The Hollumer forest

At the foot of Hollum's red and white lighthouse begins a forest where there is always something to do. Once planted to protect the village from wind and drifting sand, the Hollum forest is now a place where nature, island stories and fun come together

With winding paths through the dunes, surprising play equipment, an enchanting gnome village and the beloved duck pond, this is a place of wonder for young and old alike. Hop on your bike or put on your walking shoes - you'll want to discover this forest.

From sand drift to play forest: the origins of the Amelander woods

Did you know that the forests on Ameland have not always been there? At the end of the 19th century, Rijkswaterstaat started planting pines and firs to protect the villages from the sea winds.

At Hollum, the first forest was planted in1914 - 1918, this piece of forest is now known as the Marinebosje. The tree species - such as Austrian pine, Corsican pine and Sitka spruce - were specially chosen to withstand the rugged coastal climate. What started as protection grew into a valuable piece of island nature, with space for birds, mushrooms and beautiful cycling and walking paths.

The Duck Pond - animals, fun and relaxation

Deep tranquillity, the croaking of ducks and colourful birdcages with peacocks and pheasants: welcome to Hollum's duck pond. This pond was created in the 1950s after a dune excavation and was transformed by volunteers into a place full of life. Today it is home to dozens of species of ducks, chickens, geese and other birds. In spring, chicks swim among the reeds and the forest sounds like a living fairy tale.

Surrounding the pond are some play equipment and picnic tables, ideal for a break during your walk. A place to pause for a moment - or to admire the animals together with children and enjoy being outside.

Learn more about the Duck Pond >>

Gnome village - where the smallest islanders live

Along the path in the Hollumer forest is a striking gnome village, where colourful houses, gnomes and miniature details are arranged in well-kept flowerbeds. No need to search - you see this cheerful village right away. The gnomes clearly feel at home here, as there seem to be more of them every year. For children, but certainly for adults too, it is an imaginative stop on the walk. Discover which different gnomes live here and be surprised by their colourful world among the trees.

Games and play equipment in the forest

Spread throughout the Hollumer forest are various pieces of playground equipment, all of which have a link to Ameland's history. Children can climb on a shipwreck, play in the lost village of Sier, or let their imagination run wild on a wooden whale. Each playground has a board with information about the island's past. So playing becomes a fun and educational experience in the middle of nature. The forest itself - with winding paths and small hills - also invites to play and move freely.

Learn more about playing in the Hollumer forest >>

Hiking trails

The Hollumer forest is a wonderful starting point for a walk through the west side of Ameland. You'll walk along winding forest paths, past playgrounds, the duck pond and the gnome village. From the edge of the forest, the dunes and beach are within easy reach.

Do you want to follow a route? In our walking route booklet Walking on Ameland you will find several routes that also go through the Hollumer forest and the surroundings of Hollum. The booklet is (only in Dutch or German) available in our shop on Ameland and in our webshop.

A place to come back to

The Hollumerbos is one of those places where you always discover something new. The birds by the pond, a new gnome house, a different light between the trees... Whether you come to play with children, are looking for peace and quiet, or just want to wander - here you will find yourself. And with the lighthouse and the beach within walking distance, this piece of Ameland is the perfect base for a day full of experiences.

Our tips:

Tip 1: Join the Forest, beach and lighthouse tour

A special way to discover the Hollumer forest and the west side of Ameland is the Forest, beach and lighthouse tour, organised by Natuurcentrum Nes. Together with a guide, you walk through the forest and along the beach in the evening, as dusk slowly sets in. Along the way, the guide will tell you about nature, the landscape and the influence of wind, sand and sea on this part of the island.

Afterwards, you will climb the lighthouse together. On top of the circumference, you look out over the island in the dark, while the lighthouse glides its rays of light over land and sea - an unforgettable moment.

Book your tickets >>

Tip 2: Climb the lighthouse

The red and white Hollum lighthouse rises high above the forest and dunes and can already be seen from several places in the Hollumer forest. A great landmark during your walk - and definitely worth a visit. You can climb the tower and learn more about the history and life of the lighthouse keepers along the way. At the top, a sweeping view of Ameland, the dunes, the beach and, on a clear day, even the Frisian coast awaits.

Up to the Lighthouse >>