What is there to do in National Park Lauwersmeer?
A day at Lauwersmeer can be filled with our tips. Go sailing, hiking, or cycling and take a look at one of the many hotspots along the lake.
National Park Lauwersmeer is one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands. In the past, fresh and salt water flowed into each other in the Lauwers Sea. In 1969, a dam was built out of fear of flooding. This created a beautiful new landscape on the seabed, a true paradise for birds. The nature in Lauwersmeer is so special that it has been designated as a National Park and Dark Sky Park.
Where is Lauwersmeer?
Lauwersmeer is a lake in the north of the Netherlands. The lake lies on the border between Friesland and Groningen. The National Park Lauwersmeer used to be the Lauwers Sea. During the implementation of the Delta Works, the sea was closed off in 1969 and the salt water became fresh water. The open landscape of reed marshes and grasslands that has emerged is unique in the Netherlands.
Activities on and around Lauwersmeer
National Park Lauwersmeer is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts; you can sail, surf, kite surf, fish, and swim. You can also enjoy beautiful hiking and cycling around the lake.
Hiking in the National Park
You can enjoy beautiful hiking in National Park Lauwersmeer. Staatsbosbeheer has set out eleven hiking routes ranging from 1.5 to 10 kilometers. Most routes are marked with colored posts. With these hiking routes, you will reach the most special places in the area.
Most routes start near Lauwersnest, which is the activity center and the ideal starting point to explore the National Park.
There is a special birdwatching route. When you listen to the birdwatching podcast, Arjan and Gisbert will take you through the bird paradise. On the map above, you can see the route that the men discuss in their podcast.
Additionally, there is the gnome path specifically for small children, a nature path for the whole family, a bird experience path, and for the die-hards, a round trip around Lauwersmeer.
Sailing on Lauwersmeer
Experience Lauwersmeer from the water. The Lauwersmeer area consists largely of water. Additionally, there are several small islands, and you can sail to places like Zoutkamp or Oostmahorn.
Boat rental Lauwersmeer
At Varen met Sil, you can rent a boat at Lauwersmeer. We have day boats, motorboats, and flat-bottom boats. From the marina, you can reach Lauwersmeer in half an hour. Here, you can discover uninhabited islands, swim, sail, or visit a terrace in Lauwersoog or Oostmahorn.
When you rent a sloop from us, you can pick it up from 9 AM. You can then sail all day and return the boat by 7 PM. Complete your day with a brunch basket from Picknikki, which you can add as an extra when booking a sloop.
Dining and drinking at Lauwersmeer
If you’re going out for a day by bike, on foot, or by boat, here are our hotspots for lunch, a cup of coffee or tea, or dinner.
In the middle of the fishing village of Zoutkamp, you will find Zilte Bries, a bakery run by a young entrepreneur. Here you can grab a nice cup of coffee with a pastry or have lunch.
In Lauwersoog, by the Lauwersmeer, you will find restaurant Het Booze Wijf. Dock your boat in the museum harbor and have lunch at this restaurant to discover where this unusual name comes from.
Lauwersoog is also known for the ferry to Schiermonnikoog and the fish auction. Take a look behind the dike and grab a portion of fresh kibbeling.
On the other side of the lake, you will find Landal Esonstad. Here you will find restaurant De Waegh; take a stroll through the park and check out the menu.
We hope you are excited to explore the Lauwersmeer area. If you have any questions, please contact us.
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