museums, it is of course the famous lighthouse that attracts visitors. At over 60 metres, it is of course easily the tallest structure on the island and is considered one of the most powerful lighthouses on the North Sea coast. A walk up is possible and not only provides a great view over the entire island, but over large parts of the North Sea. With a bit of luck, you can even see Germany from here. So if you are not afraid of heights and dare to climb the steps, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity.
If you want to see a little more of the history of Ameland, you will find some houses in the village centres on the island, whose history dates back to the 17th century. Corresponding tours of the island also give a little historical context here and are a great way to find out a little more about the holiday destination, especially in combination with a visit to one of the museums mentioned.
Arrival and accommodation on the island of Ameland
The journey to the island is possible by boat alone and here you are of course dependent on ebb and flow – accordingly you should inform yourself about the exact departure times of the ferries. On the island itself, the best way to get around is by bike to see as much as possible and to be flexible when travelling. If you plan to spend a little more time on Ameland, you should also deal with the different accommodation options at an early stage. Although the network of inns and hotels has been further expanded in recent years, the accommodation options are still limited and also popular. That is why it is important to reserve a room or holiday apartment for your stay on Ameland in good time.
Otherwise, the tourist infrastructure is developed in such a way that you can be supplied without any effort. Restaurants, supermarkets and cafes offer a great opportunity to relax after a long hike or simply to take in more of the special atmosphere of the island with a beer or wine in the evening.
