Lauwersoog

Lauwersoog is a village in the Dutch province of Groningen. It is located on the coast of the Wadden Sea, at the mouth of the former Lauwers estuary. Historically, Lauwersoog was a fishing village and later became a significant port. The village is now primarily known as a gateway to the Wadden Islands of Schiermonnikoog and Rottumeroog, with ferry services operating from its harbor.

The construction of the Lauwerszee dam in 1969, which closed off the estuary, fundamentally changed the landscape and the function of Lauwersoog. This project aimed to protect the surrounding land from storm surges and to create new agricultural land. The area around Lauwersoog is now part of the Lauwersmeer National Park, a protected nature reserve popular for birdwatching and outdoor recreation.

Lauwersoog's economy is influenced by tourism, fishing, and its role as a service point for maritime activities. The village itself is relatively small, but its strategic location makes it an important point of access to the unique natural environment of the northern Dutch coast.