Buurder Steiger

If you cycle from the south side of Buren towards the Wadden Sea, you pass a place full of history: the Buurder Steiger.

In the past, Ameland ferry skippers docked here to transport livestock, potatoes, and fuel to Harlingen, Amsterdam, and other places on the mainland. In the first half of the twentieth century, this was a lively hub for trade and transport. However, the location was not ideal: at low tide, the mudflats largely dried up and ships sometimes had to wait for hours for high tide.

Freight boat traffic

After the Second World War, the ferry ship traffic moved to the ferry dam at Nes, which remained more accessible via the shipping channel. The Buurder Steiger thus lost its function, but the stories remained. Today it is a place to step off for a moment, take your time, and enjoy the view.

On clear days, you can see the Frisian church towers across the mudflats, and sometimes many birds moving with the rhythm of the water.

The Connecting Dam

At low tide, you can see to the left of the pier the remains of a special enterprise: the connecting dam. In 1871, construction of this dam began, intended to reclaim farmland through natural sedimentation and bring Ameland closer to the mainland. The province and the state jointly invested 400,000 guilders in this ambitious plan. But the force of storms and tides could not be tamed. After severe storms in the winter of 1881-1882, construction was permanently halted. What remains are the contours still visible at low tide – silent witnesses of a time when people literally wanted to connect the island with the mainland.

The Blauwe Keet

On the inside of the dike, you will find the Blauwe Keet (VBleu shack), a distinctive blue building that once served as a storage facility for the water board. Materials for the maintenance of the sea dike were stored here. The hut is still standing and today serves as a bird-watching point.

From here, you have a view over the vast polder landscape. Inside, there is a small permanent exhibition about the dike watch, and outside an information panel provides explanations about the area.

Unique resting place

The combination of history, landscape, and tides makes this place a unique spot for rest during your bike ride.

Location Buurder Steiger

End of Reeweg, Buren
Along the dike near the Buurder Steiger you will find sturdy concrete seating areas, integrated into the landscape. Perfect to stop for a moment, stretch your legs, and quietly enjoy the view over the tidal flats.

Location Blauwe Keet

De Blauwe Keet is located at the foot of the Wadden dike, on the inside of the dike, accessible via the bike path between Buren and the Wadden Sea.

Viewpoint not to be missed

The Buurder Steiger is not only a place full of history, but also one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Ameland.

Curious about the other impressive vistas on the island? We have listed the ten most beautiful viewpoints for you

Check out the overview and get inspired for your next trip around the island.

View the viewpoints

Bird watching

From the Buurder Pier you not only have a view over the mudflats, but also on numerous birds that forage or rest here with the tide.

Think of oystercatchers, curlews, barnacle geese, and grey herons – especially at low tide, this is a paradise for bird lovers.

Want to know more about which birds you can see on Ameland? View an overview here with tips and species that you can encounter throughout the year.

Birdwatching on Ameland

The Mudflats

The mudflats you see at the Buurder Steiger are part of a unique natural area that changes twice daily with the tides. At low tide, mudflats and sandbanks are exposed, full of life: shellfish, worms, and small crabs attract countless birds.

This dynamic landscape is not only a resting place for migratory birds but also one of the most valuable ecosystems in Europe.

More about the Wadden Sea