The sun shines its warm rays across the flat Groningen countryside. The Scottish Highlander looking at me stoically has found a small bump to stand on. He looks not only at me, but also at the water behind me, the Lauwersmeer. Another creation of the Dutch kings of water management. We polder a bit. It is the reason why Lauwersoog exists. The former working island that has now become a village. An a-typical village, as I described earlier during my visit to Lauwersoog in 2022. But one located on one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. Cycling from Landal GreenParks Natuurdorp Suyderoogh is enjoyment.
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Round Lauwersmeer as a warm-up
Not only one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, but also the place where Landal GreenParks has wonderful accommodation. For our 12 months, 12 provinces, 12 parks tour, we have arrived at Landal Greenparks Nature Resort Suyderoogh. This park is strategically located almost against the lake. From here, it's a lovely warm-up for a nice round of Lauwersmeer. With just under fifty kilometres in front of the wheels, you have a lovely ride to start a great weekend.
Early birds
The alarm clock shows a tight 06:15 when we grab our bikes on Saturday morning. The night before has been completely rained out. Sometimes you get a little luckier than other days. But on the Saturday of our stay, it is a bright day. You can still feel a bit of the freshness in the air. It's just about leaving with sleeve pads. The wind is blowing a light breeze. A perfect start to the day. We set off for this round of Lauwersmeer towards Zoutkamp, one of the prettiest villages in the area. So we drive clockwise. From the Landal holiday park you actually drive straight into the Lauwersmeer national park. So on this early morning we meet a Scottish Highlander, but also see many birds flying by.
Zoutkamp is the most beautiful
Zoutkamp is one of the most beautiful villages in the north. A lovely old centre, a nice little church and the characteristic fishermen's cottages. Because again: the Lauwersmeer was once the road to the Wadden Sea. Here you see little activity in the morning. It is a kind of crossroads, though. From here you can either head towards the Frisian side of the lake, or stay more in Groningen. The provincial border runs just past the village. This time I opt for the pompebleden and head towards Kollumerpomp and Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. What's in a name. You slalom between animals here, but also between horse droppings. That will be polishing. With me on this ride only a lone photographer capturing nature on film.
Playing with the wind
It is always careful here with the wind. It always blows harder at the coast and if you start with a tailwind, you have a tough ride back. In this case, it still blows kindly in the morning and we roll past the ferry services and the harbour at Lauwersoog with a light breeze. The village of Lauwersoog lacks a real centre, but there is plenty of activity at the port. If you have time, stop at 't Ailand, for a good story and some local goodies. Don't forget to taste the oysters here, too. If Jan is there, he will open them for you. Otherwise, you'll just have to make do with the stories (and open them yourself). From here it is a few kilometres to the park. A beautiful round trip to make. Bonus: you also drive through two provinces!
Direction Groningen
The next route I take is towards the flat Groningen countryside. The vastness and proximity to water make this a magical area. The villages with their churches are worth a visit in themselves. On my route, I count so many that there is no room left on one hand. Via Winsum, Baflo and Westernieland, I finally end up in Pieterburen. Few villages here have more name recognition than this one. This is where the Pieterpad starts. So you see many hikers who are somewhat excited to start their journey to Maastricht. In addition, the seal centre is here, where weak animals are cared for and released again. Lenie 't Hart will forever be associated with this centre. This lady's enthusiasm for animal suffering is still something I remember.
Just as nice Wongen
If you'd rather not end up in touristy Pieterburen, head further towards Hornhuizen via Kloosterburen. There is a lovely little church here too, in the central square. I'm a fan of places like this, this is where you meet someone. Earlier on the route, I meet an older couple who are boating through Friesland and Groningen. They too pass by the little churches. What turns out to be the case? We practically live around the corner from each other. You meet people like this more often here, which is why I like to visit churches and squares like this. An ideal place to watch the spectacle and the people is Wongema. There you can enjoy Wongen, as they say it themselves. What it is, no idea, but it does feel familiar.
Accommodation at Landal GreenParks Natuurdorp Suyderoogh
The accommodation at Landal GreenParks Natuurdorp Suyderoogh is recognisable. They are the typical white cottages that you also see at other Landal GreenParks parks. We are assigned cottage 290, with a lovely spot by one of the lakes. The cottage is suitable for 6 people and has a nice patch of green around it. Inside is everything you need and there is even an indoor storage room, so you can easily put your bike away. At the park, you'll find mostly family-oriented facilities. There is a swimming pool, mini golf, bowling, tennis courts and outdoor play areas The park is spacious and you have every opportunity to explore the area. You're a few kilometres from Lauwersoog and a few kilometres from Zoutkamp.
