Lauwersmeer National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Netherlands. In the past, fresh and saltwater merged in the Lauwerszee. In 1969, a dam was built out of fear of flooding, creating a stunning new landscape on the seabed, now a bird paradise. The unique nature of Lauwersmeer led to its designation as a National Park and Dark Sky Park.
Where is Lauwersmeer?
Lauwersmeer is a lake in the northern part of the Netherlands, situated on the border between the provinces of Friesland and Groningen. Lauwersmeer National Park was once the Lauwerszee, a sea inlet. As part of the Delta Plan, the sea was dammed in 1969, converting saltwater into freshwater. The resulting open landscape of reed marshes and grasslands is unique in the Netherlands.
Activities on and around Lauwersmeer
Lauwersmeer National Park is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Activities include sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing, and swimming. You can also enjoy beautiful hiking and cycling trails around the lake.
Hiking in the National Park
You can enjoy beautiful hikes in Lauwersmeer National Park. Staatsbosbeheer (State Forestry Service) has established eleven hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 10 kilometers in length. Most of these trails are marked with colored posts, guiding you to the most remarkable spots in the area.
Most routes start near Lauwersnest, the activity center and ideal starting point for exploring the National Park.
One of the special routes is the bird watching trail. By listening to the bird spotting podcast, Arjan and Gisbert guide you through the bird paradise. You can see the route they talk about on the map above.
Additionally, there’s a gnome trail specifically designed for young children, a nature trail for the whole family, a bird experience path, and for the more adventurous, a complete circuit around Lauwersmeer.
Boating on Lauwersmeer
Experience Lauwersmeer from the water. The Lauwersmeer area consists largely of water, with several islands and destinations like Zoutkamp or Oostmahorn accessible by boat.
Renting a Boat on Lauwersmeer
At Varen met Sil, you can rent a boat at Lauwersmeer. We offer day boats, motorboats, and flat-bottomed boats. From the marina, you can reach Lauwersmeer in just half an hour. Here, you can discover uninhabited islands, swim, sail, or visit a terrace at Lauwersoog or Oostmahorn.
When you rent a sloop from us, you can pick it up from 9:00 AM and enjoy a full day on the water, returning the boat by 7:00 PM.
Eating and Drinking at Lauwersmeer
If you’re spending a day cycling, walking, or boating, here are our top spots for lunch, coffee or tea, and dinner:
In the fishing village of Zoutkamp, you’ll find De Zilte Bries, a bakery run by a young entrepreneur. Here, you can grab a nice cup of coffee with pastry or have lunch.
At Lauwersoog, by Lauwersmeer, you’ll find Restaurant Het Booze Wijf. Dock your boat in the museum harbor and enjoy lunch at this restaurant while discovering the origin of its peculiar name.
Lauwersoog is also known for its ferry to Schiermonnikoog and its fish auction. Take a stroll behind the dike and treat yourself to a portion of fresh fried fish.
On the other side of the lake, you’ll find Landal Esonstad. Here, Restaurant De Waegh offers a menu worth exploring after a walk through the park.
We hope you’re excited to explore the Lauwersmeer area. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
