EXPERIENCE MAP FOR TIPS IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Click at an white icon for a special tip from us!
Hi, I am Olke!
If you like football, let me know because I’ll drop everything to join in! Or going fishing, I like that, or just netting stuff in the water...
In the summer, we sometimes go and look at the cows on Reyer Farm with the kids from the campsite. That’s always good fun, because there are often new-born calves. I love animals and I know quite a bit about them. Then I’m big I want to be a biologist, like David Attenborough who’s got his own TV show. Or a professional footballer of course, I wouldn’t mind that. If we have a day off, then we sometimes go canoeing to the mill with dad, and then on to Kollum. That's really brill!
Hi, I am Tjalle!
They like to say I’m a dreamer, but that’s an exaggeration. It’s just that I don’t always feel like listening to everybody. But when new guests arrive, I always let everybody know right away. And I always get the post out of the letterbox, because that’s my job.
I like cycling and karting, especially with loads of other kids at the same time. I can also bounce on the trampoline for ages… or play football, of course. Football’s always fun, especially if we can carry on until after dark.
Hi, I am Jikke!
What I like doing best is riding around all day on my pink princess bike. I always decide what clothes to wear (and even if I don’t, I still think it should be up to me). Sometimes I wear training trousers when it’s really muddy, but I like wearing dresses or skirts best. They have to be pink of course.
I like helping my mum clean the shower block. And when I’ve had enough, I go on the swing for a bit, or jump really high on the trampoline. I also love making pies out of sand with the other kids. We go round the tents, take their orders very carefully, and then we bake them.
Hi, I am Robert!
If you see somebody tearing by on a cool ride-on mower, it’s probably me! In fact, I really should have become a farmer since there’s nothing I like better than working our land all day. In any case, I really enjoy the birdlife and vast open skies surrounding me. And our great guests, of course!
If you fancy a jog or a bike race, don’t hesitate to ask me for tips. I’ll be glad to help! As well as being a landowner, I also own an IT company.
Hi, I am Minke!
Obviously, I'm the boss of the campsite. You can see that immediately . I usually greet guests and explain everything to them. If you’re looking for tips for a great day out, shower tokens or paddles for the canoe, I'm the person to go to, and you can usually find me at reception! Besides running the campsite,
I’m also a facilitator for Gave Dingen Doen (Cool Ideas Society), and I supervise creative sessions for companies and organisations. That’s something I really enjoy, but I’m equally happy cleaning the shower, where I can forget everything and lose myself in daydreams .
Tip from Tjalle
Mum once secretly rented one of these tuktuks at tuktuk Lauwersoog, and picked us up in it. It was hilarious seeing her turn up in that mad thing! We drove around the whole Lauwersmeer in the tuk tuk - a right laugh!
Kustweg 18, Lauwersoog
Tip from Olke
Like TV biologist David Attenborough, at birdwatchinghut Ezumakeeg you can find yourself surrounded by birds! How awesome is that?! You can even see the huge sea eagle if you're lucky, so don’t forget your binoculars!
Ezumakeech, Ezumazijl, 53.3433380512, 6.15405739267
Tip from Jikke
Fish & Chips... my favourite! Fishrestaurant Paviljoen La Barca is a comfortable place to relax by the lake, a playground nearby, and you can write and draw your thoughts on the window!!
Oostmahorn 29a, Anjum
Tip from Tjalle
The corner of the Bant is a very cool place to be. With the strong winds you almost get blown away! You can also watch here some tough kitesurfers!
Bantswei 9, Anjum
Tip from Robert
Admittedly, I'm no expert, but according to experts this is a brilliant kite surfing location. It’s something the kids and I really enjoy watching.
Hoek van Bant, Bantswei 9, Anjum
Tip from Olke
Swimming, building sandcastles, playing at Lauwersmeer... there are different beaches right next to each other here. There is also a place specially designed for small children. Further up there’s a beach for dogs: they really love going for a swim too.
Strandweg, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
Our guests with dogs always like to come to the beach for dogs: they are allowed to run free off the leash throughout the year on the third beach from the village of Lauwersoog, and swim to their heart's content in the water.
Hoek Marneweg, Strandweg
Tip from Olke
The activitycentre Lauwersnest is managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission, and it is where you can learn loads of things about animals and nature in the National Park Lauwersmeer. There is also a play wood where you can build huts and make a campfire. And during school holidays, they organise loads of fun activities for kids.
De Rug 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Robert
As soon as there’s a bit of ice on the water, the Frisians get their ice skates ready. The Ezumakeeg is the locals’ favourite! You’ll find yourself skating in the middle of the most beautiful nature, and because the water is shallow it freezes over easily. It only needs a couple of frosty days!
Ezumakeech, Ezumazijl, 53.3433380512, 6.15405739267
Tip from Minke
Do stop driving for a while at Ee, though, and take the opportunity to stroll up this traditional Friesian village, built on a mound for protection from the water, to the church (a church on a perch ;-)). Absorb the intimacy of this special village as you wander its narrow cobbled streets.
Tip from Olke
The wad at Moddergat is my favourite place. Go crabbing, look for shells and get muddy.... when you leave here, they’ll smell you before they see you! And watch out that your boots don’t get stuck in the mud, or you’ll have to continue in just your socks!
Parkingplace at the end of the village Moddergat
Tip from Robert
In the middle of the harbour, some cool containers have been set up: the WaddenQuarter. Everything for lovers of the Wadden Sea: the Information Pavilion (info on the mudflats, the sea and the harbour) MORE ice cream parlours, a ticket office for mudflat walks and the fishing shed.
Haven, Lauwersoog
Tip from MInke
Zoutkamp’s finest terrace is de Boeter where you can enjoy the sun for hours on end! Glass of wine, the tastiest fried fish in the region, a view of the beautiful harbour and great for kids: and, I almost forgot, traditional Danish ice cream!
Reitdiepskade 2, Zoutkamp
Tip from Minke
As a real tea fanatic, I love sitting here with a full teapot of my favourite brew on the fantastic terrace, or enjoying high tea with friends. There is also a real tea museum at the Teafactory, but for some reason or other I never get around to it...
Hoofdstraat 15-25, Houwerzijl
Tip from Olke
Hang a snake around your neck, stroke a skunk, kiss a frog... all at Doezoo... just like David! How cool is that?!
Wierde 17, Leens
Tip from Robert
Gallery artcafé restaurant de Dream lovely place is very close to it Dreamlân: a few minutes by bike, or a 15-minute walk: a really lovely terrace next to the old seaport with its historic locks. Nice food and drinks, either outside and inside, and always a pleasant experience. Open Friday to Sunday from April to September.
Sylsterwei 21, Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen
Tip from Robert
My favourite bike ride starts here: a trip round the Lauwersmeer! 45 kilometres of incredibly varied landscapes: through the National Park Lauwersmeer, along the mudflats, through Lauwersoog harbour, along the lake, through Zoutkamp and a beautiful zigzagging bike path through the reed beds.
Tip from Minke
This is the point of departure for the all year round mudflat hiking at Paesens-Moddergat. There are rambling routes, children's routes and horse and wagon round trips.
Achterwei 1, Paesens
Tip van Olke
The naturemuseum Fryslân won the prize for the best children's museum in the Netherlands, no kidding! It’s full of really fun and weird things to do.
Schoenmakersperk 2, Leeuwarden
Tip from Robert
It might not be as well-known as Groningen, but it’s just as interesting! Leeuwarden, justifiably European Capital of Culture in 2018, is brimming with exciting, original and innovative things. Go and check it out, and enjoy everything that Friesland’s capital has to offer!
Tip from Robert
Natuurlijk Kollumeroord is the starting point for a number of beautiful nature walks! You might encounter some rather fierce-looking cattle on your travels :-), or see a sea eagle soaring into the sky! Who said you couldn’t have adventure in the Netherlands?
De Rijsdammen 1, Kollumerpomp
Tip from Jikke
As you’re in Friesland, you will of course have to try the local sugar bread, called ‘sûkerbôle’ in the local dialect! A tasty speciality, which can be bought from the baker in historic Kollum. The strawberries from the local greengrocer are the best in all of the Netherlands, as, of course are the Frisian potatoes!
Tip from Jikke
At petting zoo Anna Zijlstra Hoeve the animals simply walk around you. And since it’s not so big, my mum allows me to walk around by myself! It’s a great place to play: there’s a tractor track, large bouncy castle, cable car and even a butterfly garden.
Parklaan 10, Dokkum
Tip from Robert
Even though it only opened recently, it is already an indispensable landmark: the fashionable and bustling Townscafé Artisante. It’s ideal for enjoying lunch, drinks and snacks with great views of the canal.
Diepswal 1, Dokkum
Tip van Minke
Dokkum really is a nice place to wander around and it’s full of unusual shops and boutiques, so fortunately not your average shopping centre. When you’ve had enough retail therapy, don’t forget the terraces!
Tip from Tjalle
At petting zoo de Naturij you can even climb with the goats! In the traffic garden, you can drive around in fantastic pedal cars on real roads with traffic signs and zebra crossings! And the playground is brilliant.
Oude Slingeweg 4, Drachten
Tip from Olke
Indoor and outdoorpark Aventoer is new. Facilities include LED bowling, laser games, climbing, abseiling, glow in the dark mini-golf, a special playground... the list is endless.
Meester WM van Oppedijk van Veenweg 22-G, Burgum
Tip van Minke
Groningen has really stolen my heart. I feel at home there. The energy of this city matches my temperament - with its students, innovation, culture, and, at the same time, sobriety. A great combination, and just a wonderful city to go shopping, eating, drinking, dancing, walking, etc.
Tip van Jikke
Granny likes these gardens of the Botanical garden de Kruidhof, and I like the playground. You can have loads of fun here playing with sand and water. And granny can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace.
Schoolstraat 29b, Buitenpost
Tip from Minke
The northernmost vineyard in the Netherlands: I never imagined they could make wine in Friesland! Try it out for yourself! The vineyard the Frysling is idyllically situated, and the wine is really good! Tours and tastings by appointment.
Egypte 7, Twijzel
Tip from Olke
I've already climbed all the way to the top quite a few times at Waddenfun! Then you can go outside in an ace cable car! And the best part is, anyone can do it. Even my sister climbed up with us – and she’s only 4!
Trekweg 1, Wehe-Den-Hoorn
Tip from Jikke
Did you know that sick seals are cared for at the sealstation, and fed until they get better? There are lots of baby seals, who they call the cry-babies, and you can get really close to them here. When they are better, they are returned to the sea.
Hoofdstraat 94 a, Pieterburen
Tip from Robert
The Wild Orchid path at Lauwersmeer is beautiful in the spring. It really is incredible to see the fields full of colour when these lovely flowers come into bloom.
Startpunt Restaurant het Booze Wijf, Strandweg 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
Fishrestaurant 't Ailand is definitely the best place to eat or buy absolutely fresh fish, and it has a view of Schiermonnikoog! This is real fish, sustainably caught, where you can still taste the sea. 't Ailand is well-known these days: tasting room, information centre and regional shop.
Haven 49a, Lauwersoog
Tip from Jikke
It's always great fun here at Het Booze Wijf! We’re going to eat out, but we never have to sit at the table for too long. There’s a big playground outside, and a brilliant ball pit upstairs. Mum and dad can enjoy talking to their friends, while us kids can play!
Strandweg 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
This is where the ferry to Schiermonnikoog departs from. I love watching the hustle and bustle of fishermen in the port of Lauwersoog, and absorbing the genuine fishing culture. Not forgetting, of course, that the fish you eat here is absolutely fresh!
Zeedijk 9, Lauwersoog
Tip from Robert
The MS Tender sails every day to go fishing, and you can go along! Just the thing for a cool lads’ day out, although women are also allowed to go too
Haven 50, Lauwersoog
Tip from Tjalle
Every year, we leave home on our bikes and go on a lads’ holiday with dad. Olke and I always want to go to Ameland, because it’s a really nice island where we can pitch the tent in the dunes and go to the beach a lot. It’s also a nice bike ride from it Dreamlân to the Holwerd where the ferry to Ameland leaves.
Veerweg, Holwerd
Tip from Robert
I reckon this is the perfect day out: a nice boat trip, cycle around the island (on Schiermonnikoog, this only takes a couple of hours), build a sandcastle on the Netherlands’ most beautiful beach, then enjoy some fresh fish and the cycle ride back to the boat.
Tip from Tjalle
When we are in Schiermonnikoog, we always enjoy something to eat and drink at beachpavilion de Marlijn. You can lie on comfy cushions in the middle of the dunes, and eat your food there! In fact, it's just like playing in a giant sandbox and eating at the same time!
Prins Bernhardweg 2, Schiermonnikoog
Tip from Robert
Rent a nice sailboat or a dinghy at La Barca. Get your boat on the lake and have some fun! Excellent cabin boats for trips on the Wadden Sea are also available, and perfect for resting on the mud at low tide. How cool is that?!
Oostmahorn 29A, Anjum
Tip from Tjalle
The Forum in Groningen is an impressive eye-catcher and an experience in itself. At 45 meters high you have a fantastic view of the city. Spread over the floors you will find different departments of the library, the media lab and a very cool children's library.
In bad weather you can catch a movie on the fifth floor in the beautiful cinema. The highlight for me is Storyworld, the museum for comics, animation and games on the sixth floor.
Nieuwe Markt 1, Groningen
Tip from Jikke
Did you know that there is a very cool lookout tower, De Reiddomp, in the Lauwersmeer area? He is hidden in the forest, but is great fun for children!
From Natural Kollumeroord you walk the WasWadPad; that is an experience route with all kinds of fun, active parts. That way you won't even notice you're walking! Then you climb up the tower and you have the most beautiful view over the Lauwersmeer and in good weather you can even see the boat sailing to Schiermonnikoog! So bring binoculars!
Startingpoint: Natuurlijk Kollumeroord, Slikweg 2, Kollumeroord
Tip from Minke
The latest addition to Kollum is Grand Café WALD. It is located in the beautiful old town hall of Kollum and has been stylish converted into a contemporary café and restaurant.
Lunch, dinner or drinks: you can go to this nice place for everything, where the friendly staff creates a living room feeling.
Voorstraat 46, Kollum
Tip from Tjalle
When you go to Dokkum by bike, nice on the old cycle path along the Dokkumer Grootdiep, you will pass Schreiershoek just before Dokkum. Here is a very beautiful pavilion on the water, where you can sit on the terrace in the summer, but you can also rent a motor boat to sail into Dokkum.
Tichelwei 32P, Dokkum
Tip from Tjalle
On our side of Leeuwarden you will find two nice places, close to each other: AquaZoo and Park Vijversburg. You can stroll around in this nature and culture park, and there are special things to experience such as a hermit's hut, a water labyrinth that you have to go through with rafts, and even a bridge under water...
AquaZoo: De Groene Ster 2, Leeuwarden
Park Vijversburg: Swarteweisein 2, Tietjerk
Tip from Olke
On the way to us, or on the way back, you will pass the Blotevoetenpad just before the A7. I love to walk barefoot through the mud and through the water. You can rest in hammocks along the way and then eat an ice cream at Theetuin Blotevoetenhof. There is a short route 1.5 km for the little ones, and there is a longer route of 3.5 km.
Theetuin Blotevoetenhof: Peebos 1a, Opende
Hi, I am Olke!
If you like football, let me know because I’ll drop everything to join in! Or going fishing, I like that, or just netting stuff in the water...
In the summer, we sometimes go and look at the cows on Reyer Farm with the kids from the campsite. That’s always good fun, because there are often new-born calves. I love animals and I know quite a bit about them. Then I’m big I want to be a biologist, like David Attenborough who’s got his own TV show. Or a professional footballer of course, I wouldn’t mind that. If we have a day off, then we sometimes go canoeing to the mill with dad, and then on to Kollum. That's really brill!
Hi, I am Tjalle!
They like to say I’m a dreamer, but that’s an exaggeration. It’s just that I don’t always feel like listening to everybody. But when new guests arrive, I always let everybody know right away. And I always get the post out of the letterbox, because that’s my job.
I like cycling and karting, especially with loads of other kids at the same time. I can also bounce on the trampoline for ages… or play football, of course. Football’s always fun, especially if we can carry on until after dark.
Hi, I am Jikke!
What I like doing best is riding around all day on my pink princess bike. I always decide what clothes to wear (and even if I don’t, I still think it should be up to me). Sometimes I wear training trousers when it’s really muddy, but I like wearing dresses or skirts best. They have to be pink of course.
I like helping my mum clean the shower block. And when I’ve had enough, I go on the swing for a bit, or jump really high on the trampoline. I also love making pies out of sand with the other kids. We go round the tents, take their orders very carefully, and then we bake them.
Hi, I am Robert!
If you see somebody tearing by on a cool ride-on mower, it’s probably me! In fact, I really should have become a farmer since there’s nothing I like better than working our land all day. In any case, I really enjoy the birdlife and vast open skies surrounding me. And our great guests, of course!
If you fancy a jog or a bike race, don’t hesitate to ask me for tips. I’ll be glad to help! As well as being a landowner, I also own an IT company.
Hi, I am Minke!
Obviously, I'm the boss of the campsite. You can see that immediately . I usually greet guests and explain everything to them. If you’re looking for tips for a great day out, shower tokens or paddles for the canoe, I'm the person to go to, and you can usually find me at reception! Besides running the campsite,
I’m also a facilitator for Gave Dingen Doen (Cool Ideas Society), and I supervise creative sessions for companies and organisations. That’s something I really enjoy, but I’m equally happy cleaning the shower, where I can forget everything and lose myself in daydreams .
Tip from Tjalle
Mum once secretly rented one of these tuktuks at tuktuk Lauwersoog, and picked us up in it. It was hilarious seeing her turn up in that mad thing! We drove around the whole Lauwersmeer in the tuk tuk - a right laugh!
Kustweg 18, Lauwersoog
Tip from Olke
Like TV biologist David Attenborough, at birdwatchinghut Ezumakeeg you can find yourself surrounded by birds! How awesome is that?! You can even see the huge sea eagle if you're lucky, so don’t forget your binoculars!
Ezumakeech, Ezumazijl, 53.3433380512, 6.15405739267
Tip from Jikke
Fish & Chips... my favourite! Fishrestaurant Paviljoen La Barca is a comfortable place to relax by the lake, a playground nearby, and you can write and draw your thoughts on the window!!
Oostmahorn 29a, Anjum
Tip from Tjalle
The corner of the Bant is a very cool place to be. With the strong winds you almost get blown away! You can also watch here some tough kitesurfers!
Bantswei 9, Anjum
Tip from Robert
Admittedly, I'm no expert, but according to experts this is a brilliant kite surfing location. It’s something the kids and I really enjoy watching.
Hoek van Bant, Bantswei 9, Anjum
Tip from Olke
Swimming, building sandcastles, playing at Lauwersmeer... there are different beaches right next to each other here. There is also a place specially designed for small children. Further up there’s a beach for dogs: they really love going for a swim too.
Strandweg, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
Our guests with dogs always like to come to the beach for dogs: they are allowed to run free off the leash throughout the year on the third beach from the village of Lauwersoog, and swim to their heart's content in the water.
Hoek Marneweg, Strandweg
Tip from Olke
The activitycentre Lauwersnest is managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission, and it is where you can learn loads of things about animals and nature in the National Park Lauwersmeer. There is also a play wood where you can build huts and make a campfire. And during school holidays, they organise loads of fun activities for kids.
De Rug 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Robert
As soon as there’s a bit of ice on the water, the Frisians get their ice skates ready. The Ezumakeeg is the locals’ favourite! You’ll find yourself skating in the middle of the most beautiful nature, and because the water is shallow it freezes over easily. It only needs a couple of frosty days!
Ezumakeech, Ezumazijl, 53.3433380512, 6.15405739267
Tip from Minke
Do stop driving for a while at Ee, though, and take the opportunity to stroll up this traditional Friesian village, built on a mound for protection from the water, to the church (a church on a perch ;-)). Absorb the intimacy of this special village as you wander its narrow cobbled streets.
Tip from Olke
The wad at Moddergat is my favourite place. Go crabbing, look for shells and get muddy.... when you leave here, they’ll smell you before they see you! And watch out that your boots don’t get stuck in the mud, or you’ll have to continue in just your socks!
Parkingplace at the end of the village Moddergat
Tip from Robert
In the middle of the harbour, some cool containers have been set up: the WaddenQuarter. Everything for lovers of the Wadden Sea: the Information Pavilion (info on the mudflats, the sea and the harbour) MORE ice cream parlours, a ticket office for mudflat walks and the fishing shed.
Haven, Lauwersoog
Tip from MInke
Zoutkamp’s finest terrace is de Boeter where you can enjoy the sun for hours on end! Glass of wine, the tastiest fried fish in the region, a view of the beautiful harbour and great for kids: and, I almost forgot, traditional Danish ice cream!
Reitdiepskade 2, Zoutkamp
Tip from Minke
As a real tea fanatic, I love sitting here with a full teapot of my favourite brew on the fantastic terrace, or enjoying high tea with friends. There is also a real tea museum at the Teafactory, but for some reason or other I never get around to it...
Hoofdstraat 15-25, Houwerzijl
Tip from Olke
Hang a snake around your neck, stroke a skunk, kiss a frog... all at Doezoo... just like David! How cool is that?!
Wierde 17, Leens
Tip from Robert
Gallery artcafé restaurant de Dream lovely place is very close to it Dreamlân: a few minutes by bike, or a 15-minute walk: a really lovely terrace next to the old seaport with its historic locks. Nice food and drinks, either outside and inside, and always a pleasant experience. Open Friday to Sunday from April to September.
Sylsterwei 21, Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen
Tip from Robert
My favourite bike ride starts here: a trip round the Lauwersmeer! 45 kilometres of incredibly varied landscapes: through the National Park Lauwersmeer, along the mudflats, through Lauwersoog harbour, along the lake, through Zoutkamp and a beautiful zigzagging bike path through the reed beds.
Tip from Minke
This is the point of departure for the all year round mudflat hiking at Paesens-Moddergat. There are rambling routes, children's routes and horse and wagon round trips.
Achterwei 1, Paesens
Tip van Olke
The naturemuseum Fryslân won the prize for the best children's museum in the Netherlands, no kidding! It’s full of really fun and weird things to do.
Schoenmakersperk 2, Leeuwarden
Tip from Robert
It might not be as well-known as Groningen, but it’s just as interesting! Leeuwarden, justifiably European Capital of Culture in 2018, is brimming with exciting, original and innovative things. Go and check it out, and enjoy everything that Friesland’s capital has to offer!
Tip from Robert
Natuurlijk Kollumeroord is the starting point for a number of beautiful nature walks! You might encounter some rather fierce-looking cattle on your travels :-), or see a sea eagle soaring into the sky! Who said you couldn’t have adventure in the Netherlands?
De Rijsdammen 1, Kollumerpomp
Tip from Jikke
As you’re in Friesland, you will of course have to try the local sugar bread, called ‘sûkerbôle’ in the local dialect! A tasty speciality, which can be bought from the baker in historic Kollum. The strawberries from the local greengrocer are the best in all of the Netherlands, as, of course are the Frisian potatoes!
Tip from Jikke
At petting zoo Anna Zijlstra Hoeve the animals simply walk around you. And since it’s not so big, my mum allows me to walk around by myself! It’s a great place to play: there’s a tractor track, large bouncy castle, cable car and even a butterfly garden.
Parklaan 10, Dokkum
Tip from Robert
Even though it only opened recently, it is already an indispensable landmark: the fashionable and bustling Townscafé Artisante. It’s ideal for enjoying lunch, drinks and snacks with great views of the canal.
Diepswal 1, Dokkum
Tip van Minke
Dokkum really is a nice place to wander around and it’s full of unusual shops and boutiques, so fortunately not your average shopping centre. When you’ve had enough retail therapy, don’t forget the terraces!
Tip from Tjalle
At petting zoo de Naturij you can even climb with the goats! In the traffic garden, you can drive around in fantastic pedal cars on real roads with traffic signs and zebra crossings! And the playground is brilliant.
Oude Slingeweg 4, Drachten
Tip from Olke
Indoor and outdoorpark Aventoer is new. Facilities include LED bowling, laser games, climbing, abseiling, glow in the dark mini-golf, a special playground... the list is endless.
Meester WM van Oppedijk van Veenweg 22-G, Burgum
Tip van Minke
Groningen has really stolen my heart. I feel at home there. The energy of this city matches my temperament - with its students, innovation, culture, and, at the same time, sobriety. A great combination, and just a wonderful city to go shopping, eating, drinking, dancing, walking, etc.
Tip van Jikke
Granny likes these gardens of the Botanical garden de Kruidhof, and I like the playground. You can have loads of fun here playing with sand and water. And granny can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace.
Schoolstraat 29b, Buitenpost
Tip from Minke
The northernmost vineyard in the Netherlands: I never imagined they could make wine in Friesland! Try it out for yourself! The vineyard the Frysling is idyllically situated, and the wine is really good! Tours and tastings by appointment.
Egypte 7, Twijzel
Tip from Olke
I've already climbed all the way to the top quite a few times at Waddenfun! Then you can go outside in an ace cable car! And the best part is, anyone can do it. Even my sister climbed up with us – and she’s only 4!
Trekweg 1, Wehe-Den-Hoorn
Tip from Jikke
Did you know that sick seals are cared for at the sealstation, and fed until they get better? There are lots of baby seals, who they call the cry-babies, and you can get really close to them here. When they are better, they are returned to the sea.
Hoofdstraat 94 a, Pieterburen
Tip from Robert
The Wild Orchid path at Lauwersmeer is beautiful in the spring. It really is incredible to see the fields full of colour when these lovely flowers come into bloom.
Startpunt Restaurant het Booze Wijf, Strandweg 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
Fishrestaurant 't Ailand is definitely the best place to eat or buy absolutely fresh fish, and it has a view of Schiermonnikoog! This is real fish, sustainably caught, where you can still taste the sea. 't Ailand is well-known these days: tasting room, information centre and regional shop.
Haven 49a, Lauwersoog
Tip from Jikke
It's always great fun here at Het Booze Wijf! We’re going to eat out, but we never have to sit at the table for too long. There’s a big playground outside, and a brilliant ball pit upstairs. Mum and dad can enjoy talking to their friends, while us kids can play!
Strandweg 1, Lauwersoog
Tip from Minke
This is where the ferry to Schiermonnikoog departs from. I love watching the hustle and bustle of fishermen in the port of Lauwersoog, and absorbing the genuine fishing culture. Not forgetting, of course, that the fish you eat here is absolutely fresh!
Zeedijk 9, Lauwersoog
Tip from Robert
The MS Tender sails every day to go fishing, and you can go along! Just the thing for a cool lads’ day out, although women are also allowed to go too
Haven 50, Lauwersoog
Tip from Tjalle
Every year, we leave home on our bikes and go on a lads’ holiday with dad. Olke and I always want to go to Ameland, because it’s a really nice island where we can pitch the tent in the dunes and go to the beach a lot. It’s also a nice bike ride from it Dreamlân to the Holwerd where the ferry to Ameland leaves.
Veerweg, Holwerd
Tip from Robert
I reckon this is the perfect day out: a nice boat trip, cycle around the island (on Schiermonnikoog, this only takes a couple of hours), build a sandcastle on the Netherlands’ most beautiful beach, then enjoy some fresh fish and the cycle ride back to the boat.
Tip from Tjalle
When we are in Schiermonnikoog, we always enjoy something to eat and drink at beachpavilion de Marlijn. You can lie on comfy cushions in the middle of the dunes, and eat your food there! In fact, it's just like playing in a giant sandbox and eating at the same time!
Prins Bernhardweg 2, Schiermonnikoog
Tip from Robert
Rent a nice sailboat or a dinghy at La Barca. Get your boat on the lake and have some fun! Excellent cabin boats for trips on the Wadden Sea are also available, and perfect for resting on the mud at low tide. How cool is that?!
Oostmahorn 29A, Anjum
Tip from Tjalle
The Forum in Groningen is an impressive eye-catcher and an experience in itself. At 45 meters high you have a fantastic view of the city. Spread over the floors you will find different departments of the library, the media lab and a very cool children's library.
In bad weather you can catch a movie on the fifth floor in the beautiful cinema. The highlight for me is Storyworld, the museum for comics, animation and games on the sixth floor.
Nieuwe Markt 1, Groningen
Tip from Jikke
Did you know that there is a very cool lookout tower, De Reiddomp, in the Lauwersmeer area? He is hidden in the forest, but is great fun for children!
From Natural Kollumeroord you walk the WasWadPad; that is an experience route with all kinds of fun, active parts. That way you won't even notice you're walking! Then you climb up the tower and you have the most beautiful view over the Lauwersmeer and in good weather you can even see the boat sailing to Schiermonnikoog! So bring binoculars!
Startingpoint: Natuurlijk Kollumeroord, Slikweg 2, Kollumeroord
Tip from Minke
The latest addition to Kollum is Grand Café WALD. It is located in the beautiful old town hall of Kollum and has been stylish converted into a contemporary café and restaurant.
Lunch, dinner or drinks: you can go to this nice place for everything, where the friendly staff creates a living room feeling.
Voorstraat 46, Kollum
Tip from Tjalle
When you go to Dokkum by bike, nice on the old cycle path along the Dokkumer Grootdiep, you will pass Schreiershoek just before Dokkum. Here is a very beautiful pavilion on the water, where you can sit on the terrace in the summer, but you can also rent a motor boat to sail into Dokkum.
Tichelwei 32P, Dokkum
Tip from Tjalle
On our side of Leeuwarden you will find two nice places, close to each other: AquaZoo and Park Vijversburg. You can stroll around in this nature and culture park, and there are special things to experience such as a hermit's hut, a water labyrinth that you have to go through with rafts, and even a bridge under water...
AquaZoo: De Groene Ster 2, Leeuwarden
Park Vijversburg: Swarteweisein 2, Tietjerk
Tip from Olke
On the way to us, or on the way back, you will pass the Blotevoetenpad just before the A7. I love to walk barefoot through the mud and through the water. You can rest in hammocks along the way and then eat an ice cream at Theetuin Blotevoetenhof. There is a short route 1.5 km for the little ones, and there is a longer route of 3.5 km.
Theetuin Blotevoetenhof: Peebos 1a, Opende
Location
It Dreamlân is located in the north of Holland just below the Lauwersmeer National Park and Unseco World Heritage the Waddensea on the border of the provinces Groningen and Friesland.
Kollum
The village of Kollum is located 5 kilometres away and has a lovely centre with nice shops. The Maartens church is known as one of the best preserved Gothic churches in Friesland. In and around Kollum there is plenty to do when it comes to water sports. The rivers De Rijd, the Trekvaart and the Zwemmer are excellent fishing waters. You can hire pedal boats, canoes and rowing boats.
Dokkum
15 kilometres from it Dreamlân you arrive at the historic town of Dokkum, known from the Elfstedentochten. The town is particularly well suited to pleasant strolls along the beautiful stretches, good shops and historic sights. Sit at an outdoor café in the summer and watch the numerous boats in the canals; in the winter, you can warm up in one of the cosy bistros. From Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen (1 km away) you can follow the long tow path on your bike, wending your way along the water before cycling into Dokkum.
Lauwersmeer
The Lauwersmeer National Park is a beautiful nature reserve. Picture this: a vast landscape, big open water and a ‘beautiful horizon’. The region is very popular with bird watchers due to the many exceptional species that come here.
In the past the sea had free reign in this region. It was an open connection with the Wadden Sea. The dam was constructed in 1969 to counter the danger of flooding. The countryside developed subsequently from a salt marsh into a vast freshwater expanse with reed lands, trees and large expanses of water. A beautiful nature reserve where you can go walking, cycling, sailing and swimming. And since 2016 the Lauwersmeer National Park is officially declared as Dark Sky Park.
In the vicinity of it Dreamlân, there are several beautiful short and longer walks through the Lauwersmeer district. The best walks are Kollumeroord (see the map above) and Kollumerwaard (see the map below) just a few kilometers from us.
In addition, you can go for a pleasant bike ride round the Lauwersmeer and you can, of course, also sail across it! (Sailing) boats are available to hire at La Barca in Oostmahorn or join the Vlinderbalg. After a pleasant fifteen-minute bike ride, along the Ezumakeeg, you arrive at a well-known bird watching hut where you can spot some very unusual birds.
Wadden Sea
The Waddensea is since June 2009 Unesco World Heritage and runs from (the North of) Holland via Germany until far in Denmark. The Frisian and Groningen mudflats are both easy to reach from it Dreamlân – either by bike or car.
A tip for mudflat lovers are the dyke villages of Paesens-Moddergat where the mudbank offers a great view of Schiermonnikoog, Ameland and the mudflats between them. The ‘t Fiskershúske museum in Moddergat shows you how fishermen used to live and the village is also home to the last shrimp-processing factory in the Netherlands. At Paesens it’s possible to take the pier and walk along a whole section of the mud. Check here the current water levels online because it’s at its most beautiful at low tide.
Schiermonnikoog en Ameland
The attractive small wadden island of Schiermonnikoog is great for a day out and the same goes for Ameland. Get off the boat with your bike or hire a bike directly upon arrival and cycle round the island. The ferry for Schiermonnikoog leaves from Lauwersoog and takes 45 minutes, but boats also leave from Oostmahorn. The ferry for Ameland leaves from Holwerd.
Groningen and Leeuwarden
For a day in town, you can get to Groningen and Leeuwarden in 35 minutes. Both cities are more than worth the visit and have lots of museums, cultural venues, places of interest, restaurants and plenty of nightlife.
Links Friesland and Groningen
Visit Friesland
Land in Friesland
Lauwersmeer National Park
Visit Wadden
Ferry Ameland and Schiermonnikoog
Wadloopcentrum Fryslân
Wadlopen Paesens-Moddergat
Wadloopcentrum Pieterburen
Wad Expedities
Kanovaren Fryslân
Swimmingpool outside it Paradyske in Kollum
Swimmingpool inside Tolhuisbad in Dokkum
Visit Groningen
Visit Leeuwarden
Sense of Place
Walking the mudflats
The Waddensea is UNESCO World Heritage and a great place to experience pure nature. The best way is by walking the mudflats. You can organise a trip at Paesens-Moddergat, from the dike between Nes and Wierum with Wadloopcentrum Fryslân or from the province of Groningen at Wadloopcentrum Pieterburen. If you prefer to combine an unforgettable mudflat hike with a boat trip, the boat of Wad Expedities leaves Lauwersoog every Sunday in the summer season at 10 am.
Cycling through Frisian and Groningen villages
There are many small, attractive villages in the vicinity, including Ee, Burum, Visvliet, Zoutkamp, Pieterzijl, Anjum and Ezumazijl. Go on a bike ride and it won’t be long before you pass through a couple of attractive villages.
The ‘rondje Lauwersmeer’ is highly recommended (see the map below). This is approximately 45 kilometres, mainly through the beautiful nature reserve, and runs on the one side from the lake through Groningen and on the other side through Friesland. You can cycle along Zoutkamp, Lauwersoog, Anjum, Oostmahorn and Ezumazijl.
Strolling through Kollumeroord and Kollumerwaard Nature Reserve
Near it Dreamlân are the attractive nature reserves of Kollumeroord and uploadsKollumerwaard, with at least 70 ha of woodland and great meadows. The Forestry Commission has laid out beautiful walking routes there. Many of the rare marsh and reed birds brood here. You will undoubtedly come across a bittern here. Bluethroat, the bearded reedling tit and the penduline tit are rare in the Netherlands, but there are still plenty of them for you to admire at the walks in Kollumeroord and Kollumerwaard.
Walking along historic footpaths through North-East Friesland
Through the historic footpaths through North-East Friesland you get a good impression of the rich culture history in beautiful original landscapes (see the map on the right). From the Nothern Frisian forests, as one of the national landscapes famous for their private nature of awls webbing and hedgerows, to the vast clay area that centuries ago by clerics on the sea was conquered. The once numerous monasteries are largely gone, but the many dikes and some ancient footpaths recall these brave pioniers in North-East Friesland.
The Frisian woods
Kollum is located in the border region of the open meadows and the Frisian woodland. The particularly scenic landscape with hedgerows and rows of alder trees is typical of the forested region. Right in the middle of all this lies the village of Harkema with the theme park De Spitkeet. The park shows you how people lived on the barren heathland in Groningen and Friesland between 1850 and 1950. Amongst others there is a reconstructed spitkeet (earth hut) and a poor person’s burial ground.
Veenklooster
The monumental farming village of Veenklooster (10 km) is located at the beginning of the Frisian forests. The Fogelsanghstate Estate has a beautiful forest, a deer park, ponds and a hiking park. There is an agricultural museum within the estate. The countryhouse It Lytse Slot puts on temporary exhibitions and has a charming tearoom with a view of the woodland garden.
Waddentour
The Waddentour is a nice route through the rich historry of the 4 protected villages of North-East Friesland (Ee, Holwerd, Metslawier and Paesens/Moddergat, see the map below).
The routes through the villages are connected by a big route by bicycle, car of even footh. The total length is more than 60 kilometer, but the route can be also done in parts. In the South-East of the route are the old sea locks of Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen, this is the perfect starting point from our place.
On the website of Waddentour you can find all background information (sorry, just in Dutch) and you can view the route interactive or even download the App as digital map.
Children
We have put all the tips for day trips with children in a list on the playing in the clay page.
