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Ameland

A long weekend getaway

By Kira Laktionov

May 9^th, 2021

Continuing the exploration of the Dutch Wadden islands. This time, we chose Ameland and went there for a cycling trip on the long weekend of Kingsday.

Day 1

Started with a morning coffee at the train station in Zwolle, we went on to Steenwijk through Giethoorn, known for its boat waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. It's almost impossible to cycle along the canals there, so we grabbed a bowl of asparagus soup each and went for a walk around town.

I heard a lot that they call Giethoorn a 'Dutch Venice', but I wouldn't say there are more canals than in Amsterdam. I would rather think of it as a 'Dutch Shire', as the level of gezelligheid there rises sky-high.

A short train to Leeuwarden, lunch, and back in saddle. Cycling through strong winds from the sea was a tough challenge, but the support from locals was surprising and fun!

Enjoyed the sunset on a ferry, and reached our destination: Ameland shore and then our hostel on the western tip of the island.

Day 2

Started with a run. Heavy winds, endless dunes and sands — you could hardly call it an easy jogging, rather something heroic. Worth the breakfast :)

After breakfast, when the weather improved a bit (although the winds there are quite piercing) we went to explore our part of the island. Yes, beach again.

Crossed Hollum, a charming old town, where all the houses are marked with the forged signs of the year they were built in. The oldest house is 1516, and it's still looking good!