Lauwersmeer National Park (Border Area)

The Lauwersmeer National Park is on the mainland, on the border between Groningen and Friesland, and it is a natural stop for visitors travelling between the Wadden Islands and the rest of the country. The park is not on Terschelling, which is reached by ferry from Harlingen, but it is the departure point for ferries to Schiermonnikoog, from the harbour at Lauwersoog, so travellers heading to that island often pass through it. For anyone staying on the islands, it is a worthwhile mainland excursion.

The park was created by a dam. In 1969, the Lauwerszee, a sea inlet, was closed off from the Wadden Sea to improve flood protection, and the former seabed became a freshwater lake with a surrounding landscape of reeds, grassland, scrub and small woods. Left largely to nature, it has developed into a wild area, and it became a national park in 2003. The mix of water and land makes it one of the richest bird areas in the Netherlands.

The birds are the highlight. More than a hundred species breed here, including spoonbills, avocets and stilts, sea eagles hunt over the reeds, and in autumn and winter huge numbers of geese arrive, including tens of thousands of barnacle geese that feed on the grasslands and fly in noisy formations at dusk. Konik horses and Highland cattle graze the grassland to keep it open, and foxes and orchids add to the variety. Walking and cycling routes cross the park, with bird hides and observation towers, and the open skies make it excellent for photography. In summer, there are recreational beaches around Lauwersoog where visitors can swim and enjoy the water, and watersports are available.

There are other things to combine with a visit. At Pieterburen, not far from the park, a seal crèche cares for sick and orphaned seals, and it is a well known attraction, and walking tours across the Wadden Sea mudflats leave from this stretch of coast, led by guides who know the tides. Lauwersoog has a harbour and fish restaurants, and the Dark Sky designation makes the park good for stargazing. The park can be reached by car on the N361 or by public transport from Groningen and Leeuwarden, with buses of limited frequency.

The park suits birdwatchers, cyclists, photographers and travellers on their way to the islands. Plan a half-day or a full day, check the ferry timetable if you are crossing, and bring binoculars and waterproof clothing.