Oerd - Nature

The Oerd lies on the eastern side of Ameland and is one of the most impressive nature areas on the island. Together with the Hôn, this rugged dune landscape forms an important nature area for birds, plants and other animals.

What can you expect at the Oerd on Ameland?

This centuries-old dune area is rugged, quiet and constantly changing. High dunes, open sandy plains, salt marshes and views over the Wadden Sea make the Oerd a wonderful place for walkers, nature lovers and birdwatchers.

• Rugged dune landscape: The Oerd consists of old dunes, drifting dunes, sandy plains and salt marshes. The landscape is constantly shaped by wind, sand and sea, so no walk ever feels exactly the same.
• Oerder Blinkert: The Oerder Blinkert, at around 24 metres, is the highest dune on Ameland. From the viewpoint you can look out over the dunes, the Wadden Sea and, in clear weather, even towards Schiermonnikoog and Terschelling.
• Bird paradise: The Oerd and the Hôn are important for breeding birds and migratory birds. Here you may spot spoonbills, avocets, oystercatchers, shelducks, eider ducks, curlews, gulls, common terns and harriers. Be sure to bring binoculars.
• Breeding season: From March through July, the area is especially busy. Many birds build nests in the dunes and on the salt marshes. Some parts may be temporarily closed during this period to give nature the peace it needs.
• Het Baken: A striking landmark in the area is het Baken, a wooden sea beacon with a pyramid shape. This distinctive structure was placed in the 1950s as a navigation point for seafarers and is now also a well-known point for walkers.
• Animals in the dunes: Besides birds, rabbits and hares also live in the area. In the Wadden Sea, seals can regularly be seen, especially on sandbanks or swimming in the channels.
• Walking through nature: The best way to experience the Oerd is on foot. Several walking routes run through the area, including a beautiful route of around 4 kilometres through the Oerd. Along the way, you can enjoy silence, space and wonderful wide views.
• The vanished village of Oerd: On the Wadden Sea side there was once a village that was also called Oerd. In the 14th century, this was a lively trading village with ships trading on the Baltic Sea. Due to storms, floods and the power of the sea, the village eventually disappeared beneath sand and water.

A special nature experience on Ameland

The Oerd is an ideal place for walkers, peace seekers, nature lovers and birdwatchers. The combination of high dunes, open landscape, silence and views over the Wadden Sea makes this area one of the most impressive places on Ameland.

Practical information

• Location: The Oerd lies on the eastern side of Ameland, beyond Buren and towards the far eastern part of the island.
• Accessibility: The area can be reached on foot and by bicycle. By car, you can drive as far as the Kooioerdstuifdijk car park, east of Buren. From there it is still around 3,5 km to the Oerder Blinkert.
• Tip: Those who want to see the nature area up close can also choose a tour with, for example, the Strandexpress or the Strandjutter.

Visit Het Oerd for a pure nature experience on Ameland, with high dunes, special birds, wide-open views and a touch of hidden island history.

Furthermore Oerd is near the following sights: Oerdblinkert (±550 m), Spijkerpad (±750 m), Het Baken (±2,0 km) & ’t Wastuuntje (±2,7 km).

For information

Het Oerd, Buren, Ameland