"Ameland, pearl of the "Wadden ..." a Ameland Travel Page by Pavlik_NL

In the North of The Netherlands we have a very special sea, that follows it's waves all the way to Germany and eventually Denmark. This is the "Wadden zee" and the amazing part is that with lowtide it is dry or very shallow, while with hightide it is a real sea. The sea is parted from the Northsea by many islands that are forming a natural protection against the open sea. The islands are actually a large row of dunes, that have been broken through on several places, forming in- and outlets for the water. One of these islands is Ameland. A paradise for many, but that will be clear in my pages and tips.

When Ameland is on it's Northside meeting the Northsea, on it's Southern side it is flanking the "Wadden" sea. The landscape on either side is completely different. On the Northsea side wide beaches and high dunes protect the island (as well as the "Wadden" sea and The Netherlands itself, from the rages of the Northsea. Now-a-days, mankind lends a helping hand. On the "Wadden" side are polders and "kwelders" (open lands that are influenced by tidal movements of the sea) ...

... The polders are protected by a sea dike and house the villages of Ameland: Hollum, Ballum, Nes and Buren (West to East). Without the dike, the villages would regularly be surprised with springtides and storms, bringing the seawater to their doors. Without the help of men, the island would eventually not stand a chance towards the rising sealevel, but sand suplletion now strengthens the beaches and dunes. The island also would have been "moving" Eastwards as the tides are taking on the Westpoint of Ameland and actually giving on it's Westside. The disappeared village "Sier" is an example of that natural process (see tips). The larger villages Hollum and Nes you'll find under Must see activities, the smaller Ballum and Buren under "Off the beaten path".