Highlights in and around Lauwersmeer National Park
Stunning natural scenery where fresh water meets the sea
On holiday in National Park Lauwersmeer? You’re in for a treat! Nowhere else will you find such a combination of sweeping views of the horizon, stunning flora and fauna, and so much space for recreation. Explore the nature reserve and then head out onto the mudflats, or venture inland for adventure, nature and a remarkable abundance of wildlife.
Nature on the Ballastplaat
Right on the shores of Lauwersmeer lies the Ballastplaat, a former sandbank. The young woodland is a lovely place for a walk, even with young children. In some parts of the Ballastplaat forest, you may suddenly come face to face with wild Konik horses or Scottish Highland cattle.
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Kiek over Diek
Without the dyke, the province of Groningen would have been a lot smaller. Perhaps that’s why, standing atop the sea dyke, you can really feel the down-to-earth strength of the people of Groningen. The ‘Kiek over Diek’ cycle route takes you 90 kilometres over, along and behind the dyke. The views are breathtaking. And with a bit of luck, you’ll have the wind at your back.
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Wadden Sea World Heritage Site
It is no coincidence that National Park Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site are often mentioned in the same breath. Two unique nature reserves so close to one another – you hardly ever see that anywhere else. It may not be immediately obvious, but beneath and just above the water’s surface of the Wadden Sea there are over 10,000 species of animals, from large to tiny, and around 250 plant species.
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Sushi from the Wadden Sea
All those fish, oysters and marsh samphire... Why wait for all those goodies from Wadden Sea World Heritage Sites to hit the shops when you can harvest them yourself? Go on an excursion and gather your meal together. It doesn't get any fresher than this.
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Seal safari
Want to see seals up close? Join a Seal Safari organised by the Seal Centre in Pieterburen. The skipper will drop anchor somewhere on the mudflats, and together with the group you’ll experience the tranquillity of this area. There’s a good chance that curious seals will pop up out of the water near the boat: the ultimate way to spot seals.
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DoeZoo
If you think nature is boring, then you’ve certainly never had a snake around your neck, have you? Or stroked a skunk? As well as seeing and feeling, at DoeZoo in Leens you’ll hear and smell a huge variety of animals. And what about tasting? Well… fancy a tasty worm biscuit?
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Mudflat walking
You take a stap forward with your right foot, but your left foot gets stuck in the mud. Your legs turn out to be black right up to your knees. You’d much rather look straight ahead, towards the horizon, which consists of nothing but sea and sandbanks. Mudflat walking is a unique experience you’ll never forget.
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Adventurepark Waddenfun
Super good at climbing? Or do you secretly find it quite exciting? No matter, at Adventurepark Waddenfun everyone climbs at their own level. From toddlers aged 4 to grandmothers aged 82. The largest indoor climbing park in the Netherlands has challenges for everyone. Buckle your seatbelt and climb as high as you dare.
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