アハトカルスペレンの天然記念物・トップ19

The Zomerhuisbos viewpoint offers a great view of the Lauwersmeer lake landscape.

An Eldorado for waterfowl

The Freulevijver, located in the Oude Bos between Wijnjewoude and Bakkeveen, is an idyllic and historic place. The forest was created around 1880 by the noble family Lycklama à Nijeholt as a private park and production forest. The pond was created by a dike breach of the nearby Koningdiep, and was enlarged around 1900 by Jonkvrouw Eritia Lycklama à Nijeholt. Although the original tea house and boathouse have disappeared, the location remains a beautiful spot for a picnic, with a natural gazebo that is reminiscent of the former charm of the place.

bench with a view

Lovely place to rest for a while, especially when the rhododendron is in bloom

Flora and fauna The park is home to a variety of orchids, marsh marigolds and wild roses. The open areas are protected from overgrowth by grazing Scottish Highland cattle. In addition to the cattle, a population of Konik horses has also been established in the national park. The national park is an important resting place for migratory birds on their journeys. In addition to common waterfowl such as geese and ducks, rarer species such as the kingfisher or birds of prey such as sea eagles and peregrine falcons can also be observed. Flamingos have also been spotted in the national park.

Geography The Lauwerszee, an inlet named after the river Lauwers, used to be open to the Wadden Sea. After the storm surge of 1953, fears of flooding led to plans for a dam, which was completed in 1969. The inlet became a closed lake, now called the Lauwersmeer, and the higher seabed (the former mudflats) was drained. The reclaimed land was left completely to itself for the first few years, so that the flora and fauna typical of the area could establish themselves. The area has a predominantly open character, although there is a forest called the Ballastplaatbos near Lauwersoog and the Zomerhuisbos forest area to the south near Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen. Larger areas of the park are not accessible to the public, while the lake is also open to boats in its deeper areas. The shallow lakes and wetlands may not be entered for reasons of landscape protection.

Even if there are no birds to spot for a while, you have a lovely spot here in the silence with a beautiful view.