Frequently asked questions about amenities on Ameland

Which supermarkets are there in Buren on Ameland?

In Buren you can shop at the SPAR of the Klein Vaarwater holiday park or at the Ytsma butcher and fresh market.

• SPAR Klein Vaarwater: Klein Vaarwaterweg 14, 9164 MA Buren, tel. +31 519 542 156, kleinvaarwater-ameland.nl.
• Uw Slager Versmarkt Ytsma: Hoofdweg 4, 9164 KL Buren, tel. +31 519 542 073; a butcher with a supermarket range.
• Opening hours: see the shops' websites; out of season the hours are often shorter.

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Where can I find a paediatrician on Ameland?

All medical addresses on Ameland and the surrounding area are on our medical addresses page.

• On that page: among others the GP, the hospital, the pharmacy and the dentist.
• Emergency: in a life-threatening situation always call 112.

Where is a pharmacy on Ameland?

All medical addresses on Ameland and the surrounding area are on our medical addresses page.

• On that page: among others the GP, the hospital, the pharmacy and the dentist.
• Emergency: in a life-threatening situation always call 112.

Where can I exchange, refill or buy (camping) gas bottles on Ameland?

On Ameland the Kiewiet DIY shop in Nes sells gas bottles and camping gear, among other things.

• Kiewiet Doe-het-zelf: Marten Janszenstraat 4, Nes; also fishing, garden and camping supplies.
• Tip: if possible bring a full bottle from the mainland; the choice on the island is limited.
• More sales points: find a sales point with the Benegas bottle finder or the Primagaz dealer locator.

Are shops and restaurants on Ameland open at Whitsun?

Yes, in the municipality of Ameland shops may open on Sundays and public holidays, so also on Whit Sunday and Whit Monday; most shops on Ameland do so, with their own opening hours.

• Supermarkets: Jumbo Hoge Eggenweg (Nes, closed on Sundays outside the season) and SPAR Torenstraat (Nes, closed on Sundays outside the season). Holiday hours only appear on the supermarket's website shortly beforehand, so check them just before Whitsun.
• Food and drink: restaurants and terraces are open as usual at Whitsun and it gets busy, so book ahead, especially for dinner. More tips under food and drink.
• Crossing: the Wagenborg ferry is busy over the Whitsun weekend; book your crossing in good time.

Where is the nearest hospital on Ameland?

All medical addresses on Ameland and the surrounding area are on our medical addresses page.

• On that page: among others the GP, the hospital, the pharmacy and the dentist.
• Emergency: in a life-threatening situation always call 112.

Can I visit the lighthouse on Ameland?

Yes, the Bornrif lighthouse near Hollum is open to visitors; you climb to the top for a view over the whole island.

• Address: Oranjeweg 57, 9161 CB Hollum.
• Opening hours: from 1 June to 30 September daily from 10 am to 8 pm; shorter during the rest of the year, see amelandermusea.nl.
• At the top: you can see the former lighthouse keeper's workroom, among other things.

Are shops and restaurants on Ameland open on Good Friday and at Easter?

Yes, in the municipality of Ameland shops may open on Sundays and public holidays, so also on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday; most shops on Ameland do so, with their own opening hours.

• Good Friday: Good Friday is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands; shops, supermarkets and restaurants are open as usual that day.
• Supermarkets: Jumbo Hoge Eggenweg (Nes, closed on Sundays outside the season) and SPAR Torenstraat (Nes, closed on Sundays outside the season). Holiday hours only appear on the supermarket's website shortly beforehand, so check them just before Easter.
• Food and drink: restaurants and terraces are open as usual at Easter and it gets busy, so book ahead, especially for dinner. More tips under food and drink.
• Crossing: the Wagenborg ferry is busy over the Easter weekend; book your crossing in good time.

Where is the tourist information office on Ameland and when is it open?

VVV Ameland
Bureweg 2
9163 KE Nes, Ameland
tel. +31 519-546546
mail: info@vvvameland.nl

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Which supermarkets are there in Nes on Ameland?

In Nes, the largest village on Ameland, there is a Jumbo and a SPAR.

• Jumbo Nes: Hoge Eggenweg 6, 9163 JP Nes, tel. +31 519 542 009, superinnes.nl.
• SPAR van der Veen: Torenstraat 7, 9163 HD Nes, tel. +31 519 542 204, spar.nl.
• Opening hours: see the shops' websites; out of season the hours are often shorter.

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Is carnival celebrated on Ameland?

No, carnival is not celebrated on Ameland or on the other Wadden Islands.

• Where it is: in the Netherlands carnival is mainly celebrated in the south, in Limburg and North Brabant.

Are the shops on Ameland open on 11 November?

Yes, in the Netherlands 11 November is an ordinary day, so the shops on Ameland keep their normal opening hours.

• Belgium and France: there 11 November (Armistice Day) is a public holiday; in the Netherlands it is not.
• Off season: in autumn and winter some shops on the island have shorter opening hours.

Which supermarkets are there in Ballum on Ameland?

In Ballum there is SPAR Manje, a local supermarket on the road to the beach.

• SPAR Manje: Strandweg 2, 9162 EV Ballum, spar.nl.
• Wider choice: the largest supermarkets on the island are in Nes.
• Opening hours: see the shops' websites; out of season the hours are often shorter.

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Where is the police station on Ameland?

The police station of Ameland is at Reeweg 19a, 9163 GT Nes; visits are by appointment only.

• Emergency: call 112 if life is in danger or a crime is taking place.
• Non-emergency: call 0900 8844, from abroad +31 343 578 844; this is also the number for making an appointment at the station.
• Online: reporting a theft, for example, is often also possible via politie.nl.

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Which supermarkets are there in Hollum on Ameland?

In Hollum you will find the PLUS in the village and the shop at the Boomhiemke holiday park.

• PLUS Hollum: Olfert Pieter Lapstraat 4, 9161 BV Hollum, plus.nl; with its own butcher.
• Boomhiemke park shop: Jan Roepespad 4, 9161 CT Hollum, tel. +31 519 554 383.
• Opening hours: see the shops' websites; out of season the hours are often shorter.

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Is there a launderette on Ameland?

Yes, De Linnenkast in Hollum has a launderette, as well as linen hire and a dry-cleaning service.

• Address: Fabrieksweg 16, 9161 CG Hollum, delinnenkast.nl.
• Linen hire: De Linnenkast also rents out bed linen and towels, so you need to bring less.
• Campsite or holiday park: many campsites and holiday parks have washing machines and dryers, but usually only for their own guests.

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What are the address and contact details of the municipality of Ameland?

Gemeentehuis Ameland
Jelmeraweg 1
9162 EA Ballum, Ameland
tel. +31 519-555555
e-mail. info@ameland.nl
web. https://www.ameland.nl/

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Are the shops on Ameland open on Sundays?

On Ameland, shops are allowed to open every Sunday. Many shops are also open on Sundays, but not all shopkeepers take advantage of this opportunity.

The standard opening hours on public holidays and shopping Sundays on Ameland are from 12:00 to 17:00.

Where can I find a gynaecologist or midwife on Ameland?

All medical addresses on Ameland and the surrounding area are on our medical addresses page.

• On that page: among others the GP, the hospital, the pharmacy and the dentist.
• Emergency: in a life-threatening situation always call 112.

Are shops, museums and restaurants on Ameland open at Christmas and New Year?

Most shops, museums and attractions on Ameland are only closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day; many restaurants are actually open at Christmas.

• Christmas Eve (24 December): shops are usually open, often until late afternoon; many restaurants serve a Christmas dinner.
• Christmas Day (25 December): most shops, museums and attractions are closed; many restaurants are open, booking is often necessary.
• Boxing Day (26 December): many shops and attractions are open again, as on a Sunday.
• New Year's Eve (31 December): shops often close earlier; some restaurants are open.
• New Year's Day (1 January): most shops are closed; some restaurants and cafés are open.
• Ferry: around the holidays the ferry sometimes runs to an adjusted timetable; check Wagenborg in advance.
• Opening hours: check the exact times on the websites of the shops, museums and restaurants themselves.

We do not have a complete overview with opening hours of all restaurants on Ameland, but our food and drink page has tips for restaurants and terraces.

• Opening hours and booking: check TheFork or Eet.nu, which also have reviews.
• Tip: book in good time in high season and at weekends.

How can we get married on Ameland?

If you want to get married on Ameland, you arrange this through the municipality of Ameland.

• Notice of marriage: first you give notice of your intended marriage to the municipality, at least two weeks and at most one year before the wedding date.
• Who can marry: a wedding in the Netherlands is possible if at least one of the partners lives in the Netherlands or has Dutch nationality.
• Venue and date: the municipality will inform you about wedding venues on the island, available dates and costs.
• Travel: take the ferry timetable into account when planning, for your guests too.
• Contact: https://www.ameland.nl/

Where can you rent a bike on Ameland?

All information about cycling and bike rental on Ameland is on our cycling page.

• Bike rental: there you will find the rental shops with their address.
• Routes: the same page also has cycle routes in the area.
• Tip: book your bike in advance in high season and during school holidays.

What are the rules for buying and drinking alcohol on Ameland?

You must be 18 or older to buy alcohol; if in doubt, staff will ask for ID.

• Supermarket: sells beer, wine and other drinks with less than 15% alcohol.
• Liquor store: spirits are sold in a slijterij (liquor store).
• ID: passport, ID card or driving licence; without proof you may be refused.

Where is there a public toilet on Ameland?

There are public toilets in Nes: on the Verdekspad and in the De Vleyen recreation area.

• Beach and catering: beach pavilions, restaurants and cafés have toilets for their customers.

What should I do if I have lost something on Ameland?

You indicate that you have lost or found something.

If you have lost something you can report this at the municipality Ameland (https://www.ameland.nl/). Not the police. Is it an object which has been stolen from you? Then you should indeed do report to the police. Sometimes you also need to go to the police when it comes to a lost identity document.

Lost something?
If you have an lost an object in (the region of) Ameland, you can inquire the local municipality Ameland. Perhaps your item is already found. You can declare an lost object on https://verlorenofgevonden.nl/. You can of course also come to the town hall.

After declaration of loss and showing your ID, you can retake your possession immediately.

Anything?
Do you have found an object (in this region), then it is your duty to do your best to give it back to the owner. If you know who the owner is, you can do this yourself. Do you not know who the owner is? You report the the item to the local municipality.

You can declare an found object on https://verlorenofgevonden.nl/. You can of course also always come to the town hall.

Didn't find what you were looking for? The general FAQ page lists all frequently asked questions about Ameland, sorted by topic.