Seasonal guide — what to see when

The Zuidlaardermeer looks different in every season. Here's an overview of what to expect and when.

Winter (December — February)

Thousands of barnacle geese, white-fronted geese and wigeon winter here. In hard frost the lake sometimes freezes over and ice fishers appear. The reed beds turn golden and morning mist makes the landscape cinematic.

Spring (March — May)

Breeding season begins. Black-tailed godwits return from West Africa, bluethroats appear in the reeds, and around late April the first black terns arrive. May is the prime month for early-morning walks.

Summer (June — August)

Sailing season. The water fills with Valken and Schakels. Rare marsh birds breed in the reeds and bogbean and purple loosestrife bloom. Warm evenings are ideal for a sail or picnic on the eastern shore.

Autumn (September — November)

Migrating birds arrive in huge numbers. Tens of thousands of barnacle geese drop in for their winter stopover. October is the month of mist, golden reed beds and the Zuidlaardermarkt (oldest horse market in the Netherlands, third Tuesday of the month).