Lauwersmeer National Park, National park and Dark Sky Park in Friesland and Groningen, Netherlands.
Lauwersmeer is a protected area straddling Friesland and Groningen, composed of freshwater lakes, marshes, and sandy dunes. The open landscape is bounded by dikes and provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds.
Before 1969, this was a North Sea inlet until a dike cut off saltwater and freshwater gradually took over. Its transformation into a national park in 2003 acknowledged its value as a nature reserve.
The park serves as a crucial stopover for migratory waterfowl and other birds seeking shelter and food. Visitors can see how bird populations shift noticeably throughout the year.
The best time for observation is in spring and autumn when migratory birds are present in large numbers. Fixed trails run through the area, but weather is often windy and changeable.
The area is officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making clear nighttime skies free from light pollution possible. On clear nights, the Milky Way shines in full brightness above the flat landscape.
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