Discover true darkness at Lauwersmeer National Park, where the absence of city lights reveals a breathtaking night sky. On clear nights, you may even spot the Milky Way. This Dark Sky Park offers a rare chance to disconnect from artificial light and reconnect with nature. Whether you are a stargazing enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable nighttime experience, this park is a fantastic destination.
The Dark sky park: Exploring the Darkness
The Dutch forestry organization Staatsbosbeheer hosts various guided excursions at Lauwersmeer National Park, helping visitors experience the beauty of the night. These include activities like moth observation, constellation spotting, full moon walks, and meteor shower events.
I joined a guided night walk to truly experience darkness. Led by an expert ranger, our small group walked about 1.5 kilometers along unlit paths. At first, the darkness felt overwhelming, but after a short while, my vision adapted, allowing me to see much more than expected. Sounds also became clearer, making the experience even more immersive. The guide shared fascinating insights about the night and its wildlife. Several times, we paused to listen to the sounds around us, making the experience even more magical. While it may feel eerie at first, embracing the darkness without using a flashlight enhances the adventure.
If you visit the Netherlands, be sure to add Lauwersmeer to your itinerary—you may even witness a meteor shower! Check the Lauwersnest Activities Center calendar for upcoming events.
What Makes a Dark Sky Park Special?
Lauwersmeer National Park has been an official Dark Sky Park since 2016, a designation given by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). This status is awarded to places with minimal light pollution, ensuring visitors can experience the night sky in its natural state.
There are only a few dozen Dark Sky Parks worldwide, including famous locations such as Death Valley and the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The Netherlands, known for its high levels of light pollution, has only two such parks—Lauwersmeer and Boschplaat on Terschelling—making them unique spots for stargazing.
Raising Awareness About Light Pollution
While pollution of air, water, and land is widely recognized, artificial light can also be a form of pollution. Light pollution disrupts wildlife, affects human health, wastes energy, and obscures our view of the stars. For example, excessive lighting can confuse migratory birds, leading to exhaustion or fatal collisions with buildings.
Every October, the Netherlands hosts the ‘Nacht van de Nacht’ (Night of the Night) to highlight the issue of light pollution. During this event, businesses and municipalities switch off their lights, and special activities take place, such as nighttime nature walks, boat tours, and dining in complete darkness.
The Natural Beauty of Lauwersmeer National Park
Lauwersmeer was once a sea inlet, reformed by a flood in 1280. Over time, land reclamation efforts led to the creation of a dam in 1969, transforming the area into a freshwater lake. The resulting landscape became a haven for wildlife, and in 2003, Lauwersmeer was designated a National Park.
Situated between the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, this park is home to diverse plant and animal life, including over 100 bird species. Birdwatchers can spot seabirds, waders, waterfowl, birds of prey, and many migratory species. Spring and autumn are particularly exciting, as birds traveling between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering sites stop here to rest and refuel.
During the day, the park offers scenic hiking trails, birdwatching huts, and stunning viewpoints. Trails range from short walks to longer routes of up to 43 kilometers (more info). The Lauwersnest Activities Center provides information, and guided tours are available for those who want expert insights into the area’s natural beauty.
Top Locations for Stargazing
Lauwersmeer National Park is about a 45-minute drive from Groningen or Leeuwarden. From Groningen, take the N361 to Lauwersoog. From Leeuwarden, follow the N355 and N361. Public transport options, including buses from the train stations in Groningen and Leeuwarden, can also take you to Lauwersoog. Check the latest travel information public transportation.
For the best stargazing experience, visit these key spots:
- Lauwersnest Activities Center
- Note: Opening hours vary, so check their their website before visiting.
- Address: De Rug 1, 9976 VT Lauwersoog / +31 (0) 519-345145 / lauwersmeer@staatsbosbeheer.nl.
- Sky Platform Achter de Zwarten (past Suyderoogh)
- Note: Only accessible on foot from the Suyderoogh parking lot.
- Address: De Rug 3255, 9976 VT Lauwersoog.
- Vlinderbalg Sky Platform (on Strandweg)
- Address: N361, 9976 Lauwersoog.
Tips for Your Visit
Planning a trip to Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer? Keep these tips in mind:
- Check the weather: A clear sky is essential for the best stargazing experience.
- Dress warmly: Even in summer, nighttime temperatures can drop.
- Visit during a new moon: The darker the sky, the more stars you’ll see.
- Check pet policies: Some trails do not allow dogs, especially where livestock graze or birds nest. However, there are designated areas where dogs can run freely.
For additional details, consult the park’s official resources before your visit.
Image sources
*Featured image is created with AI: https://automattic.com/ai-guidelines/
*Under the starry sky image is created by egil sjøholt, downloaded on 20-03-2025 through this website: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photography-of-person-under-starry-sky-1906658/