The sun shines its warm rays across the flat Groningen landscape. The Scottish Highlander who looks stoically at me has found a small spot to stand on. He is not only looking at me, but also at the water behind me, the Lauwersmeer. Another creation of the Dutch water management kings. We are dredging up some of the sediment. It is the very reason Lauwersoog exists. The former working island that has now become a village. An atypical village, as I described earlier during my visit to Lauwersoog. Visit to Lauwersoog in 2022. But one located in one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Netherlands. Cycling from Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh is a real treat.
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A tour of the Lauwersmeer as a warm-up
Not only one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, but also the place where Landal has a beautiful accommodation. For our twelve months, twelve provinces, twelve parks tour, we have ended up at Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh. This park is strategically located almost right on the lake. From here it’s a wonderful way to warm up before going for a nice round of the Lauwersmeer. With just under fifty kilometers to go, you have a lovely ride to start a nice weekend with.
Early birds
The alarm clock rings at just 06:15 when we pack our bikes on Saturday morning. The evening before was completely rainy. Sometimes you have a little more luck than other days. But on the Saturday of our stay it is a radiant day. You can still feel the freshness in the air. It’s like leaving with sleeves rolled up. The wind blows a light breeze. A perfect start to the day. We head for this round of Lauwersmeer towards Zoutkamp, one of the most beautiful villages in the area. So we drive clockwise. From the Landal holiday park you basically enter the Lauwersmeer National Park right away. So on this early morning we meet a Scottish highland cow, but we also see many birds flying by.
Zoutkamp is the most beautiful
Zoutkamp is one of the most beautiful villages in the north. A beautiful old center, a nice church, and the characteristic fishermen’s houses. Because again: the Lauwersmeer was once the way to the Wadden Sea. Here you see little activity in the morning. It is, however, a kind of crossroads. From here you can head towards the Frisian side of the lake, or you stay more in Groningen. The provincial border runs right past the village. This time I choose the pompenbelden and head towards Kollumerpomp and Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. What’s in a name. You slalom here between the animals, but also through the horse palms. That’s going to be a bit of a struggle. With me on this ride only a lone photographer who captures the nature on the sensitive plate.
Playing with the wind
It’s always a good idea to be careful with the wind here. It always blows a little stronger along the coast, and when you start with the wind in your back, it’s a tough ride back. In this case, it blows gently in the morning and we drive along the ferry services and the harbor with a light breeze. The village of Lauwersoog lacks a real center, but there is plenty of activity at the harbor. If you have time, stop by ’t Ailand for a good story and some local treats. Don’t forget to try the oysters here too. When Jan is there, he opens them for you. Otherwise, you’ll have to do it with the stories (and open them yourself). From here it’s only a few kilometers to the park. A beautiful route to take. Bonus: You’ll also drive through two provinces!
Direction to Groningen
The next route I’m taking is towards the flat Groningen countryside. The vastness and proximity of the 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 I can’t fit them all on one hand. Through Winsum, Baflo and Westernieland I end up in Pieterburen. There are very few villages here that are more well-known than this one. This is where the Pieterpad starts. You also see many hikers who are somewhat excited to start their journey to Maastricht. In addition, there is the Sea Otter Center here, where weak animals are cared for to be released again. Lenie ’t Hart will be connected to this center forever. The passion of this lady for animal suffering is still something I remember.
Even nice to be Wongen
If you’d rather not end up in the touristy Pieterburen, you continue on via Kloosterburen towards Hornhuizen. There’s also a beautiful church here, on the central square. I’m a fan of places like this; you’ll run into someone here again. Earlier on the route, I meet an elderly couple who are enjoying cruising through Friesland and Groningen. They’re also going past the churches. As it turns out, we almost live next door to each other. This kind of encounter is more common here, which is why I like to visit the churches and places like this. A perfect place to see the spectacle and the people is Wongema. You can really Wongen here, as they say. I have no idea what it is, but it feels familiar.
Accommodation at Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh
The accommodations at Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh are recognizable. They are the typical white houses that you also find at other Landal parks. We were assigned house 290, with a nice spot by one of the ponds. The house is suitable for 6 people and has a nice green area around it. Inside there is everything you need and there is even an indoor storage room so you can easily store your bike. The park has many facilities aimed at families. There is a swimming pool, mini golf, bowling, tennis courts and outdoor play areas. The park is spacious and you have all the opportunities to explore the surroundings. It is a few kilometers from Lauwersoog and a few kilometers from Zoutkamp.
Questions & tips
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