Sustainable enjoyment on Ameland

Step on board the ferry and you immediately breathe in the fresh Wadden air. Ameland is more than peace, space, and endless beaches. It is an island that thinks and acts sustainably.

And an island that invites you to discover consciously & with pleasure. From sleeping in an eco-lodge to cycling along local producers and tasting Ameland delicacies: here you enjoy greatly, while keeping your footprint small.

What makes Ameland sustainable?

Ameland takes sustainability seriously and you can see it everywhere. From green energy and smart lighting to electric transportation and careful use of water: the island consciously chooses solutions that respect nature and contribute to a healthy future.

Electric on the move: Postal and delivery services operate emission-free and the electric buses make sustainable travel across the island easy.
Smart lighting: Green street lamps at the harbor and beach crossings dim automatically. They reduce light pollution, attract migratory birds less, and also consume less energy.

Green energy: More and more houses and accommodations have solar panels, heat pumps, and good insulation. This way, comfort goes hand in hand with less energy consumption.
Ameland Solar Park: With its thousands of solar panels, this park provides the island with green electricity. It was once the largest in the Netherlands and is still a striking example of sustainable energy in the Wadden region.

CO₂ compensation fund Wagenborg: Travelers can voluntarily compensate for the emissions of their crossing. The fund annually supports local projects that enhance nature and sustainability on Ameland.
Water supply: The drinking water in Buren partly comes from a freshwater lens under the dunes. The sand naturally filters the water, after which it is further purified into clean drinking water.

New project: solar park near the sewage treatment plant

On the site of the wastewater treatment plant on Ameland, a solar park with more than 6,000 panels is being installed. The electricity generated here is mainly used to sustainably purify the wastewater. Especially in the summer, when there are more tourists and the installation has to process more water, the panels also produce the most energy. This creates a smart connection between supply and demand. With future storage options, this park will also contribute to a stable and local energy system for Ameland.

The expectation is that Energiepark Ballumerbocht will be operational by the end of 2025.

Sustainable overnight stays on Ameland

A night on Ameland always feels special: the silence of the dunes, the sound of the sea, and a starry sky that is nowhere as clear. That experience becomes even more valuable when you choose an accommodation that is sustainably designed.

More and more accommodations on the island combine comfort with care for nature. This way, you can enjoy all conveniences while your stay has a minimal impact on the environment.

👉 Discover the complete range below and use the filters to easily select your ideal green stay.

Discover the island in a green way

Cycling and walking

The island is best explored by bike or on foot. From the Ameland route (45 km around all villages) to a short trip through the nature reserve Het Oerd: there is a route for every pace. Bike rental is possible in many places, often with free luggage transport and a wide choice of e-bikes, tandems, and city bikes.

Prefer walking? Follow the colored post routes or join a guide who will take you to places you would otherwise pass by.

More about cycling on Ameland >>
More about walking on Ameland >>

Strand lines and experiencing the beach

Ameland has a wide beach that invites more than just sunbathing and swimming.

Go blokarting and experience the power of wind energy in a sporty but environmentally friendly activity.

Or enjoy the simplicity: walking along the tide line, searching for shells, flying kites, or just following the horizon. On the beach, little is needed for much entertainment.

Tip: get our free Beach Search Map >>

Excursions with an eye for nature

Those who really want to get to know Ameland go out with guides and excursions that focus on nature. You will discover places that you might otherwise walk past and learn more about the animals, plants, and stories of the island. Whether you explore the salt marshes, the mudflats, or experience the silence of the dunes: each excursion allows you to see the landscape differently. It's not just about what you see, but also about experiencing nature with respect, so that it is preserved for the next generation.

And would you like even more ideas?

In our blogs you will find plenty of tips to discover new places together. Through the activities and events calendar, you can easily book tickets for excursions and guided tours. And if it rains one day? Then the indoor activities ensure plenty of coziness.

In addition, our island colleagues share their own favorite tips. They often go out themselves and take you to unexpected places and special seasonal moments.

Taste local and conscious

On Ameland, sustainability literally tastes better. Those who eat locally travel less far with their meal and directly support the islanders.

Tip: the Amelands product bike route

Fancy a tasty journey of discovery? Follow the cycling route along producers, mills, and shops. You get close to the makers, hear their stories, and can taste and buy along the way.

Follow your nose by bike and let your taste buds do the work >>

Sustainable initiatives and awards

Ameland is internationally known as a destination where sustainability is tangible. This is also evident from the awards that the island and local entrepreneurs have received:

Golden Quality Coast Award

This prestigious award is given to destinations that excel in nature management, culture, and sustainability. With this award, Ameland ranks among the most sustainable coastal destinations in Europe.

More information about the Quality Coast Award >>

The most sustainable beach pavilion in the Netherlands

Beach pavilion Sjoerd was named the most sustainable beach pavilion in the Netherlands in 2020 and 2023 and has held the gold Green Key certificate for years. Sustainability is the standard here: from solar panels, smart energy solutions, and LED lighting to biodegradable packaging and the use of local products.

On to Sjoerd >>

Blue flag

All four Ameland beaches (Hollum, Nes, Buren, and Ballum) carry this international quality mark. The flag guarantees clean swimming water, good facilities, and careful nature management.

More information about the Blue Flag >>

Practical tips for a green trip

Travel smart: use public transport to and from Holwert (Holwerd) and on Ameland.
Leave the car behind: rent a bike or explore the island on foot.
Shower briefly: five minutes is often enough and saves water & energy.
Separation helps: use the bins and containers for paper, glass, and residual waste.
Bring reusable items: a personal bottle and bag prevent unnecessary waste.
Buy consciously: only take what you really use, from groceries to souvenirs.
Unwind: breathe in the fresh air, listen to the silence, and move with the rhythm of the island.

Waste separation on Ameland

Did you know...

…on Ameland you are simply allowed to put plastic, cans, and drink cartons in the residual waste? That may seem strange and less sustainable, but the opposite is true. Because we do not have to collect and transport waste in various separate bins, this saves a lot of extra trucks on the boat and on the island. This way we save fuel and CO₂ emissions.

On the mainland, the residual waste goes to a modern facility in Heerenveen. There, smart machines extract the valuable materials again. Almost eighty percent get a second life in this way. With less transportation and high recycling, this results in a significant gain for the environment.

This is what sustainable Ameland looks like

Sustainable enjoyment on Ameland - VVV Ameland

Sustainable enjoyment on Ameland

What makes Ameland sustainable?

New project: solar park near the sewage treatment plant

Sustainable overnight stays on Ameland

Last-minutes

Arrangements

Holiday homes

Apartments

Caravans

Hotels

Bed & Breakfast

Camping

Discover the island in a green way

Cycling and walking

Strand lines and experiencing the beach

Excursions with an eye for nature

Mud excursion >>

Ecosafari >>

Forest, beach, lighthouse excursion >>

And would you like even more ideas?

Taste local and conscious

Taste the Amelands Product >>

Restaurants & pavilions >>

Vegetarian and plant-based >>