Discover Oostmahorn

If you are considering Oostmahorn as a travel destination, its activities can be grouped into three main themes: water, routes in the Lauwersmeer area, and history. The routes and options vary considerably: from a short walking route to a 12-kilometre SUP and canoe route and a 43.9-kilometre cycling route. A boat trip with a specified duration is another option. Historic buildings and the area’s maritime past add a distinct note alongside activities in the landscape.

Choosing Waterways and Tours

The Súd Ie is a 12-kilometre route for SUP and canoes. From Ezumazijl, the Súd Ie route can be continued via the Nije Feart to Oostmahorn; from Oostmahorn, it can also be travelled in the direction of Dokkum. This describes two directions for this water route. At the Lauwersmeer-Oostmahorn surf spot, there are opportunities for freestyle, wave, speed, freeride, and Formula windsurfing. Paddling on the Súd Ie and windsurfing at the named surf spot therefore offer different ways to spend time on the water.

For cycling, “Rondje Lauwersmeer” is an option: a 43.9-kilometre route that can be started at TOP Oostmahorn. It is considerably longer than the Súd Ie’s 12 kilometres, so the two figures provide a direct comparison of the stated route distances. If you prefer to get around on foot, “Wandelen rondom Oostmahorn” is a short walking route that also starts at the TOP. Another option on the water is the 2.5-hour boat trip on the Vlinderbalg through Lauwersmeer National Park. The different route lengths and the stated duration help you distinguish between the options according to your preferred activity and available time.

Landscape and Nature at the Lauwersmeer

The Lauwersmeer area has officially been a national park since 2003. From TOP Oostmahorn, you can go directly into the national park area; the short walking route also starts there. The surroundings of Oostmahorn combine varied landscapes with peace, open space, and especially rich birdlife. This means that both getting active on a route and enjoying views of nature can be a focus of your stay. If you mainly want to go for a walk, the short walking route is a different option from the longer cycling tour. For a trip on the water, the Súd Ie and the boat trip are different options again: one is described as a 12-kilometre SUP and canoe route, the other as a 2.5-hour trip through the national park.

Cultural History and Maritime Past

The Waddentour is a tourist route focused on cultural history, offering insights into local history and the area’s valuable surroundings. It can be started at TOP Oostmahorn, where parking is available. In the villages, the route offers walks past notable historic buildings. Information panels on the façades or in the gardens mark these stops. The tour thus combines walking with insights into the history of buildings and places, rather than focusing on just one attraction.

Historic buildings in Oostmahorn include the PTT Wisselstation and the Kruitmagazijn. The PTT Wisselstation is a repeater station from 1950, built in the style of a Danish farmhouse. It once played an important role in telephone communications between the Netherlands and Scandinavia. The Kruitmagazijn Oostmahorn is an old powder magazine dating from the early 19th century. It recalls the time when a coastal battery stood here to defend the Wadden Sea against privateers and enemy ships. Oostmahorn played an important role as a defensive outpost on the Lauwerszee. Its maritime history is also part of the story: after 1945, De Skâns-Oostmahorn was the home port of the ferry to Schiermonnikoog.

For another outdoor activity, there is Oostmahorn beach and playground. It has play equipment, shaded areas, and small adventure spots; you can paddle in the Lauwersmeer there. Nature, water activities, and historic sites thus offer different points of interest to help you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Niawier, Paesens, Hantum, Wierum, Holwerd, Metslawier, Waaxens Gem Dongeradeel, Engwierum

For the overview of the wider area: Dongeradeel.