Hôn - Nature
The nature area Hôn is located all the way on the eastern side of Ameland, beyond the nature area Oerd. It is one of the most unspoilt and dynamic places on the island.
What can you expect at the Hôn on Ameland?
Here, the North Sea and the Wadden Sea meet, and wind, water and sand shape the landscape.
- Where the North Sea and Wadden Sea meet: At the eastern tip of Ameland, sand, mudflats, water and wind are given all the space they need. At low tide, large sandbanks fall dry, creating a nutrient-rich area for wading birds.
- A paradise for bird lovers: More than 110 bird species are spotted in and around the Hôn every year. Spoonbills, avocets, oystercatchers, shelducks, eider ducks and gulls all feel at home here. Migratory birds also use the area as a resting place during their long journeys.
- Spoonbill colony: The spoonbill is one of the special inhabitants of the Hôn. Since 1994, this striking bird has bred here regularly. During the breeding season, roughly from March to July, tranquillity in the area is especially important.
- Colourful salt marshes: Salt-loving plants such as sea lavender and samphire grow on the salt marshes. Especially towards the end of summer, sea lavender can give large parts of the area a purplish glow.
- Chance of spotting seals: In the Wadden Sea near the Hôn, seals can regularly be seen. They sometimes rest on sandbanks or swim through the channels. Binoculars are therefore certainly no unnecessary luxury.
- The Beacon: A striking landmark in the area is the Beacon, a wooden sea mark from the 1950s. It was once placed there as a point of reference for seafarers and as a tool to monitor changes in the tidal inlet between Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. Nowadays, it is mainly a special piece of maritime heritage and a popular destination for walkers.
- Natura 2000 area: The Hôn forms part of a protected nature area. During the breeding season, certain sections may be closed to give birds enough peace and quiet. Please stay on accessible routes, keep your distance from animals and always take your rubbish back with you.
How do you get to the Hôn?
The Hôn is mainly a destination for those who enjoy peace, space and proper walks.
- Walking from the Oerd: There is no fixed paved route leading there, and the area can only be reached on foot. By bicycle, you can ride as far as the bicycle parking area 't Oerd, on the northern side of Ameland near the Oerdblinkert. From there, you continue on foot towards the eastern tip of the island. Expect a solid walk of 4 km one way across beach, dunes and sand flats. It can be demanding, but along the way you will see one of the most beautiful and quietest landscapes on Ameland.
- Tip for the journey:
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and seals
- Bring enough to drink, something to eat and sturdy shoes.
- A windproof jacket is also useful, as it can be quite windy at the eastern tip of the island.
Special nature on Ameland
The Hôn is not a busy attraction, but rather a place for those who love silence, nature and wide open space. The landscape feels pure and open, with the North Sea on one side and the Wadden Sea on the other.
Those who make the effort to go to this eastern point of Ameland are rewarded with an impressive stretch of wilderness, special birds, colourful salt marshes and a landscape that is constantly on the move.
Furthermore Hôn is near the following sights: Strandritten met Joh. de Jong (±700 m), Strandexpress (±700 m), Strandjutter (±750 m) & Het Baken (±1,6 km).
For information
Hôn, Buren, Ameland
Display Hôn