Walking under the stars
Or are you afraid of the dark?
Above you, the stars twinkle like never before. You can't see your hand in front of your face and yet... you actually seem to see more. Experience Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer under the guidance of the public observatory, the forest ranger or go off on your own. These walking routes give you a glimpse of the darkness at Lauwersmeer.
Darkest bike path in the Netherlands
Walking along the earth-dark cycle path in the Kollumerwaard you can see the lights of Zoutkamp, the gas flame of Grijpskerk and in the south-east the glow of the city of Groningen. The cycle path starts at the car park on Kwelderweg and ends at Hooge Zuidwal. And then back again.
Dancing harbour lights at Lauwersoog
The lights of boats, the lights on the shore and the lock and in the distance Schiermonnikoog: the illuminated harbour of Lauwersoog is a fantastic nocturnal setting. Park at the Hook of Bant and go on foot through the deserted harbour with the gently lapping black water to your left and right.
Ballast plate forest in the dark
'Ain't scared of the wild animals, ain't scared, ain't scared. Beautifully, the darkness of the Ballastplaat forest north of Suyderoogh bungalow park welcomes you. Sometimes you pass dark water, sometimes you see lights in the distance. Exciting, especially if it's a bit windy!
Zoutkamperril
From the Strandweg along the Zoutkamperril, in the dark you have a beautiful view of the illuminated industrial area of the fishing port. If you turn around, you can see the Willem Lodewijk van Nassau Barracks and the mill of Vierhuizen.
Round Ezumazijl
On the Frisian side of the Lauwersmeer, too, you can do some great hiking. Park at Uitkijkpunt Ezumakeeg Noord and take a stroll through the grasslands and along the dark water. In the distance, you can see the lights and gas flame of Oostmahorn.
Nije Faert at Esonstad
Are you holidaying at Esonstad near Oostmahorn? Then you don't have to go far for a walk in the darkness. With a trip along the Nije Faert at Esonstad, you will experience how dark the water is at night. Walk along the dike or down along the beach.
For a list of activities, also take a look at np-lauwersmeer.nl.
