. The former Lauwerszee and the present-day Lauwersmeer are both named after the river, which as a small stream has its source southeast of the village of Surhuisterveen. Near Gerkesklooster/Stroobos it crosses the Prinsesmargrietkanaal/van Starkenborghkanaal. The Lauwers achieves the width of a true river at the point where gains its tributary, the Oude Vaart, near the Schalkendam. Further along its course, the Lauwers splits into two branches, the Frisian Oude Lauwers and the Zijldiep, in Gro… (More on Lauwers)