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Natural Monuments

Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)

Natural Monuments

Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)

Highlight • Monument

Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)

Name: Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)
Rating: 2

Recommended by 24 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Wadden Sea World Heritage

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Location: Ameland, Friesland, Netherlands

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Best Hikes to Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)

5.0

(2)

hikers

1. Historic Center of Nes – Ballumer Blinkert loop from Hollum

28.0km

07:02

30m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

5.0

(4)

hikers

2. Finnegatpad – The Point of Ameland Dunes loop from Ballum

30.0km

07:33

40m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0

(1)

hikers

3. Lighthouse of Ameland – Ameland Beach loop from Hollum

7.02km

01:46

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Rob Josten 🦅

October 12, 2023

August 14, 1979 is known as a disaster day on Ameland. On that day, 8 horses tied to the lifeboat drowned. When launching the lifeboat into the sea, the horses are normally disconnected from the undercarriage. However, due to a combination of circumstances, the horses could not be freed and were pulled to death by ten thousand kilos of weight. A big shock for all residents of the island. However, shortly after this accident it was decided to continue this tradition and five new horses were purchased. After a short training period, the lifeboat was pulled into the sea in the usual manner.
The drowned horses are buried on the east side of the Lifeboat Path. A memorial stone on the much-visited grave commemorates the tragedy.

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RHonthemove

March 2, 2024

Beautiful monument near the beach

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Franz Josef Klingen

July 9, 2025

Only a few horses have been honored with a monument for their faithful service to humanity.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 22 October

14°C

11°C

70 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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Location: Ameland, Friesland, Netherlands

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Paardengraf Memorial (1979 Rescue Boat Tragedy)

1. Historic Center of Nes – Ballumer Blinkert loop from Hollum

2. Finnegatpad – The Point of Ameland Dunes loop from Ballum

3. Lighthouse of Ameland – Ameland Beach loop from Hollum

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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