Nes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A rural landscape with a house, a field of sheep, and a fence.
A historic tower with a clock, surrounded by blooming trees and residential buildings.
A vintage bus parked on a cobblestone street, a church with a clock tower, and traditional European architecture.
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 £99 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
£99
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (640 reviews)
"Very beautiful hotel, great location, with lots of charm. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I enjoyed my stay and hope to return in the future!"

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2026

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden

Lynbaan 35 Leeuwarden Friesland
The price is £97 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
£97
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (315 reviews)
"Great location close to Leeuwarden center. Room was clean with enough space to unwind."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2026

Van der Valk Hotel Leeuwarden
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52 Leeuwarden
The price is £73 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
£73
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Westcord WTC 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 Wi-Fi, 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 26 Sept 2026

De Vlindertuin Ameland
Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach

Buren Frater
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Buren. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nature Center Ameland and Nes Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (132 reviews)
gezellig
"We had a wonderful time in this cozy house. It is in an ideal location, with a lovely dune walk to the beach and direct access to great bike trail just down the street."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2022

Idyllic thatched cottage in close proximity to the beach
Vacation home chalet near the beach Lauwersmeer

Vacation home chalet near the beach Lauwersmeer

Lauwersoog GR
Stay at this beach chalet in Lauwersoog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Nieuwe Robbengat and WEC Wadden Sea are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Tolles Chalet mit großzügiger Küche und gemütlichem Wohnbereich. Tolle Terasse, teilweise überdacht, so dass wir auch bei leichtem Regen draußen sitzen konnten.Die Kommunikation mit den Gastgebern ist sehr unkompliziert und es wurde sofort auf meine Nachrichten reagiert.Wir haben uns sehr wohl ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Vacation home chalet near the beach Lauwersmeer
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.

Cities near Nes