Lauwersoog is situated on the edge of the impressive Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even in winter, the mudflats create a unique backdrop for oyster or mudflat walks, allowing you to experience the winter silence and rugged beauty of the Wadden Sea. Wrapped up warmly, guided tours provide insights into the unique flora and fauna, and during an oyster walk, you can enjoy oysters straight from the sea.

The Lauwersmeer National Park extends before the gates of Lauwersoog. In 1969, a dike was built at the point where fresh and saltwater mixed in the former Lauwerszee, out of fear of flooding. This marked the beginning of a unique nature reserve, the Lauwersmeer. Today, Lauwersmeer National Park is one of the most important bird areas in Europe. The open landscapes and the Wadden Sea provide ideal conditions for observing migratory birds that like to spend the winter here. They can also be seen during walks and bike rides through the winter landscape. An overview of all bird observation huts can be found on this website.

In addition to the abundant flora and fauna, the Lauwersmeer area offers something unique in the Netherlands: a Dark Sky Park. A place that provides ideal conditions for stargazing without light pollution. Grab warm blankets and a thermos and venture out on a clear night to explore the national park, where you can observe not only stars but also the nocturnal activities of the animal world. There are four places in the park where you can get a particularly good view of the night sky: at the Lauwersnest activity center, from the Achter de Zwarten platform (near Suyderoogh), from the Vlinderbalg platform (on the beach path), and from the Zoutkamerplaat platform (on the bike path).

If you want to enjoy fresh fish during your stay, visit the fishing village of Zoutkamp, where fishing has been practiced since the late Middle Ages. Until the dike was built in 1969, Zoutkamp was located on the Lauwerszee, and the village flourished, especially in crab fishing. Stroll through the harbor, reminiscent of Scandinavia with its colorful wooden houses, and stop at one of the cozy restaurants to taste fish and seafood with a view of the anchored fishing boats.

The historic center of the fortified town of Dokkum transforms into a fairy-tale setting with festive lighting in the run-up to Christmas. The annual Christmas market Kerstfair Dokkum is a highlight where visitors can immerse themselves in the time of Charles Dickens and enjoy local craftsmanship, culinary specialties, and a festive atmosphere.

Dokkum also has plenty to offer on the culinary front: have a coffee or lunch at Koffiebar KNUS and treat yourself to a Bonifatius beer at Stadsbrouwerij Bonifatius 754.

Just a 40-minute drive from Lauwersoog is the city of Groningen, self-proclaimed as the "winter city," impressing with its historical flair and vibrant cultural program. In the run-up to Christmas, the city dresses up in its most beautiful winter attire, with the Gastrobar DOT in the center, featuring the world's largest Christmas bauble with a diameter of 26 meters.

From December 13 to 15, the "WinterWelVaart" Christmas market spreads winter magic on land and aboard historic ships. Stroll through the beautiful city center, browse the boutiques, or visit the highly recommended Groninger Museum.

And where better to warm up with a hot chocolate than at the CHOC Café, offering 60 different flavors of hot chocolate! You can enjoy delicious food in Groningen at Restaurant Bisque and Achterwerk.

The perfect conclusion to a day in Groningen during the winter months is a candlelight boat trip through the picturesque canals, where mulled wine and oliebollen (fried dough balls) are a must.

The quiet winter months are perfect for a wellness break, where you can give your body and mind some rest and recharge your batteries. Book a Baayvilla with a jacuzzi or sauna and relax with a view of the Lauwersmeer. For a relaxing spa day with massages, beauty treatments, and a selection of saunas, we recommend Thermen & Beauty LeeuwerikHoeve, a 30-minute drive away.