Reflecting by the Lauwersmeer
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find complete peace and quiet in the natural surroundings that National Park Lauwersmeer has to offer. This was once the place where fresh and salt water met in the Lauwerszee. Of course, there was a plan behind the closure of the Lauwerszee in 1969, but no one could have imagined that this beautiful nature reserve would emerge. The wild waters gave way to serene rust, the seals were replaced by roe deer, and many birds migrated to this spot. Below are some tips for unwinding around Lauwersmeer.
Birdwatching
Lauwersmeer is a very important hub in bird migration. In autumn, millions of birds move to warmer places, only to return in spring. Birds like the golden oriole, avocet and spoonbill make the Lauwersmeer their temporary resting place or decide to stay there. So there is plenty to spot during a walk through National park Lauwersmeer. Bring your binoculars, download our bird map and climb the various watchtowers in the area. You can also set off with one of the foresters of the Lauwersmeer area. They know the different bird species flying around here like no other. And if you are really lucky, you might even spot a white-tailed eagle.
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Visserijmuseum Zoutkamp
On the old inner harbour in Zoutkamp, dive into the village's history at the Fisheries Museum. From old fishing tools to ship models and navigation instruments, the museum gives a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen who worked on the Wadden Sea for generations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of Zoutkamp's fishing community, learn about fishing techniques and traditions, and experience the unique culture of this historic fishing village. Sniff the smell of fish, tar, wood and diesel and step back in time for a moment. And don't forget to get a version portion of fish in the village afterwards, for example at Palingrokerij Postma.
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Sunset at the Wadden Tribune
At the Hoek van de Bant you will find the Wadden Tribune. Here you have the best view of World Heritage Site the Wadden Sea. You can stay here all day watching one of the world's largest tidal areas. This is because the view you have in the morning is very different from the view in the evening. This is because of the rhythm of the sea. Personally, we recommend ending the day here and enjoying the magical sunset.
Lauwersmeer Circuit
Walking or cycling around Lauwersmeer gives you a good sense of the charm of this area. On this 42-kilometre route, you’ll pass through both Groningen and Friesland. With your stamp card in hand, you can collect a stamp in every village from one of the gastronomic, recreational or cultural businesses affiliated with the route. The stamp card also entitles you to great discounts at numerous businesses along the route.
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Food & drink
Indulge yourself at Herberg-Restaurant Molenrij. Here, they prepare dishes with love for the sea and the Groningen countryside. Seasonal produce and local delicacies are combined into creative dishes here. Or dine at De Gouden Stek, which is located atop the old sea dyke. Besides enjoying the delicious food on the menu here, you can also dream away at the beautiful view over the Lauwersmeer.
Accommodation
At Bed & Breakfast D'Olle Pastorie in Vierhuizen, you can not only spend a lovely night, you can also relax in the sauna. Settle down here after a day of walking through nature near the Lauwersmeer and let the warmth soak into your muscles. At Logement Doosje, you can also relax to the max. Here they have luxurious rooms and you can enjoy a course menu in the evening. You can even book a 'pampering package' if you really want to let yourself be pampered.
Other tips in the Lauwersmeer area
A little further on
Besides the activities directly around Lauwersmeer, there are other trips you can easily take from the area. For example, follow the smell of spicy tea aromas to the Tea Factory in Houwerszijl. Here you can immerse yourself in everything about tea at the only tea museum in the Netherlands or indulge in the tea shop. Of course, you can also taste tea in the atmospheric tearoom. They have a tea menu here with a choice of more than 300 tea varieties. Or seek enlightenment in the Bonifatiuskapel in Dokkum. This Roman Catholic pilgrimage chapel is a memorial to Boniface who was murdered near Dokkum in 754. You can also visit Openluchtmuseum Het Hoogeland. Here the past comes to life and you can look inside twenty old buildings. Living rooms, bedrooms and workshops are decorated with such an eye for detail that it seems as if the residents are away for a while.
