Ameland boasts a long sandy beach stretching along the island’s entire northern coastline – peaceful, spacious and highly photogenic.
27 kilometres of coastline: From Hollum in the west to beyond Buren in the east lies a continuous sandy beach of around 27 kilometres – perfect for long seaside walks.
Space & tranquillity: In some places the beaches are over 100 metres wide, and even at high tide there's still plenty of space. The gentle slope of the sea and usually calm waters also make it ideal for families with young children.
Accessible beach entrances: The main beach access points are located at Nes, Buren, Ballum and Hollum, often equipped with beach pavilions, showers and toilets.
Safety first: During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the busiest areas, ensuring a relaxed and safe beach experience.
Unique natural area: East of Buren lies the 400-hectare salt marsh area Nieuwlandsreid, where you can spot many bird species during a walk.
Source of inspiration: For generations, the beaches of Ameland have inspired painters, writers and peace-seekers – a place where relaxation meets creativity.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Ameland have received multiple awards for their quality, safety, and eco-friendly management.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Ameland received the 25thBlue Flag – an international certification for excellent water quality, safe facilities, and sustainable beach management.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded in 2017 for sustainable tourism that respects both people and nature.
Cleanest Beach in the Netherlands:Ameland received this title in 2007 and 2020.
The beaches of Ameland are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Ameland offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Beach Supervision on Ameland
On various parts of the beach on Ameland, lifeguards keep watch to ensure a safe and carefree day by the sea. This way, you can fully enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
When: Daily from 5 July to 30 August 2025, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication devices and rescue gear.
Lifeguard posts: Clearly marked with flags and lookout points. Constant surveillance is maintained from these manned posts.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
On Ameland, four lifeguard posts ensure safety and supervision at the island’s main beaches. The posts are strategically placed along the coastline, so help is always nearby.
Hollum Post: Located on the western side of the island, near the lighthouse and holiday park Boomhiemke, at beach entrance Badstrand Hollum.
Ballum Post: Situated at beach entrance Badstrand Ballum.
Nes Post: At one of the island’s busiest beaches, near beach entrance Badstrand Nes.
On the beaches of Ameland, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! Very dangerous sea Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the guarded beaches of Ameland during the period 15 June till 15 September between 10:00 till 18:00. On the other beaches are free-running dogs allowed.
Outside of the above mentioned locations, period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Ameland.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
Beach tips
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the guarded