Experience the Darkness of the Wadden Sea

The Wadden area is one of the last places in the Netherlands where it still gets really dark. In an increasingly illuminated world, night still has free reign on the Wadden Sea. As a result, here you can still see the most impressive starry skies, truly relax and be surrounded by unique night nature. The Program Darkness of the Wadden is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of darkness and invites people to experience the unique darkness of the Wadden.

Together with entrepreneurs and local partners, we developed a string of darkness experience spots along the Wadden coast. Everyone is welcome to experience the darkness for themselves, completely free of charge. In this way, we ensure that the dark Wadden will continue to be loved and protected in the future.

Visit darkness experience sites in the Northern Netherlands:

Experience the Lauwersnacht. In Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer you will find the Planetary Path: This hiking path takes you along the planets of our solar system. The walk starts at Het Lauwersnest, the visitor center of Staatsbosbeheer and the epicenter of Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer. Read more about the planet trail Photo: Leon van Dorp

Experience the night at Noordpolderzijl. Stroll through the “night garden” and discover the stars at the artwork Sterrenzijl. The wooden poles with mirrors depict constellations. From the hammocks and lounge sofa you can watch the real stars at night. Read more about Sterrenzijl Photo: Martijn Heemstra

Discover night gardens in the Northern Netherlands: a garden planted so that nocturnal animals feel at home. At night, plants and animals come to life there. In addition to the night gardens in Noordpolderzijl and Lauwersmeer, we are creating night gardens in new places. Read more about the night gardens Photo: Rutger Bus

Borrow one of our telescopes and discover the night sky. The night sky is naturally already very beautiful with your naked eyes, but new worlds open up to you when you can look through a telescope! That is why we are setting up a network of borrowing telescopes throughout the Wadden area.

Maps

The Geodienst of the RUG made two maps for the program.

On this map you will find an overview of the telescope network.

On this map you will find an overview of all darkness experience sites and night gardens.

Links and socials

Discover the full program at www.donkertevandewadden.nl

@nachtvanhetwad on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Collaboration partners

Together with the University of Groningen, the Nature and Environment Federations of North Holland, Friesland and Groningen, Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten and the Waddenvereniging, Science LinX is committed to preserving, experiencing and protecting the unique quality of the Wadden area. Darkness of the Wadden consists of a number of smaller projects. Each partner in the program leads part of these projects. On behalf of the RUG, Science LinX organized the above projects in cooperation with scientists and students.

Last modified:

07 February 2025 10.48 a.m.

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