Landbouw- en Juttersmuseum Swartwoude
Museum in two old farmhouses in Buren about farming life on Ameland and beachcombing – with wool processing using island wool.
About the museum
The museum opened in April 1992 and is housed in two former farmhouses in the center of Buren, one of which dates from 1899. It takes its name from the vanished village of Swartwoude in southeastern Ameland, which was buried under drifting sand around 1800. It is run by the Stichting De Ouwe Pôlle Ameland, which works together with other island museums under the umbrella of the Stichting Amelander Musea.
The focus is on the meager life of island farmers around 1900: the farm's stable and living quarters are furnished in traditional style, complemented by farm machinery, tools and household items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The second focus is strandjutten – beachcombing, which for a long time was an important source of extra income for many islanders. The finds, including messages in bottles, are on display in the Juttersschuur (beachcombers' barn) and on the outdoor grounds, along with a replica shipwreck and a beachcomber's hut.
After a thorough redesign, the museum now has a more modern look. A new addition is a room with around a dozen wool machines, where wool from Ameland sheep is processed into sustainable products; the spinning mill operates several afternoons a week. An exhibition room shows changing art related to the Wadden region, and in November the museum takes part in the Amelander Kunstmaand.
Highlights
- Furnished farmhouse from 1899 with stable and living quarters
- Beachcombing finds in the Juttersschuur
- Wool processing with wool from Ameland sheep
- Replica shipwreck and beachcomber's hut
- Changing exhibitions of art from the Wadden region
Permanent exhibitions
- Juttersschuur – Beach finds collected over decades tell of beachcombing as a side income for the islanders; more finds are displayed on the outdoor grounds.
- Wolverwerking – In a dedicated room, historic and modern wool machines process wool from Ameland sheep into yarn and wool products.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Stichting Amelander Musea (STAM) / Stichting De Ouwe Pôlle Ameland
- Director
- William Beijaard (Direktor STAM)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 9,380 (2024)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7.30 |
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| Children & teens | €5.80Children ages 5–12 €5.80, adult rate from age 13; no rate is given for children under 5. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Students & apprentices | –No student discount listed. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €6.30 per personFrom 15 people; children (ages 5–12) €5.30. Reservations required for groups (info@amelandermusea.nl). |
2026 rates. Free with the Museumkaart (have the card scanned at the desk). Tickets only at the museum ticket desk on site.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only the entrance and first floor of the main building are wheelchair-accessible. Dogs not allowed; recognizable assistance dogs welcome (please notify staff).
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Arriva bus line 132 (ferry terminal – Nes – Buren) to Buren.
Ameland is reachable by ferry from Holwerd (arriving in Nes); on the island, cycling is the usual way to get around.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with organic wool products made from Ameland sheep's wool.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The wool spinning mill operates Tuesday to Thursday 13:00–17:00; walking between the machines is not permitted. Groups of 15 or more by reservation only. |
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