Wandering in the night. Who dares? Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer is one of the darkest places on earth. Nowhere else in the Netherlands is the darkness so dark and the silence so silent. Here you can take a peaceful nighttime stroll with the ranger, hear the nocturnal animals awaken, and count stars until you lose track. Those who are exceptionally lucky, and brave the darkness at the right moment, might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. One way or another, your senses are sharpened here!
Real darkness is rare
In the Western world, it's almost never truly dark anymore. Fortunately, you can experience the pitch-black night on the edge of the Wadden Sea World Heritage, in the Lauwersmeer National Park. Here, in the Dark Sky Park, you can see the Milky Way and an astonishing number of stars.
Explore the park on your own or join a tour with the ranger. There are various routes that take you through the dead of night. On the lookout towers, specially designed for studying the starry sky, you can lean back and daydream about the vastness of the universe. How many stars can you count and recognize?
Points of Light in the Darkness
Wandering along the darkest bike path in the Netherlands in the Kollumerwaard, you can enjoy the lights of Zoutkamp and the city of Groningen. Another stunning view can be found from the Strandweg along the Zoutkamperril. Here you can overlook the illuminated area of the fishing harbor. And when you turn around, you see the Willem Lodewijk van Nassau Barracks and the Vierhuizen mill. A true nighttime picture!
Also, pay a visit to Lauwersoog and walk through the deserted harbor, along the black water. The trips through the Ballastplaatbos and along the Nije Faert near Esonstad also lead you along the dark water.
Furthermore, you can perfectly experience the darkness on the Frisian side of the Lauwersmeer. Start at Observation Point Ezumakeeg North and walk along the grasslands and the water. If you look very closely, you can see the light of the gas flame of Oostmahorn in the distance.
Get to know sustainable fishing
Most recreational entrepreneurs in Lauwersmeer National Park are exceptionally well-informed about the area's specifics and are happy to share their knowledge with you. You can recognize them by the plaque 'Host National Park Lauwersmeer'. For example, at Fish Restaurant 't Ailand, you can get to know sustainable fishing in the Wadden Sea. Attend a workshop, join a fishing trip, or dine at the restaurant; it's all possible here in a sustainable way!
An important duo: darkness and nature
Lauwersmeer National Park is a dark haven for many animals. They emerge from their hiding or sleeping places in the dark to search for food or to quietly wander around. The bat, the quintessential nocturnal animal, finds an excellent home here in winter. In the fall, you can explore for bats together with the ranger. During the excursion, you capture signals emitted by bats using a special device, the bat detector, and you can distinguish different species. The absence of artificial light is of great importance to these animals and the rest of the park. Here, like the bat, you can cherish the darkness.
Starting at the beginning
The starting point for a visit to Lauwersmeer National Park is the Activity Center Lauwersnest. Here you will find various information about the area and can unravel the secrets of the night. With just a few steps, you are in the midst of nature from the Lauwersnest, and there are various routes you can follow. So don't be afraid to leave the nest, there is plenty to see and experience.