In earlier times, fresh and salt water flowed into each other in the Lauwerszee. Fear of flooding led to the construction of a dam in 1969. On the former seabed, a beautiful, new, vast landscape emerged. Truly a bird paradise. Nature in the Lauwersmeer is so special that the area has been designated as a National Park.

THE FORMER LAUWERSZEE!

The area of National Park Lauwersmeer lies northeast of Dokkum and borders the province of Groningen. This area used to be in open connection with the Wadden Sea and was called Lauwerszee. In 1969, this was closed off, and there was no more high and low tide. The former seabed, combined with fresh water, created a new landscape. It is a bird area par excellence. Through the nature reserve there are all kinds of hiking trails. Would you rather relax? There are several recreational beaches. There are activities for young and old. Do you like nighttime adventures? There is a Dark Sky Park. This is an area where darkness is preserved and where visitors are welcome at night to experience that darkness and see the starry sky.

 

WHAT IS THERE TO EXPLORE?

For nature lovers and bird watchers, there is much to experience. The Activity Center ‘t Lauwersnest near Lauwersoog can tell you all about the birds and Dark Sky. There is also a nature playground. In Lauwersoog, there is a recreational lake and a fun playground for children. For small children, it is possible to follow a gnome trail on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t you like walking? You can also rent a tuk-tuk and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Surfers are in the right place at Lauwersmeer. At Lauwersoog, it is possible to surf at 4 places.

In the village of Oostmahorn is Esonstad. This is a vacation park established as a fortified town and is fun to walk through.  Some facilities are open to everyone (for a fee), such as the indoor arcade. There is also a pitch and putt field. Nearby, in Oostmarhorn, is a recreational beach with a playground.

The area is also easy to explore by canoe or boat. For example, from Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. In this hamlet are imposing floodgates (old Dutch: zijlen) dating from 1729, designed by the famous hydraulic engineer Willem Loré. The vast Lauwersmeer area also includes part of the province of Groningen, including the village of Zoutkamp, a fishing village with a museum.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

The area is located in the northeast and borders the province of Groningen. Via the Lauwerseewei, Lauwersmeer is easily accessible. There are also several bus connections.