Windmill "De Phenix" in Nes: Historical windmill with large sails on a hill, surrounded by green meadows and buildings. Village view in Nes: A paved path runs between trees and a green garden in the foreground, with a clock tower in the background.
Netherlands

Nes: A Town Between Time and Tide

The old church tower of Nes on Ameland rises above the village, a silent witness to centuries of seafaring and island life.
 Nes, Netherlands, July 2022

Time in Nes is short—the ferries wait for no one, and the schedule dictates the stay. So, there’s only enough time for a brief walk through the village, which, with its old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, feels as if it has fallen straight out of another era. Brick facades, mullioned windows, neatly kept gardens—everything is quiet, orderly, idyllic.

A striking landmark is the windmill “De Phenix”, its sails reaching toward the sky. The name suggests rebirth, but why? Was there a fire here once? Did something rise from the ashes? The answer remains a mystery.

Not far from this picture-perfect scene lies something entirely different: the ruins of Aqua Plaza, a massive swimming complex that hasn’t seen visitors in over 20 years. A deserted place that was once filled with life and leisure. Now, it’s just an empty, crumbling shell—a strange contrast to the pristine charm of Nes.

Perhaps that’s exactly what makes Nes intriguing: a place caught between history and impermanence, between preservation and decay. At first glance, it seems unremarkable, but look a little closer, and it reveals more than expected.

Map of Nes
A charming street view of traditional houses in Nes, surrounded by lush greenery and a cobblestone path.
A charming brick house with a sloped roof surrounded by trees in Nes, showcasing traditional Dutch architecture.
Village view in Nes: A paved path runs between trees and a green garden in the foreground, with a clock tower in the background.
The old church tower of Nes on Ameland has watched over the village for centuries. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the island’s oldest landmarks, standing firm against North Sea winds.
House in Nes: A pathway leads to a house surrounded by green trees and lush foliage, with two large trees in the foreground.
Windmill "De Phenix" in Nes: Historical windmill with large sails on a hill, surrounded by green meadows and buildings.
De Phenix, a smock mill in Nes on Ameland, was constructed in 1880 after its predecessor, De Hoop, was destroyed by lightning. This "Grondzeiler" mill, with sails reaching near ground level, still remains operational, offering visitors insight into traditional milling practices.
Wooden posts and a modern structure in Nes: A building with a rounded dome in the background, surrounded by greenery.
House in Nes: A yellow building with a pointed roof, an outdoor terrace with umbrellas, and a church tower in the background.
Abandoned water slide in Nes: Two dome-shaped buildings with a tall water slide surrounded by tall grass and a fence.
The abandoned Aqua Plaza water park near Nes on Ameland, once a place of fun and relaxation, now stands as a decaying relic of the past.
A tranquil scene in Nes showcasing modern houses nestled among lush greenery and sand dunes. Perfect for nature lovers.
House in Nes: A two-story thatched house surrounded by meadows and trees. Sheep are grazing in the foreground.
Green dike at Nes: Two cyclists on a path, sheep grazing on the dike, with water and boats in the background.
Beach pavilion in Nes: A seaside restaurant with a wooden terrace, surrounded by sand and dunes, with the sea in the background.
Beach pavilions like this one near Nes on Ameland are a North Sea tradition. Raised on stilts to withstand shifting sands and tides, they serve as a refuge for locals and tourists alike.