National Park Lauwersmeer
Sea became lake; lake became wilderness. And the wilderness, in turn, became a haven for birds and people. This, in a nutshell, is the story of the Lauwersmeer National Park, on the border of the provinces of Groningen and Friesland. The Lauwersmeer area has much to offer. Vast, rugged grasslands that remain varied thanks to grazing Konik horses and Scottish Highlanders. Overgrown sand and clay flats. Forests with winding paths where you can roam endlessly. Day and night, because the National Park is also one of the 44 official Dark Sky Parks worldwide.
For surfers and (small) sailors, the Lauwersmeer is also a paradise. Plenty of shallow areas, surprising corners, large expanses of water and wind; an absolute hotspot!
Dark Skypark
From space, the Netherlands at night is a spotlight with its enormous amount of artificial light. So, the fact that Lauwersmeer is listed alongside areas like the Grand Canyon and Death Valley as one of the 44 official Dark Sky Parks is extra special. And rightly so. Because dark here is really dark. Well.... here you can still see the stars incredibly well. And that's magical when you're walking through the Lauwersmeer. Yes, you can do that at night! Discover at the visitor centre what the night is all about, what it does for nature and how the darkness is preserved.
Naturally wild
When I was 8, we regularly visited the Lauwersmeer. More shrub than tree, is my memory. Of course, I had no idea of the area's history: the closure of the Lauwerszee, prompted by the flood disaster in Zeeland, which caused the area to decline somewhat. A price for safety, it was thought.
Wild and more in this National Park
Roam through fields of orchids and have friendly chats with Konik horses and Highlanders (from a safe distance, of course!), all while watching a white-tailed eagle soar overhead. More than wild, this National Park. A nice detail: in the summer, they get reinforcements from animals belonging to local farmers to help "manage" the park. And you're simply a part of that, how special is that?"
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Bird nursery
The Lauwersmeer is a stopover for many species of migratory birds and truly a breeding ground. They come from all over the world. And not only them, birdwatchers also flock here from different countries. How special is that! Bring your binoculars and be amazed by the Golden Oriole, Pied Avocet, Spoonbill and many other species that use the Lauwersmeer as a layover.
You can pick up a free birdwatching map at the visitor centre to see even more!
