Zoutkamp

Zoutkamp is a small fishing village on the edge of the Lauwersmeer, in the north of Groningen province, approximately 35 km north of Groningen city. With a population of around 1,200, it is one of the most atmospheric harbour villages in the northern Netherlands. Zoutkamp was once a busy fishing port on the Wadden Sea, before the closure of the Lauwerszee in 1969 created the Lauwersmeer freshwater lake. The fishing fleet still operates, primarily for shrimp, crab, and eel. The village is known for its harbour, fresh seafood, and as a gateway to the Lauwersmeer National Park.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) is 50 km southwest (50 min by car).

By Train

There is no railway station. Bus 163 from Groningen runs hourly (1 hour 10 minutes), or take the train to Zuidhorn and change to bus 65.

By Car / Road

From Groningen, take the A7 north, exit Zoutkamp via the N388 (35 km, 30 minutes). Free parking at the harbour.

Zoutkamp is tiny and entirely walkable. The harbour, the dyke, and the restaurants are all within a 5-minute walk.

• Zoutkamp Harbour — A working fishing harbour with a picturesque fleet of shrimp trawlers, called 'pulskotters'. Watch the boats unload their catch in the afternoon.

• Lauwersmeer National Park visitor centre — Located at the edge of the village, with exhibits on the birds, fish, and flora of the Lauwersmeer (free entry).

• Zoutkamp Dyke — The sea dyke protects the village and offers views across the Lauwersmeer. Walk to the top for panoramic views.

• The Overtag — A historic salt warehouse from 1795, a reminder of Zoutkamp's salt-production history (the name 'Zoutkamp' means 'salt camp').

• Fresh shrimp tasting — Buy freshly cooked North Sea shrimp (garnalen) from the harbour-side fishmongers, peeled and eaten on the spot (€3–5 per portion).

• Boat trip on the Lauwersmeer — In summer, boat tours depart from the harbour for 1-hour cruises across the Lauwersmeer, with birdwatching stops (€10, check at the harbour office).

• Cycling the Lauwersmeer dyke circuit — A 25-km cycle route around the Lauwersmeer, starting from Zoutkamp, with birdwatching hides and beaches along the way.

• Wadlopen (mudflat hiking) — Guided tours from Zoutkamp to the nearby sandbanks (book via the visitor centre).

• Restaurant De Kromme Til — The village's most famous restaurant, specialising in fresh North Sea fish, shrimp, and eel. The terrace overlooks the harbour (mains €18–28, reservation essential).
• Visafslag Zoutkamp — The fish auction hall, where you can buy ultra-fresh shrimp, smoked eel, and crab directly from the fishermen (open mornings, cash only).
• Eetcafé De Harmonie — A casual pub-restaurant on the harbour, serving fish and chips, shrimp croquettes, and grilled fish (mains €12–18).

• Café De Haven — The main harbour-side bar, with a large terrace in summer serving local beers and chilled white wine.
• IJssalon Zoutkamp — An ice-cream parlour near the harbour, selling locally made Dutch ice cream.

Zoutkamp has limited accommodation. Book ahead in summer.

• Mid-range — Hotel Restaurant De Kromme Til (doubles from €95).
• Budget — B&B Zoutkamp, guesthouses in the village (doubles from €65).
• Camping — Natuurkampeerterrein Zoutkamp, a natural camping ground on the edge of the Lauwersmeer (€15 per pitch).

• Lauwersmeer National Park — The park starts at the edge of the village, with hiking and cycling trails.
• Pieterburen — 15 km west, seal rehabilitation centre.
• Groningen — 35 km south, the provincial capital.
• Schiermonnikoog Island — Accessible by ferry from Lauwersoog (10 km east), a car-free Wadden Island with pristine nature.