The Ultimate Ameland Overnight Stay: Our 2-Day Island Adventure
Staying At A Dutch Island
During our visit to the Netherlands in Summer 2025, we were looking to explore one of the famous islands. After some research, we decided to book an overnight stay at one of the hotels in Ameland. We chose Ameland due to its rugged beauty and calm environment. We were particularly interested in exploring the island on foot and spending quality time at the beach.
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Arriving At Ameland
- Via Train or Bus: Take a train to Leeuwarden station, where you can catch a direct bus link (line 66) straight to the ferry terminal in Holwerd. To check schedules and book your regional connection, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Ferry: Board the Wagenborg passenger ferry from Holwerd for a scenic 45-minute crossing (or 25 minutes via the fast service) straight to the island of Ameland. To check schedules and book your ferry tickets, use the link here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to start your journey up to the northern coast.. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Netherlands
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Day 1: Exploring Hollum and Delicious Coastal Eats
We drove from our lodging to Holwerd and parked our car at the parking lot right next to the port. We boarded the ferry around 3 pm and arrived at Nes, Ameland in 45 minutes.
Admiring the Bonrif Lighthouse
From the port, we took the public bus straight to the iconic Bornrif Lighthouse in Hollum. The lighthouse is a beautiful icon of the island and looked absolutely stunning. We chose not to go up as I am afraid of heights. However, we thoroughly enjoyed its beauty from the outside.
A Scenic Walk to the Beach
After visiting the lighthouse, we walked in the direction of the beach. The walk was extremely scenic, and the natural beauty was something we had never experienced before. Once we arrived at the beach, we played and walked around for an hour, soaking in the fresh sea air before walking towards our chosen restaurant.
Enjoying Dutch Fried Fish at Vishandel Metz Hollum
We are suckers for Dutch Fried Fish (Kibbeling) and can never get enough of it. For dinner, we all enjoyed delicious Fish and fries at Vishandel Metz Hollum. After eating to our fill, we took the public bus back to Nes.
Evening Walk in Nes and Hotel Check-In
We walked around Nes for a while to enjoy the evening atmosphere and then went to our hotel to settle in for the night.
Day 2: Windmills, Souvenirs, and Wildlife at the Beach
A Delicious Island Breakfast
On the second day, we got up and had breakfast at a nearby restaurant. We indulged in some delicious Dutch pancakes and salmon-egg toast to fuel our morning. After breakfast, we walked around the area exploring the small stalls and bought some beautiful local souvenirs to take home.
Visiting De Phenix Windmill
Our next stop was De Phenix Windmill since we all love windmills. We enjoyed the spectacular view from the outside and appreciated its historical charm.
A Beautiful Landscape Walk to the Public Beach
Next, we walked towards the public beach. During our 30 minute walk, we enjoyed the beautiful landscape offered by the island. At the beach, we had a lot of fun playing in both the water and the sand. We even spotted beautifully colored jellyfish on the shore, making sure we did not accidentally step on them. Both the kids had an absolute blast and have been regularly demanding to be taken to the beach eversince our stay at Ameland. After beach time, we headed back to the port to catch our ferry and head home.
Final Remarks
Our short exploration of Ameland was an amazing experience for the whole family. We loved our time at the beaches as well as the walks around the island. Ameland is definitely a must-visit gem of Netherlands.
Enjoyed our exploration of Ameland? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel between the villages on Ameland?
The island has an excellent public bus system that connects all four villages, which are Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren. It is very easy to navigate even if you are exploring on foot.
Can you visit the Bornrif Lighthouse?
Yes, the Bornrif Lighthouse in Hollum is open to visitors who wish to climb to the top for panoramic views.
How do you get to Ameland from the mainland?
You can take a passenger and car ferry from the town of Holwerd on the mainland. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to reach the Ameland Port in Nes.
