National Park Lauwersmeer
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On the edge of salt and fresh water
Lauwersmeer Lake National Park is a unique landscape located on the edge of salt and fresh water. It's also the youngest landscape along the Wadden coast at just a little more than half a century old. A wonderful area to stroll around in during the day but maybe even more spectacular in the darkness of night. It's no coincidence that it's one of the two Dark Sky Parks in the Netherlands.
fresh and salty
Despite strong protests from the Groningen side of Lauwersmeer Lake, in particular the Zoutkamper fishermen, the estuary was finally closed off from the Wadden Sea permanently in 1969 after centuries of planning. Right after it was closed off the former Lauwerszee Sea looked just like the Wadden Sea at low tide. Winding gullies and creeks formed on the salty seabed. Because no more salt water flowed in and both Groningen and Friesland discharged fresh water into the area, it became a new freshwater lake within a few short months. This is how a freshwater lake was created in an otherwise saline environment.
When the salt had been removed from the seabed, grasslands, winter barley, rye and around 350 hectares of forest were created. The result is a diverse, open landscape that attracts vast numbers of birds, even sea eagles. Large grazers roam the area, keeping it open. Without them the Lauwersmeer area would turn into a swamp forest in no time at all.
Rugged nature and agriculture
There are also around 250 Konik horses in the area. The Scottish Highland cattle graze happily here and with their rugged appearance they fit in perfectly with the landscape. Very photogenic, especially the fluffy calves in the spring. But make sure to keep your distance, for your own safety and theirs'. Petting or feeding the Konik horses can lead to aggression or dangerous, pushy behaviour, which could make them unsuitable for nature management.
In addition to areas where nature more or less has free rein, agricultural land also surrounds Lauwersmeer Lake. Farmers grow their crops on a so-called freshwater lens that floats above the more salty groundwater. Climate-proofed agriculture experiments are carried out to ensure a future for the farmers. Experimental farm Kollumerwaard is one of them. The patchwork quilt of fields discloses that this is no 'ordinary' farmland.
Cycleroute: A trip around Lauwersmeer Lake
Cycling in the impressive and beautiful nature around the Lauwersmeer. This bicycle route in the northern border region of Groningen and Friesland takes you through the unique and beautiful landscape of the National Park Lauwersmeer.
Distance: 48,4 kilometers | Length: 2 hours and 20 minutes
View the route
Discover more? - The nicest locations near National park Lauwersmeer
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Restaurette Schierzicht
Restaurette Schierzicht
Bij Schierzicht ben je altijd welkom. Of je nou komt voor een kopje koffie, een vers gebakken visje of een Hollandse nieuwe,...
Haven 8
9976 VN Lauwersoog -
Toxopeus op de dijk
Toxopeus op de dijk
Boven op de oude zeedijk van de voormalige Lauwerzee in Oostmahorn, ligt het Lauwersmeerpaviljoen Toxopeus op de dijk. In...
Oostmahorn 29
9133 DT Anjum -
Vissershuisjes Zoutkamp
Vissershuisjes Zoutkamp
Ooit was Zoutkamp de ‘gateway’ naar Groningen. Voor schepen was de doorgang via de Lauwerszee de enige route vanaf zee om...
Reitdiepskade 21
9974 PJ Zoutkamp -
LAUWERSOOG CAMPSITE AND RECREATION CENTRE
LAUWERSOOG CAMPSITE AND RECREATION CENTRE
Strandweg 1
9976 VS Lauwersoog -
't Ailand Lauwersoog
't Ailand Lauwersoog
Here you can taste the fresh catch of local fishermen, while you look out over the harbor and the Waddensea. Sniff the fresh...
Haven 49 A
9976 VN Lauwersoog -
Activiteitencentrum Lauwersnest
Activiteitencentrum Lauwersnest
Activiteitencentrum Lauwersnest van Staatsbosbeheer ligt midden in Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer en is het ideale startpunt...
Lauwersnest
De Rug 1
9976 VT Lauwersoog -
Palingrokerij Postma
Palingrokerij Postma
Palingrokerij Postma is dé viswinkel in Zoutkamp. Hier kan je heerlijke vis kopen of ter plekke een lekker visje eten.
Reitdiepskade 16
9974 PJ Zoutkamp -
Hotel Restaurant Wad Oars
Hotel Restaurant Wad Oars
Wad Oars staat voor een aangenaam andere manier van overnachten, eten en beleven.
De Singel 5
9133NH Anjum
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