Forming part of the West Frisian Islands, Ameland lies off the north coast of the Netherlands between the Wadden and North seas. It’s home to four charming villages, historic mills and a striking lighthouse, as well as fine museums that detail the cultural history of the island.

Things to do

The main entry point for visitors is the tourist village of Nes, which is clustered with unique stores, restaurants and a micro-distillery. It’s home to a late-19th-century smock mill, De Phenix, which is the only remaining ground-operated corn mill in Friesland and a designated Rijksmonument. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss a visit to JT-Miniworld, a miniature wonderland that features a working coal mine, moving trains and a spinning Ferris wheel.

Delve into Ameland’s past at the Cultuurhistorisch Museum Sorgdrager, which details the cultural history and customs of the island. Wander through the mid-18th-century commander’s house and the recreated print room while learning about Ameland’s long-established relationship with the merchant navy and whaling industry.

Also in Hollum is the Maritiem Centrum Abraham Fock, a museum that’s dedicated to the Royal Netherlands Rescue Society’s activities on Ameland. Coincide your visit with one of their horse-pulled rescue boat launches before admiring Hollum’s 59-metre-high, red-and-white-striped lighthouse that dates back to 1880. A short drive inland is the Ameland Airport where you can embark on a scenic flight for a bird’s eye view of the island’s villages.

Getting around

Ameland is accessed by regular ferries from Holwerd to Nes, from where buses travel to destinations across the island. Bicycles can also be rented for getting around or car hire services are available. Groningen Airport Eelde is around an hour’s drive from Holwerd.