National Park Lauwersmeer is one of the most unique nature reserves in the Netherlands. It was once created by closing off the Lauwerszee. Many bird species stop here to raise their chicks. At night, the area shows itself from a completely different side, with hundreds of stars in the sky. You don't want to watch this just from the ground. Climb one of the area's towers and see everything from a great height. You might even come face to face with a bald eagle.
See them fly
Special nature also attracts special guests. The Lauwersmeer area is home to a wide variety of different bird species. Some stay here for a while and then move on, while others can be spotted all year round. Some show themselves better than others. From the various watchtowers you have a great view over the area and you can sometimes spot the birds a little faster. At De Baak Middelplaat you can spot the marsh harrier, the snipe and the bearded reedling, while from the observation tower near the Ballastplaatbos you have a better chance of seeing the majestic white-tailed eagle dancing through the air. In the new observation tower at Diepsterbos, you can not only see infinitely far, but also learn all kinds of things about the nature reserve. The Scottish Highlanders and Konik horses that graze the area can be seen from each of the towers.
Into the night
Anyone who thinks the Lauwersmeer goes to sleep when it gets dark is wrong. Indeed, when the sun goes down, hundreds of little lights go on here. This is because National Park Lauwersmeer is a Dark Sky Park. Far away from artificial light sources, it is so dark here at night that you can actually see everything. You see more stars than you ever saw before. Scattered across the nature reserve are several sky platforms. Lie down and peer up - you could stay here for hours. You will find the sky platforms at the Vlinderbalg, Achter de Zwarten and on the Zoutkamperplaat. Near one of the towers during the day? Then of course you may also use them to watch animals.
" "When the sun goes down hundreds of little lights go on here" "
