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.
2025
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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National Museum Week
Begin april
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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National Mills Day
The National Mill Day, celebrated annually on the second weekend of May, is a festive day when hundreds of wind and water mills across the Netherlands open their doors to the public. This event, which has been organised since the 1970s, celebrates the country's rich milling history and attracts thousands of visitors each ...
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Lifeboat Day
Early May
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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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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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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Crafts day
Vierde donderdag in juli
Since 1986, the 'Crafts Day' has been held in Ballum every year on the fourth Thursday in July. Amelanders demonstrate all kinds of traditional crafts, such as sheep shearing, wool spinning, glass blowing, basket weaving, clog making and much more. There will also be all kinds of stands with exhibitions, including of old ...
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Rôggefestival
Early August
Since 1986, Nes has been the setting for this cultural street festival annually on the first Friday of August. Streets and squares of the historical village center of Nes are then populated with street theatre artists, acrobats, stilt walkers, children's theatre, musicians, and much more.
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Paardenmarathon
End August
Elk jaar organiseert de Amelander Men- en Rijvereniging hun jaarlijkse men-evenement: de samengestelde menwedstrijd. In verschillende categorieën worden de vaardigheden van de menners en het uithoudingsvermogen van de paarden op de proef gesteld. Voor de deelnemers een uitdagend en afwisselend parcours. De hindernissen ...
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Cross Triathlon
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The Cross Triathlon 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 sports. What ...
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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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Tussen Slik en Zand
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 ...
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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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Adventurerun
December
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? - ...