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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Schreiershoek recreation and vacation park
Schreiershoek recreation and vacation park
Vacation park the Schreiershoek is located on the outskirts of Dokkum. The small-scale park offers several vacation homes,...
Tichelwei 32 P
9125 EB Oostrum -
'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 -
Eethuis de Waegh
Eethuis de Waegh
Welkom op de website van Eethuis "De Waegh", waar u terecht kunt zowel voor een kopje koffie als voor een lekkere lunch of...
Grote Breedstraat 1
9101 KH Dokkum -
Vishandel Sterkenburg
Vishandel Sterkenburg
Sinds 1975 is Vishandel Sterkenburg gevestigd aan de visserijhaven te Lauwersoog. Lauwersoog is gelegen in het prachtige...
Haven 9
9976 VN Lauwersoog -
Natuurlijk Kollumeroord Groepsaccommodatie 't Rif
Natuurlijk Kollumeroord Groepsaccommodatie 't Rif
Gelegen in het Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer, in het noorden van Friesland, vind je deze bijzondere vakantiewoning, 't Rif,...
Slikweg 2
9293 MJ Kollumerpomp -
Camperplaces en cabins LauwersmeerPlezier!
Camperplaces en cabins LauwersmeerPlezier!
30, Kustweg 30
9976 VP Lauwersoog -
Kleurige huisjes Zoutkamp
Kleurige huisjes Zoutkamp
Aan het einde van de Reitdiepskade staan prachtig gekleurde huisjes. Je waant je bijna in Scandinavië. In de loodsen zitten...
Reitdiepskade 21
9974 PJ Zoutkamp -
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
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