Lifeboat demonstration

During the demonstration of the historic lifeboat on Ameland, 10 sturdy horses pull the lifeboat with thunderous violence over the beach and through the surf in the sea. The demonstration of the horse rescue boat is an event that reminds of earlier times, because nowadays the modern Anna Margaretha sails out of the harbor of Ameland at high speed if a ship is really in distress. The demonstration shows that rescuing drowning persons and providing assistance to ships in distress near Ameland has a long history.

The demonstration starts from the boathouse at the Maritime Center “Abraham Fock” at Oranjeweg 18 in Hollum. The launches take place on the beach south/west of Hollum, at the end of Tjettepad. A path has been constructed next to the lifeboat crossing that leads to a viewing platform. From here wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties can watch the launch of the lifeboat.

Mountain bike Ameland

MTB Ameland can call itself the MTB event in the Netherlands. Every year in March this sophisticated and well-organized tour through the untouched nature of the island takes place. MTB Ameland offers a program for all ages and levels. If you fancy a sporty weekend in Ameland, register quickly at MTB Ameland and don’t forget to book an accommodation.

For more information and/or registration, visit MTBameland.nl

Lighthouse trial Ameland

The Lighthouse Trail takes place every March, a 2-day trail event for runners, trail runners and long-distance ultra-runners. About 98% of the trail will be unpaved. For all distances there is a varied trail over forest paths, soft sand, dunes, and beach. The course will also be hilly. The number of altimeters is not significant for the Alpine connoisseur, but can be called challenging due to the diversity of the subsoil. The Trail starts in Hollum with the lighthouse as a beacon for all distances. You can choose from: 10 km (‘start to trail’ for beginners), 18 km, 35 km and the Ultratrail of 60 km. The Kids Trail is organized around the lighthouse.

Classic car weekend Ameland

Enjoy your oldtimer on Ameland! During this weekend, Ameland welcomes 100 cars, built between 1940 and 1978. On Friday evening the reception takes place and on Saturday an orientation ride is made over the island. This is done at a classic pace, so that a lot of time and attention can be given to the beautiful surroundings.

If you would like more information or to register, visit www.vvvameland.nl/klassiek.

National Lifeboat Day

Once a year, the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM) organizes its national open day. The day to actively get acquainted with the work, the professional volunteers and the equipment of the KNRM.

The KNRM rescue station on Ameland is located on the Ballumerbocht.

Lycurgus volleyball tournament

The Lycurgus Open Air Tournament on Ameland has become a household name among volleyball players in the Northern Netherlands and even beyond. Every year, about 2,500 volleyball players, supporters and revelers come here. For an entire weekend, holiday park Klein Vaarwater in Buren is completely devoted to the tournament.

The tournament has 45 fields (grass) and 270 participating teams.

Rondje Ameland

Every year in June Rondje Ameland, a walking tour of about 50 km, is run. What started in 1997 as a joke at the bar has now become a real walking event. The start is in Hollum at 5 a.m. The route runs over the bathing beach of Hollum, along the seawall on the south side of the island to Buren and then over the beach back to Hollum, where a musical reception awaits on Zwaneplein. Rondje Ameland is not a running race but a wonderful walking event.

Ameland Beach Rugby Festival

The Ameland Beach Rugby festival takes place in June every year. The tournament enjoys great European interest and is the largest beach rugby tournament in rugby worldwide. The festival hosts the official Open Dutch Beach Rugby Championship for both men and women. In addition, there is a recreational class, a veteran class and a Future Class.

Muzikaal Bootwateren

In June the “Musical bootwateren” is organized in Hollum. The name “bootwateren” has its origins in the successful outcome of a rescue operation. This used to be celebrated in a local cafe over 2 drinks and a cigar which were provided as a reward by the rescue company. In addition to a demonstration of the historic lifeboat, orchestras and (shanty) choirs will perform on a number of stages during this day. In the evening, various catering establishments organize a pleasant evening with live music!

Beach Volleyball Circuit Strand Hollum

With over 150 fields and thousands of players of all nationalities, Beach Volleyball Circuit is one of the largest events in the world. Recreational beach volleyball players take part in the Beach Volleyball Circuit and the best Dutch beach volleyball players come to the island for the Dutch Eredivisie Beach Volleyball. So you can also see the top performers at work!

The Beach Volleyball Circuit is for everyone; Tournaments are organized for the most experienced players, but also for those who have never played volleyball on the beach before.

MadNes

MadNes is a sustainable surf, skate and music festival and takes place every year at the beginning of July in Strand Nes. For a weekend, visitors can enjoy surfing lessons, a half-pipe on the beach, bands and DJs, a floating stage, theatre, making their own clothes, building a windmill, cleaning the beach and much more.

MadNes is a festival with an open character. During the day, come along for a cup of coffee at the beach pavilion, spin on the smallest Ferris wheel in the Netherlands or drink a beer with one of the many bands.

Cultureel Ambachtelijke Dag

Every year you can enjoy demonstrations of old crafts in Ballum, such as: threshing, folding hats, making clogs, processing flax, spinning and much more! There are also all kinds of stands with exhibitions, including old tools and utensils. There is also plenty to do for the children, such as crossbow shooting!

A large part of the residents of Ballum and exhibitors are dressed in traditional costume from great-grandmother’s time on this day.

Rôggefeest

Do you like street theater and music? Then make the crossing to Ameland in early August and visit the renowned and atmospheric Rôggefeest in the village of Nes. After a surprising opening at +/- 12.30 pm, you can enjoy the most diverse street theater acts and musical groups at more than 20 locations. Along the way or on one of the atmospheric terraces you can be surprised by passing artists with special, spectacular and humorous performances.

Horizontoer

Horizontoer is a sailing, cultural and musical festival that makes Ameland vibrant in August!

Horizontoer is unique because of its itinerant character by boat along the Wadden Islands. The ships of Horizontoer are filled with holidaymakers and many artists. These will festively flood the islands. Holidaymakers can enjoy free music, workshops and theater at various locations. The Horizon Tour will be a truly colorful experience for everyone, from young to old, not to be missed!

Horse Marathon

During the horse marathon, the Amelander Men and Riding Association puts the skills and endurance of the drivers, co-drivers and horses to the test. Both the distance ride and the dressage ride are wonderful challenges in the special Ameland setting.

Tri-Ambla

For the enthusiast, the Tri-Ambla, Dutch Cross Triathlon Championship, is the most beautiful triathlon in the Netherlands. Nearly 1,000 traithlets compete with the islander elements: first swimming in the Wadden Sea, then mountain biking on a challenging course and finally a cross run through forest, dunes and over the beach. Toppers test themselves and their opponents. Recreational and novice triathletes seek fun and improvement. There is a Tri-Ambla Junior for youth from 8 years old. More information on the website tri-ambla.nl

Hiking event Tussen Slik en Zand

“There is a place where heaven and earth share the stage”

In October, Stichting Sportpromotie Ameland organizes the 6th edition of the walking event Tussen Slik en Zand. Walking on Ameland between Wad and North Sea with varied routes of 10, 17 and 25 km. The start and finish of the tour is in the atmospheric village of Nes.

During this day, you can be part of the Wadden World Heritage as a walker. Experience and enjoy this special area in the world. It is not for nothing that it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The routes lead over roads, paths and trails that allow you to finish in the attractive center of Nes via the mudflats, forest, dunes, the village of Ballum and the beach. Make the crossing for a day or weekend and experience the untouched nature of this Wadden Island.

All participants receive a special route booklet with an explanation of the walking route and information about the special natural and cultural values ​​along the way. the Wadden area; young and original, wonderfully dynamic and exceptionally varied.

Kunstmaand

During Art Month in November, more than 80 artists from the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavian countries exhibit their work, spread all over the island. Works can be found in the most surprising locations. There are also various performances, such as poetry evenings and performances by leading Dutch musicians. Book your holiday now during art month Ameland.

Ameland Adventurerun

Adventurerun is a competition and recreational run for young and old on wintery Ameland, during the Advent period. Get ready for a challenging course with up and down trails, rough terrain and some treacherous false flats here and there. You can choose from the following distances: 21.1 km competition and recreational run and the 10 km and 5 km recreational run. There is also a Kids Run of 1 and 2 km.

For more information and registration, visit adventurerun.nl

For more information about the events and the activities program on Ameland, please refer to VVV Ameland