Sailing in Groningen sailing route along the remnants of the Lauwerszee

Go sailing in Groningen with one of our boats. With this round trip in Groningen, you will sail approximately 75km along the remnants of the Lauwerszee in 3 to 6 days. Along the wierden where the first inhabitants sought protection from the sea, through the polders where the sea has transformed into fertile agricultural land. Locks and pumping stations that knew how to handle the wild seawater. Past picturesque villages and through ‘Stad’ where until the last century the influence of ebb and flow was noticeable. Which of our classic boats will you take sailing through Groningen?

Day 1 – Zoutkamp – 17km – 2.5 hours

The route starts from Marina Lunegat. From here you sail to the Lauwersmeer, the former Lauwerszee. At the Lauwersmeer, keep right towards Zoutkamp.

Zoutkamp is a village with a close-knit community and a rich history. Once, Zoutkamp was a strategically important defensive stronghold; today, the fishing village is mainly known for the Dutch (North Sea, grey) shrimp.

At Zoutkamp, the rivers Reitdiep, Lauwers, and Hunsingokanaal converge, a confluence of waters unique in Europe. Zoutkamp also has the largest concentration of monumental artworks in the world with various locks and bridges.

Day 2 – Garnwerd – 20km

From Zoutkamp, you follow the Reitdiep. You pass the village of Electra where the pumping station De Waterwolf is located. Then you meander further along the Reitdiep and pass several locks (most of which are open). You end the day in Garnwerd. Here you will find the restaurant Garnwerd aan Zee.

Which boat will you choose to sail through Groningen?

Check out our motorboats

Day 3 – Groningen – 12km – 2.5 hours

From Garnwerd, you continue sailing along the Reitdiep, cross the van Starkenborgh canal, and sail towards the city. Through the city of Groningen, you sail in convoy. Check the website of the municipality of Groningen for more information.

When you are in Groningen, here are some fun sights to see:

Martinitoren

In the past 500 years, the Martinitoren has burned down, been struck by lightning, and nearly collapsed. Wars were won and lost on the sidewalk. The tower stood firm and at 97 meters is still the tallest building in the city. Climb up for a piece of tangible history and a fantastic view.

Forum Groningen

In the heart of Groningen’s city center stands the Forum; a meeting place for everyone curious about the world of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. The Forum aims to surprise and inspire with, among other things, Storyworld, a vast exhibition space with changing exhibitions, 5 cinemas, the Smartlab, dining options, the city library, and the highest rooftop terrace in Groningen with phenomenal views and a rooftop cinema.

Hofjes

In the past, the Groningen hofjes provided free shelter to the poor, widows, and the sick. Today, various individuals live in these oases of tranquility in the city center. At a handful of them, you can pop in for a moment of silence. Some trees in the flower-filled gardens are so old that they have witnessed the residents of the past.

Day 4 – Winsum – 21km – 4 hours

From Groningen, you sail a bit along the van Starkenborgh canal. You turn onto the Boterdiep and pass through the villages of Zuidwolde, Bedum, and Onderdendam. From Onderdendam, you sail onto the Winsumerdiep. You end the day in the village declared the most beautiful in the Netherlands by the ANWB.

Day 5 – Lauwersmeer – 25km – 3.5 hours

From Winsum, you follow the Winsumerdiep and then the Mensingeweersterloopdiep. You sail through Mensingeweer and via the Kromme Raken you pass Wehe den Hoorn. Here you follow the Hoornse Vaart and then the Husingokanaal. Via Zoutkamp, you eventually return to the Lauwersmeer. Here you can spend the night on one of the uninhabited islands.

Tips for sailing through Groningen

Bring some extra small change for bridges, water, and showers. Usually, you need to drop 50 cents in the machines.

In most marinas, there are toilets and showers. If you want to use these, we recommend mooring in a marina at night.

In this route, we have not accounted for mooring fees in the harbors.