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Man and woman sitting on wooden bench in the water Lauwersmeer
© Marleen Annema via VisitWadden
Category:Explore the Dutch national parks

Lauwersmeer National Park

Lauwersmeer National Park is located along the edge of the Wadden Sea, wedged between Friesland and Groningen. It is a unique nature reserve created when the Lauwerszee was closed off in 1969. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and more than 100 different bird species. Besides various water activities and hiking and cycling routes, you can also admire beautiful starry skies here thanks to the area's official Dark Sky status.

  • Lauwersmeer National Park is well known for its huge wealth of birds.
  • Spot the imposing sea eagle from one of the bird watching sites.
  • Lauwersmeer National Park is a beautiful nature reserve covering 6,000 hectares.
Address:
De Rug 1
9976VT Lauwersoog
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From Lauwerszee to Lauwersmeer

Lauwersmeer was created after the Lauwerszee was closed off from the Wadden Sea to prevent flooding. This turned the former seabed into a freshwater lake with extensive reed beds, grasslands and marshlands. This dynamic landscape attracts many different bird species and is an important breeding ground. Nature conservation is a priority at Lauwersmeer National Park. Grazers such as Konik horses and Highland cattle ensure the grasslands remain open, which is essential for biodiversity.

Huge numbers of birds

Lauwersmeer National Park covers an area of about 6,000 hectares with a lot of open water, rugged grasslands, deciduous forests, orchid fields, shallow waterways and wide reed beds. The area is best known for its rich birdlife, with more than 100 species such as the marsh harrier and bittern. Every year, thousands of waders visit the area during their long migrations. In winter, thousands of geese stay here and the imposing bald eagle is also a regular visitor. Different vantage points and bird watching facilities make it possible to observe the birds as they go about their business without disturbing them.

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On foot, by bike and by boat

Couple on bikes looking out over Lauwersmeer
© Marleen Annema via Visit Wadden

Explore the Lauwersmeer National Park on foot or by bike. There are routes of varying distances, to delight both the nature lover and the sports enthusiast. There are also several cycling routes through the park. In addition to walking and cycling, the area offers a great selection of water-based recreational options. Head out on the beautiful waters of Lauwersmeer National Park and go canoeing, surfing or boating.

Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer  

© Marcel van Kammen via Merk Fryslan

National Park is one of the world's Dark Sky parks. At these parks, it is really dark at night and visitors are welcome to experience the darkness and watch the stars. A Dark Sky Park in Holland is special because Holland is one of the world's most light-polluted nations. Around the Lauwersmeer National Park, you will find many places appropriate for a weekend of camping out in the nature. 

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