Baayvilla's

The Lauwersmeer area and Lauwersoog offer a wealth of activities for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and families. Go fishing on Lauwersmeer Lake or at sea, spot seals from a fast rescue boat or during a relaxed boat trip, and explore the unique Wadden area. Adventurers can join a Land Rover safari with the park ranger, while active visitors enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking across the calm waters.

In addition to water activities, you can go hiking and cycling through Lauwersmeer National Park, watch birds in the vast nature reserve, and enjoy fresh fish dishes at local restaurants. From Baayvillas, you are just minutes away from this diverse and beautiful region.

National Park Lauwersmeer is an impressive nature reserve in the north of the Netherlands, where open water, vast grasslands, and wild reed beds meet. The park is internationally renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots in Europe: every year, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds pass through, including the majestic white-tailed eagle and the graceful spoonbill.

Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing while taking in the wide-open views, Lauwersmeer offers a unique nature experience in every season. Explore its varied trails, discover rare plant and animal species, and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere that makes this national park so special.

Since 2016, National Park Lauwersmeer has been designated as a 'Dark Sky Park'. A Dark Sky Park is an area where it is dark, where darkness is preserved and where visitors are welcome to experience that darkness at night. Lauwersmeer is one of the last places in the Netherlands where it still gets really dark, so that a clear starry sky can be seen at night. On some days, you can even see the Northern Lights here! You will find so-called sky platforms to admire this; during the day you can spot birds and have stunning views of the area.

Activity Centre Lauwersnest is the ideal starting point for a visit to National Park Lauwersmeer. In and around the activity centre, you will find lots of information about birds and the Dark Sky area. Many walking and cycling routes are also available.

Lauwersoog has an official mountain bike (MTB) route right through the rugged grasslands, deciduous forests, sandbanks and areas of shallow water, which you can enjoy.

The Lauwersmeer lends itself perfectly to water sports. In several Baayvillas, your own SUP board is included with your stay; from your holiday home you are on the water within minutes to discover the beautiful surroundings. In the area, there are also beautiful routes you can follow by canoe.

You can go windsurfing and sailing at Watersportcentrum de Lauwer, right next to Baayvilla's holiday park.

From all over the country, anglers come to the Lauwersmeer area to fish. National Park Lauwersmeer is a popular area for many recreational anglers to practise their hobby, partly because of the tranquillity, the beautiful surroundings and the good fishing.

At Activity Centre Lauwersnest, there is plenty to do for children. In the 'Nest Building Forest', children can build their own nest using natural materials.

What was once the bottom of the Lauwerszee is now a rich nature area with surprising flora and fauna. Take a Landrover safari together under the guidance of a forest ranger from Staatsbosbeheer and experience the real Dutch wilderness.

Pieterburen Seal Centre is Europe's largest, specialised seal hospital. Sick, injured or weakened seals are cared for in a real 'seal hospital'. In the visitor centre, you can watch the seals and you will also find lots of information about the seals that live in the Netherlands.

The Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre (WEC), in the port of Lauwersoog, is an inspiring place where science, education and nature come together. Discover the interactive experience, see researchers in action and visit the new home of seal centre Pieterburen, where you will learn about the Wadden area and seal care.

Would you like to spot seals in their natural habitat? Sail on a rescue boat through the Wadden Sea to a sandbank where the seals are resting and admire them up close!

DoeZoo is an interactive park where you can experience the insect world up close. You can also meet animals that eat insects in the park, such as spiders, nose bears, lizards, frogs, owls, squirrels, hedgehogs and a snake. The senses (hearing, touch, smell and taste) play an important role in DoeZoo.

Family Park Nienoord is located in the middle of the woods on the beautiful Nienoord Estate. Here you will find more than 50 attractions and play equipment. Go on an expedition, climb over obstacles, travel on the steam train or go full speed down the giant slide. There is a fun petting zoo as well.

The largest indoor climbing park Waddenfun is 15 minutes from the Lauwersmeer. Here you will find 45 bridges and more than 300 metres of ziplines, suitable for young and old.

At the Legio Museum, located in the former LEGO Netherlands building, you will learn all about the history of LEGO. Children can enjoy building and playing, play with real LEGO games and watch a film in the museum cinema.

Had enough of the peace and quiet and in for some more action? In Groningen you can spend hours shopping, drinking coffee on one of the many terraces, visiting interesting museums and enjoying excellent restaurants. Be sure to stop by Forum for a phenomenal view of the city and visit the Groninger Museum for special workshops and exhibitions.

Zoutkamp is an attractive fishing village on the Lauwersmeer, known for its maritime history and colourful port. Once an important seaport, it is now a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Enjoy fresh fish, discover the Fisheries Museum and stroll along the picturesque quay.

Dokkum is a small, old fortified town with many nice shops and restaurants. Take a unique city walk along the city's highlights or settle down on the quay at the turning point of the Elfstedentocht.

Schiermonnikoog is a must during your stay in Lauwersoog. From the port, you can take the boat to Schiermonnikoog five times a day, a great day out! The island offers untouched forests and dunes full of fragrant flowers, an endless beach, unique mudflats and polders with a great diversity of birds. Schiermonnikoog has a rich history, which can still be seen in the village of Schiermonnikoog, also known as Oosterburen.

The Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre (WEC), in the port of Lauwersoog, is an inspiring place where science, education and nature come together. Discover the interactive experience, see researchers in action and visit the new home of seal centre Pieterburen, where you will learn about the Wadden area and seal care.

DoeZoo is an interactive park where you can experience the insect world up close. You can also meet animals that eat insects in the park, such as spiders, nose bears, lizards, frogs, owls, squirrels, hedgehogs and a snake. The senses (hearing, touch, smell and taste) play an important role in DoeZoo.

Discover the rich history of fishing in the Fisheries Museum Zoutkamp. The museum is housed in the old fish auction and takes you back to the life of the fishermen, their boats and the traditions of the Wadden Sea. Admire authentic fishing equipment, historic boats and interactive exhibits.

The Groninger Museum offers special workshops and changing exhibitions and challenges visitors to look at visual art with a different perspective. You will also find historical objects that tell the history of Groningen and paintings from the Groningen art circle.

At the Legio Museum, located in the former LEGO Netherlands building, you will learn all about the history of LEGO. Children can enjoy building and playing, play with real LEGO games and watch a film in the museum cinema.

Museum Dokkum teaches you everything about 2000 years of culture in Northeast Friesland. You will find a special collection of old utensils, folk art, paintings, pottery, textiles and silver.

Pieterburen Seal Centre is Europe's largest, specialised seal hospital. Sick, injured or weakened seals are cared for in a real 'seal hospital'. In the visitor centre, you can watch the seals and you will also find lots of information about the seals that live in the Netherlands.

Would you like to spot seals in their natural habitat? Sail on a rescue boat through the Wadden Sea to a sandbank where the seals are resting and admire them up close!

DoeZoo is an interactive park where you can experience the insect world up close. You can also meet animals that eat insects in the park, such as spiders, nose bears, lizards, frogs, owls, squirrels, hedgehogs and a snake. The senses (hearing, touch, smell and taste) play an important role in DoeZoo.