What to Experience on Ameland: Events & Activities
Below, you'll find our selection of the finest events on Ameland. Especially in the summer, there are almost daily festivities, ranging from markets and folklore to music performances and sporting events. Yet, even outside the summer season, there's plenty to enjoy in terms of varied activities.
Culinary Wadden Weeks
For two weeks in October, Ameland becomes a haven of pure enjoyment, showcasing the finest flavours the Wadden region has to offer. The Culinary Wadden Weeks are a feast for the senses, focusing on local and sustainable products. From the salty taste of fresh oysters and seaweed to the sweet notes of cranberries and the fragran ...
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Art Month Ameland
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The Ameland Art Month is a cultural highlight that takes place every year in November. This unique island-wide exhibition offers an inspiring blend of art, culture, and the enchanting nature of Ameland. What can you expect during the Art Month on Ameland? - International Exhibition: Around 90 artists from the Netherlands, ...
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Arrival of Sinterklaas
Every year in November, Sinterklaas arrives on Ameland by ferry. From the ferry terminal he travels to the centre of Nes, where the island's children welcome him. If you are on Ameland with children, this is a lovely moment to experience. What can you expect at the arrival? - Arrival by boat: Sinterklaas arrives by ferry ...
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Adventurerun
The Adventurerun on Ameland is a unique race and recreational run for young and old, held during the festive Advent season. With challenging routes through the untouched nature of this Wadden Island, the run offers a special experience for participants and spectators alike. What to expect at the Adventurerun on Ameland? - ...
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Oudejaarskuier
The Oudejaarskuier in Nes is a charming tradition that celebrates the transition from old to new in a unique way. During this cosy evening walk of approximately 5 kilometres, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and the warm sense of togetherness on the island. What can you expect during the Oudejaarskuier? - Atmospheric ...
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Christmas Markets
Around New Year there are cosy winter markets on Ameland, ideal for a pleasant afternoon during the Christmas holidays. Atmosphere market in Hollum Between Christmas and New Year, the Ameland Sfeermarkt is held in Hollum. - When: Wednesday 30 December 2026. - Times: during the day; in previous years the market was open ...
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Winter market in Hollum
Between Christmas and New Year, the centre of Hollum hosts a cosy winter market. With stalls, music and a warm mug of mulled wine, it is a lovely way to end the year on the island. What can you expect at the winter market? - Stalls: Local treats. - Music: Live music in the village centre. - Warm drinks: Mulled wine and ...
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2027
New Year's Day plunge
Start the new year in a refreshing way with the New Year's Day Plunge at the Badstrand in Hollum on Ameland! Since 2005, this annual event has become an unforgettable tradition, centred around fun, togetherness, and a touch of courage. What to expect at the New Year's Day Plunge on Ameland? - A Splendid Event: With over ...
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Ameland Cross Duathlon
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In early March, Ameland hosts the Cross Duathlon. Participants run, ride a mountain bike and run again, right through the island's varied nature. A tough challenge at the start of the sports season. What can you expect at the Cross Duathlon? - Run, bike, run: A run-bike-run race in three stages. - Varied course: Along ...
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Lighthouse Trail
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The VuurtorenTrail on Ameland is an annual running event in March, where the iconic Bornrif Lighthouse serves as a guiding beacon along the challenging course. With its start and finish in the picturesque village of Hollum, this trail offers a unique experience for both novice and experienced trail runners. What can you ...
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Shell Counting Day
During Shell Counting Day, we head en masse to the beaches to count shells! At the previous edition on Saturday 21 March 2026, around 190,000 shells were counted along the entire North Sea coast, more than 108,000 of them in the Netherlands. In 2027 there will be another count on various beaches in the Netherlands. The ...
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King's Day in Hollum
On King's Day, Hollum turns orange. The village celebrates the king's birthday with a parade, traditional Dutch games and music. A cheerful day on which islanders and visitors celebrate together. What can you expect on King's Day in Hollum? - Parade: Decorated bikes, carts and wagons make their way through the village. - ...
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Lifeboat Day
Each year, the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) opens the doors of its rescue stations during the annual Lifeboat Day. This event offers a unique opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes. What's on at Lifeboat Day? - Educational Activities: Learn all about the rescue work and the equipment used, ...
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Car boot sale
The car boot sale in Ballum on Ameland is a friendly and accessible market where local residents sell their second-hand items. Perfect for those who enjoy browsing and discovering unique bargains! What can you expect at the car boot sale in Ballum? - Unique Second-hand Treasures: From vintage finds and toys to books and ...
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National Mill Day
The National Windmill Day, held annually on a weekend in May, is the perfect opportunity to admire hundreds of working windmills across the Netherlands up close. Since 1973, this event has celebrated our country’s rich windmill heritage and paid tribute to these iconic structures. What can you expect during the National ...
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Ring Riding in Ballum
The Ring Riding in Ballum is a spectacular event that attracts horse enthusiasts and spectators of all ages. In the charming Camminghastraat, in the heart of Ballum, riders and carriages compete for glory in this centuries-old equestrian sport. What can you expect at the Ring Riding in Ballum? - Traditional Equestrian ...
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Bunker Day
Along the coast of Ameland, traces of the Second World War can still be found. Dive into the past and experience history up close during Bunker Day, a unique event that opens the doors to the hidden bunkers along the Dutch coast. From Zeeland to the Wadden Islands, discover the remnants of the Second World War and the Atlantic Wa ...
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Lycurgus volleyball tournament
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The annual Lycurgus Volleyball Tournament on Ameland is the perfect combination of sportsmanship and fun. A full weekend of volleyball on well-maintained grass courts, relaxing in the sun with a drink in between matches, and partying in the festival tent in the evening. What can you expect at the Lycurgus Volleyball ...
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Horse Rescue Boat Demonstrations
Looking for a unique and historical spectacle? Discover the Horse Rescue Boat of Ameland! During these impressive demonstrations, ten powerful horses pull the historic rescue boat Abraham Fock across the beach and launch it into the sea through the surf. An event like no other in the world! What makes the Horse Rescue ...
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Rondje Ameland
Every year in June, Ameland hosts the Rondje Ameland, a stunning 50-kilometre walking tour that takes participants past the most beautiful spots on the island. What started in 1997 as a spontaneous idea at the bar has grown into a popular walking event with hundreds of enthusiastic participants. What can you expect at ...
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Beach Rugby Festival
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The Ameland Beach Rugby Festival is the ultimate highlight for rugby and socialising enthusiasts. Since 1999, this unique beach tournament has taken place annually in June on the stunning beach of Ameland. With 160 teams from over 10 countries, it is not only the world’s largest beach rugby tournament but also an event ...
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Muzikaal Bootwateren
Every third weekend of June, the village of Hollum on Ameland comes alive with music and festivities during Muzikaal Bootwateren (Musical boat waters). This annual festival, organised since 2001, is a tribute to an old tradition surrounding the horse-drawn lifeboat and has grown into one of the most vibrant music festivals ...
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Beach volleyball tournament
Late June
Every summer, the beach of Hollum on Ameland transforms into a true volleyball paradise during the annual Beach Volleyball Tournament. Since 2003, this event has grown into one of the world's largest beach volleyball tournaments, with over 130 courts and more than 3,000 active players. Whether you're participating or just ...
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MadNes
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The MadNes festival is a unique and sustainable surf, skate, and music festival that takes place annually on the beach of Nes on Ameland. Since 2009, this festival has brought a perfect mix of sports, music, art, and sustainability to the island. What can you expect at MadNes? - Surf & Skate: Take part in surf lessons or ...
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Market in Nes
In the heart of Nes on Ameland, several lively fairs are organised each year. From charming spring markets to vibrant children's fairs and summer markets, there's always something to enjoy for young and old alike! What can you expect at the Nes Market? - Unique and Diverse Selection: From fashionable clothing and ...
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Car boot sale
The car boot sale in Ballum on Ameland is a friendly and accessible market where local residents sell their second-hand items. Perfect for those who enjoy browsing and discovering unique bargains! What can you expect at the car boot sale in Ballum? - Unique Second-hand Treasures: From vintage finds and toys to books and ...
Read more
Street market in Hollum
In summer, Hollum hosts a cheerful street market on a few Wednesdays. The village streets are then lined with stalls. A lovely way to stroll through the village. What can you expect at the street market? - Stalls: Original souvenirs and all kinds of goods. - Local products: Taste what the island has to offer. - ...
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Pleinfeest
The Pleinfeest in Buren is the place where summer fun, live music, and a festive atmosphere come together. This annual event takes place twice during the summer holidays: once on a Saturday in July and again on a Saturday in August. What can you expect at the Pleinfeest in Buren? - Lively Party with Live Music: Enjoy live ...
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Market in Nes
In the heart of Nes on Ameland, several lively fairs are organised each year. From charming spring markets to vibrant children's fairs and summer markets, there's always something to enjoy for young and old alike! What can you expect at the Nes Market? - Unique and Diverse Selection: From fashionable clothing and ...
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Crafts day
Every fourth Thursday in July, the picturesque village of Ballum on Ameland transforms into a vibrant open-air museum during the annual Crafts Day. Since 1986, the residents of Ballum have been bringing old crafts back to life, dressed in traditional attire from grandmother’s time. What can you expect at the Crafts Day ...
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Midzomerfeest
Every last Saturday of July, the sports field at Noordwal in Buren transforms into a lively festival site during the annual Midsummer Festival. This free event offers a day full of fun for all ages! What can you expect at the Midsummer Festival in Buren? - Fun Games and Attractions: From 13:00, enjoy a range of ...
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Plantsoen Party
The annual Plantsoen Party in Hollum on Ameland is a cheerful evening full of music, meeting people and entertainment. It is a lovely event for both local residents and holidaymakers who fancy a relaxed and festive evening. What can you expect? - Live music: Enjoy performances by different bands and let yourself be ...
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Car boot sale
The car boot sale in Ballum on Ameland is a friendly and accessible market where local residents sell their second-hand items. Perfect for those who enjoy browsing and discovering unique bargains! What can you expect at the car boot sale in Ballum? - Unique Second-hand Treasures: From vintage finds and toys to books and ...
Read more
Street market in Hollum
In summer, Hollum hosts a cheerful street market on a few Wednesdays. The village streets are then lined with stalls. A lovely way to stroll through the village. What can you expect at the street market? - Stalls: Original souvenirs and all kinds of goods. - Local products: Taste what the island has to offer. - ...
Read more
Market in Nes
In the heart of Nes on Ameland, several lively fairs are organised each year. From charming spring markets to vibrant children's fairs and summer markets, there's always something to enjoy for young and old alike! What can you expect at the Nes Market? - Unique and Diverse Selection: From fashionable clothing and ...
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Rôggefestival
Early August
Since 1986, the picturesque village of Nes on Ameland has transformed into a lively open-air theatre every first Friday of August. The Rôggefeest is a cultural street festival full of enchanting acts, music, and spectacle, delighting both young and old! What can you expect at the Rôggefeest? - Street Theatre and ...
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Ring Riding in Ballum
The Ring Riding in Ballum is a spectacular event that attracts horse enthusiasts and spectators of all ages. In the charming Camminghastraat, in the heart of Ballum, riders and carriages compete for glory in this centuries-old equestrian sport. What can you expect at the Ring Riding in Ballum? - Traditional Equestrian ...
Read more
Car boot sale
The car boot sale in Ballum on Ameland is a friendly and accessible market where local residents sell their second-hand items. Perfect for those who enjoy browsing and discovering unique bargains! What can you expect at the car boot sale in Ballum? - Unique Second-hand Treasures: From vintage finds and toys to books and ...
Read more
Street market in Hollum
In summer, Hollum hosts a cheerful street market on a few Wednesdays. The village streets are then lined with stalls. A lovely way to stroll through the village. What can you expect at the street market? - Stalls: Original souvenirs and all kinds of goods. - Local products: Taste what the island has to offer. - ...
Read more
Horizontoer
Early August
Every year, Horizontoer, the travelling theatre and music festival, docks in the harbour of Nes on Ameland. This unique festival brings a vibrant mix of music, theatre, and street performances to the island, delighting both locals and visitors with free performances in the centre of Nes. What can you expect at Horizontoer ...
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Pleinfeest
The Pleinfeest in Buren is the place where summer fun, live music, and a festive atmosphere come together. This annual event takes place twice during the summer holidays: once on a Saturday in July and again on a Saturday in August. What can you expect at the Pleinfeest in Buren? - Lively Party with Live Music: Enjoy live ...
Read more
Open Water Sports Day Hollum
Every summer, Catamaran Club Ameland holds an Open Water Sports Day on the beach near Hollum. A sporty day by the sea for young and old, where you can watch or join in. What can you expect at the Open Water Sports Day? - Sailing race: Catamarans race in front of the clubhouse. - Beach volleyball: A tournament on the ...
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Market in Nes
In the heart of Nes on Ameland, several lively fairs are organised each year. From charming spring markets to vibrant children's fairs and summer markets, there's always something to enjoy for young and old alike! What can you expect at the Nes Market? - Unique and Diverse Selection: From fashionable clothing and ...
Read more
Car boot sale
The car boot sale in Ballum on Ameland is a friendly and accessible market where local residents sell their second-hand items. Perfect for those who enjoy browsing and discovering unique bargains! What can you expect at the car boot sale in Ballum? - Unique Second-hand Treasures: From vintage finds and toys to books and ...
Read more
Ameland Horse Marathon
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Ameland is a true horse island, and you can see that every August at the Horse Marathon. For two days, drivers, passengers and horses show what they can do. Speed, technique and teamwork come together in the island's special setting. What can you expect at the Horse Marathon? - Dressage: On the first day the teams drive a ...
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Naseumere
Every year on a Saturday in late August, the Zwaneplein in Hollum transforms into the vibrant setting of Naseumere, a cosy mini-festival on Ameland. A day full of live music, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages! What can you expect at Naseumere? - Live Music: Enjoy performances by various artists and soak up ...
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Village Festival in Ballum
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Every year at the end of August, the celebrations kick off in Ballum on Ameland! For two days, on Friday and Saturday, the car park near the roundabout on Strandweg transforms into the vibrant heart of the Village Festival. With a large festival tent, live music, and fun activities, this is an event you don’t want to ...
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Village Festival in Nes
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The annual Village Festival in Nes on Ameland is the grand finale of the summer and a tradition “Fan alle tiden”! At the beginning of September, the village transforms into a vibrant festival site for two days. On Friday and Saturday, a large festival tent is set up in the car park on the Strandweg, where young and old ...
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Cross Triathlon
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The Cross Triathlon Tri-Ambla is an annual sporting event held in September on the stunning Wadden Island of Ameland. This challenging and exciting event attracts athletes and spectators from across the Netherlands and beyond. It’s the perfect chance to discover the diverse nature of Ameland while enjoying top-level ...
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Village Festival in Hollum
Towards the end of summer, the celebrations kick off in Hollum on Ameland with the Hollumer Fair, a weekend filled with traditional Dutch entertainment and village festivities! This two-day event takes place every year on a Friday and Saturday in September, featuring festive activities for all ages. What can you expect at ...
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Open Monuments Day on Ameland
Second Saturday and / or second Sunday in September
Every year, on a weekend in September, many monuments in the Netherlands open their doors to the public. The participating monuments on Ameland can be recognised by the Open Monuments Day flag, with the logo as depicted here. It offers the rare opportunity to visit historical buildings, churches, windmills, residences, and ma ...
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National Museum Week
The National Museum Week is an annual event where hundreds of museums throughout the Netherlands open their doors to celebrate the rich culture, art, and history of the country. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and famous collections of Dutch museums. From historical artefacts to ...
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Tussen Slik en Zand
Oktober
The annual walking event Tussen Slik en Zand on Ameland is much more than just a walk. It combines the breathtaking nature of this Wadden Island with art, music, and storytelling, offering a unique experience for nature and culture enthusiasts. What can you expect at Tussen Slik en Zand? - Connection with Nature and World ...