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October: the month of darkness

  • Dark Sky Park

Let the dark be dark

The 10th anniversary of Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer is all about darkness. It’s high time to start discovering the beauty of darkness. Get out and about to experience the ‘month of darkness’. Let the dark be dark.

In 2016, the Lauwersmeer was awarded international Dark Sky Park status. In a world that is becoming increasingly lit up, Lauwersoog offers the magnificent starry sky a chance to shine as it should – without the disruptive glow of artificial light. “In Western Europe, and certainly in the Netherlands too, the use of artificial light at night is steadily increasing, which is harmful to both humans and animals. Both have a biological clock, and this is disrupted as a result. The splendour of the starry sky is a heritage that must be cherished worldwide, and the Night of the Night contributes to this,” says astronomer Theo Jurriens.

Discover the nightlife for yourself

To mark the Night of the Night and October – the ‘dark theme’ month – numerous activities have been planned in the Dark Sky Park as well as across the rest of the province. They show us that the night is not scary, but rather a calm blanket that wraps itself around us. A time when nocturnal creatures awaken and our senses become keener. Take a look at some of the activities below.

Guided starlight walk

7 October – Join the starlight walk in Zoutkamp. During the walk, which is approximately 2 kilometres long, natural scientist Theo Jurriens from the University of Groningen will guide you through the darkness. Along the way, you’ll experience the power, beauty and value of the darkness.

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Dark nights of the Lauwersmeer

9 October – Out and about in ‘ National Park Lauwersmeer ’. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll set off in the dark. Did you know that your hearing becomes keener the less you can see in the dark? Experience it for yourself and sign up.

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Ennemaborg Midwolda Estate

24 October – Duringthe national ‘Night of the Night’ event, a group of guides will lead a walk in the dark across the Ennemaborg Estate in Midwolda. How dark is it actually in the woods? How do you find your way without light? And how do the animals manage it? Which species are actually active at night? Come and find out on the estate.

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Night cruise with the ZK9

24 October – Set sail from the harbour of Lauwersoog into the darkness of the Wadden Sea. On board the ZK9, you’ll moor at the Engelsmanplaat and raise a glass to the ultimate darkness.

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Night of the Night

The Night of the Night is an annual event organised by the Nature and Environment Federations. This year marks the 22nd edition of the Night of the Night. Events are being organised across the country to experience the darkness. Hundreds of local authorities and businesses are also switching off their lights. This allows you to experience the night and raise about light pollution.

All activities during the ‘dark month’ - Set off on an adventure in October

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