Groningen

Introduction

You will find that Groningen serves as the capital city and main municipality of the Groningen province in the Netherlands. Known as the "capital of the north," it functions as the primary economic and cultural center for the northern region of the country.

Before you go

Prepare for a journey through a landscape shaped by centuries of history, from Neolithic traces to medieval architecture in the downtown area. You will find a city that once served as a powerful trade center with a distinct dialect and a towering landmark known as the Martini Tower. While the city faced significant destruction during World War II, notable structures like the Goudkantoor and the city hall remained intact. Today, you can experience a vibrant atmosphere in a city known for its university and its youthful population.

When planning your visit, keep these practical details in mind:

• Expect a temperate coastal climate where winter brings cold temperatures and snow, while summer offers warm days.
• Prepare to navigate the streets by bicycle, as these are a central part of daily life and outnumber the residents.
• Visit the tourist information office in the city center at the Forum Groningen for local information, souvenirs, or hotel reservations.

Getting there

You can reach Groningen by plane via Groningen Airport Eelde, which offers flights from various destinations in Europe including Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. For those arriving at Schiphol Airport, a direct train provides an easy connection to the city. If you arrive at the regional airport, you can take Bus 9 to the center or utilize the special shuttle bus, line 100, which serves specific international flight connections and key locations like the hospital and downtown areas.

Train travel offers frequent connections to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, while regional lines serve nearby destinations such as Leeuwarden. If you prefer traveling by bus, several domestic and international lines connect Groningen to cities in Germany, Belgium, and beyond. For those arriving by car, the city is accessible via major highways and N-roads; however, navigating the central canal ring can be challenging due to one-way streets and limited parking. You may opt to use Park & Ride facilities located on the outskirts, where you can leave your vehicle and take a frequent bus into the heart of the city.

Getting around

You can navigate the compact central area of Groningen easily on foot or by bicycle, as traffic is strictly restricted within the diepenring. For longer distances beyond the city center, the bus system provides a reliable alternative to walking. Most buses pass through or end at Central Station and include a stop at Grote Markt square in the downtown area. If you prefer a more modern experience, the Q-Link group of services offers air conditioning and WiFi connections for travel to destinations outside the region.

• Cycling is considered the best way to travel around, with most locations reachable from the center within 20 minutes.
• Due to high rates of bicycle theft, you should use a strong second lock, such as a chain lock, when securing your bike.
• Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver or via an OV-chipkaart; note that buses no longer accept cash payments.
• The Q-Link lines include specific routes like line 15, which serves as a student express to the Zernike campus during weekdays.

Where to stay

You will find a wide variety of accommodations in Groningen, ranging from budget-friendly options to mid-range stays with historic charm. While the city does not offer high-end luxury hotels, you can choose between modern facilities and beautifully preserved historic buildings. For those seeking a more rustic experience, you can stay in cabins at a Scandinavian-style village near a lake or camp in a large, wooded park just outside the ring road.

If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, several mid-range hotels offer unique atmospheres, including buildings dating back centuries that maintain their historic character. You can choose from modern rooms with rooftop terraces, accommodations featuring local artistic inspiration, or a social enterprise hotel where each room follows a different theme. For a more premium experience, you can find grander options located in the heart of the city near the Martini Tower.

• Budget-friendly choices include a long-standing youth hostel, an environmentally responsible container hostel offering bike rentals, and a large woodsy park for those with tents.
• Mid-range options provide a mix of modern designs, such as rooms in high-rise buildings with views, and historic properties featuring helpful staff and amenities like saunas or steam baths.
• Unique stays include a social business initiative where several houses were transformed into themed rooms near the old center.

Food & drink

Experience the straightforward culinary traditions of the Netherlands by sampling local specialties like Groninger worst, an air-dried pork sausage available in local butcheries and supermarkets. For a unique snack, try an eierbal, a ball-shaped croquette filled with veal and a whole egg. You can also explore various Dutch cheese varieties at local shops, where you might find organic options such as green pesto cheese or farmers crumblecheese.

The city offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale experiences:

• Enjoy large Dutch pancakes on an old sailing ship moored along the canal.
• Visit specialized spots for Italian pizzas baked in traditional wood ovens, Indian cuisine, or Teppanyaki.
• Find international flavors like Moroccan-style marinated tenderloin, Lebanese food and mezze, or Tel-Aviv inspired dishes.
• Choose from a variety of vegetarian and vegan options at dedicated local hotspots.

What to see and do

Explore a city centre that blends cultural heritage with a laid-back atmosphere. You can wander through the heart of the city, which is formed by two adjoining market squares: the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt. Standing prominently on the edge of the Grote Markt is the Martini Tower, a landmark for the region. While many historic canals were filled to create streets like the Gedempte Zuiderdiep, you can still find evidence of the city's past in its architecture. Stroll through the city centre to see former canal warehouses, several churches, and the city hall. You can also discover unique architectural styles, such as the Amsterdamse School buildings in the Grunobuurt district or the modern "organic" design of the Gasunie Building.

The cultural scene offers a variety of experiences across different districts:

• Visit the Groninger Museum to see state-of-the-art contemporary art within spectacular architecture.
• Explore the Forum Groningen, a large complex featuring a public library, cinema, and a rooftop bar with views of the surrounding landscape.
• Discover the history of water transport at the Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum or view Victorian-style collections in the Universiteitsmuseum.
• Experience visual storytelling at Storyworld or see graphic arts at GRID Grafisch Museum Groningen.
• Walk through the 14 Hoge and Lage der A streets to see medieval warehouses and a 17th-century brewery.
• Visit the various Guest Houses, such as Pelstergasthuis and Pepergasthuis, to view picturesque courtyards.
• See the yellow-painted tower of the Der Aa-Kerk or find colorful terraced houses at Reitdiep.

Three days in Groningen

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Groningen. You might visit the Grote Markt to see the Martini Tower and experience the atmosphere of this historic area.

Day two, you can explore more of the city by cycling or taking a bus. You can find local landmarks and enjoy the surroundings while exploring the Dutch landscape.

Day three, you can visit Forum Groningen to see how the city has evolved from its past into the present day.