Lauwersoog, Engwierum and Zoutkamp

The Dutch have been battling the rising water for centuries. Dykes, gullies, canals, denominations and lakes are no exception in the flat Dutch landscape. One of those lakes was created in May of 1969 when the Lauwerszee was closed off: the Lauwersmeer, which is located on the border of Groningen and Friesland. Lauwersmeer National Park is a vast landscape, where many different, sometimes rare animals and plants live. Many birds come to rest on and around the water, from geese, ducks and barbies to meadow birds that build their nests further inland. Because nature often takes its own course in National Park Lauwersmeer, trees and shrubs devastate the landscape. In this way, the area gradually closes up and a swamp-like forest is created. The growth of this forest is at the expense of the various animal species, so the area is mowed and cut down annually. For example, it can happen that you suddenly come face to face with Scottish highlanders or Konik horses, they graze freely in the landscape.