The Lauwersmeer for the adventurer
A true adventurer will feel right at home around Lauwersmeer. This is the perfect place to race through the countryside, head out onto the rough seas or seek thrills in the dark. Below are a number of activities that really ought to be on your bucket list.
Dark Sky Park
Are you afraid of the dark? Then this is the activity to push your limits. At the Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer, you experience what true darkness is like. And this is unique: there are only two places in the whole of the Netherlands where you can experience ultimate darkness. In fact, the Netherlands is one of the countries with the most light pollution in the world. In fact, our eyes are so used to light that in the Dark Sky Park you need a while to get your eyes used to the darkness. Once you get used to it, you can do some fantastic stargazing. Admire the Milky Way, spot the constellations or look for moths. Stargazing and full-moon excursions are organised several times a year by the Forestry Commission. Keep an eye on the National Park's activity calendar for these. But you can also just go out by yourself. Study the night map as well in advance as possible and leave your mobile phone switched off during the walk so that you can experience this light-free zone to the full.
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Seal expedition
Feel the wind in your hair and stap aboard a boat, sailing through Lauwersoog into the Wadden Sea: the natural habitat of the seal. Go on an expedition to meet these special animals. Along the way, the skipper will inform you about the special UNESCO World Heritage Site. When at sea, you will get close to the exposed sandbanks. Will you spot the difference between the common and the grey seal? For expeditions with a larger boat you can go to Wadop, for an expedition with a smaller group on a rescue boat you have to go to Beleef Lauwersoog.
Water sports
Water sports enthusiasts can indulge themselves in the Lauwersmeer area. Here you can canoe, sail and surf. After all, here you have the perfect combination of shallow water and good wind. Hoek van de Bant, Oostmahorn and the beaches near Lauwersoog and Natuurdorp Suyderoog are designated surf spots. At sailing and surfing school de Lauwer, you can hire equipment or book a sailing or surfing lesson.
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Mountain biking
A mountain bike route of just over 20 kilometres runs straight through the woods. The route is challenging, but as it lies on the bed of the former Lauwerszee, you won’t encounter any steep climbs. Cycle across vast, rugged reed beds and grasslands or race through shallow water. The course features sand dunes and banked bends that you can jump over. A North Shore section has also been built, which is over 300 metres long. You’ll also cycle for a stretch across the military training ground, where you can test your fitness on the tank track. The route is suitable for both beginners and advanced mountain bikers.
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Food & drink
At 't Ailand they eat what the Wad is serving. Here, much of the fish is self-caught. You can also join a wading trip to catch your own food. From shrimps and fish to oysters: you taste it all here. Another place to eat delicious fish is at Palingrokerij Postma in Zoutkamp. In this old fishing village, you will find the characteristic coloured fishermen's houses where the eel is still smoked in person. There is also plenty of other choice in (smoked) fish. It is possible to take a guided tour by appointment.
Accommodation
Really complete your weekend of adventure and go camping in nature. Spend the night at it Dreamlân, for example. Here, you can pitch your own tent on the nature campsite or have a tipi tent put up. There are also tiny houses and holiday homes. Go out in a canoe or roast marshmallows over the fire in the evening. At campsite de Rousant you can camp by the water. At this campsite, you have spacious spots and can choose where to pitch yourself. You can also take one of the pedalos to the campsite's own beach.
Other tips in the Lauwersmeer area
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B&B – Sauna D’Olle Pastorie and holiday home
B&B – Sauna D’Olle Pastorie and holiday home
Holiday cottage
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Restaurant & museumhaven Het Booze Wijf
Restaurant & museumhaven Het Booze Wijf
Restaurant
A little further on
So although you won't be bored around Lauwersmeer, this is also the perfect base for plenty of activities just a little further afield. For instance, you can take several mudflat hiking trips from Pieterburen. You can choose to take a Wandering Tour, but for a real workout, make the crossing to Schiermonnikoog or Ameland. These tours require great stamina. For the most part, they involve walking on sturdy sandbanks, but there are also some obstacles along the way. Think slippery paths in the land reclamation works or mud fields where you sink in up to your knees. Sometimes you may have to go through water up to chest height, with or without the help of a long rope for some extra grip in case of strong flowing water. Slightly less nice weather? The largest indoor climbing park in the Netherlands is a 15-minute drive from Lauwersmeer. At Waddenfun , experienced and novice climbers are in good hands. With 45 bridges and more than 300 metres of ziplines, you can spend an afternoon here. Want to see more of the area in a fun way? Then hire a tuktuk and spend a day touring Groningen and Friesland.
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A weekend at Lauwersmeer for those seeking reflection
A weekend at Lauwersmeer for those seeking reflection
