Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer

Wide skies and dark nights

Lauwersmeer is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you genuinely feel that the sky is bigger than the land. The former tidal inlet, closed off by the Lauwerszeedijk in 1969, is now a mosaic of shallow lakes, reed marshes, exposed tidal flats and open grassland. For a landscape photographer, that is a gift. There is always a stretch of water reflecting the sky, a post leaning crookedly in the reeds, or a group of geese taking flight at exactly the wrong moment.

The area around Lauwersoog gives you direct access to both the lake and the Wadden Sea. On one side the enclosed world of reeds and scrub, on the other the absolute openness of the Waddenzee. Those contrasts are what make this area so versatile.

Light and season

Fall is the strongest season here. October and November bring dramatic skies, large numbers of migrating birds and a quality of light that is simply absent in summer. The low sun strikes the water at an angle and casts long shadows into the reeds. Getting up early pays off: morning mist lifts slowly above the lake, and if you are lucky there is no wind.

In summer the area is busier and the light harsher, but opportunities still exist, particularly in the early morning before the day visitors arrive.

Astrophotography in a Dark Sky Park

Lauwersmeer is officially recognized as a Dark Sky Park, one of the darkest locations in the Netherlands. On clear nights in fall or winter the Milky Way is visible, and the horizon is low and unobstructed in every direction. For astrophotography it is best to find a spot away from the parking lots at Lauwersoog itself, as those have some lighting. Drive a little further into the park, towards Zoutkamp or the inner dikes. Use a focal length of 14 to 24mm, start around ISO 3200, and keep your exposure to twenty to 25 seconds to avoid star trails.

Wildlife and composition

The area is home to spoonbills, marsh harriers, wigeons and, in winter, large flocks of white-fronted geese and brent geese. A long telephoto lens, at least 400mm, is not a luxury here. But even with a 70-200mm you can make strong images if you are patient and stay low to the ground. Birds will grow accustomed to a calm photographer who does not suddenly stand up.

For landscape work a wide-angle lens works well when the sky is interesting. When the sky is flat and gray, look for details instead: a reedbed, a reflection in a pool, or the texture of exposed tidal mud.

Practical

You can park at the harbor in Lauwersoog, free of charge and with plenty of space. From there you walk straight into the park along marked routes. The area is freely accessible, but stick to the designated paths during the breeding season from April through July. Sturdy waterproof boots are not a luxury, especially after rainy spells. Mobile coverage is patchy, so download the map before you go.

Sources and further reading

• Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer (officiële site)
• Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer, Staatsbosbeheer
• Waddenzee Werelderfgoed
• Wikipedia: Lauwersmeer