On 23 May 1969, Lauwersoog was officially established.[3] There was an agreement to locate the village in Groningen, however the decision was later disputed by Friesland. Groningen intended to use the harbour for recreational purposes only, because they were constructing the Eemshaven, as a new main harbour. Friesland and the Groninger fishing village of Zoutkamp desired a commercial harbour. In January 1970, the conflict was brought to the States General of the Netherlands.[6][7]
Lauwersoog remained in Groningen, but did become a commercial harbour. It started to specialise in fishing. From 1973 onwards, many English and German fishers started using Lauwersoog to deliver their catch, and by 1986, it was the second largest fishing harbour.[8] As a village, it was not very successful. It first appeared on maps in 1984 and has remained small.[3][1]
Qbuzz provides a bus service (route 163 Groningen - Lauwersoog - Holwerd) and Arriva (bus route 50 Leeuwarden - Lauwersoog). They connect with the departures of the ferry to Schiermonnikoog.[10]