Groningen

Dominating Groningen’s Grote Markt, the Martinitoren, or Saint Martin’s Tower, reaches a commanding 96.8 meters, making it the tallest structure in the city. Known locally as 'd' Olle Grieze', this 13th-century bell tower offers panoramic views after climbing its 260-step spiral staircase. The tower’s walls are decorated with centuries-old art, including a striking 16th-century depiction of Jesus’ life.

Opposite Groningen’s main train station, the Groninger Museum stands out with its bold, postmodern architecture. Renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary art, it hosts ever-changing exhibitions that attract art lovers from across the country. Designed by top architects like Philippe Starck and Alessandro Mendini, the museum celebrates creativity in its many forms.

Just a short stroll from the Grote Markt, the Prinsentuin is a Renaissance-style haven in Groningen. Originally laid out in 1626 for the Nassau princes, this peaceful garden features a rose garden, herb beds, and a charming sundial. With its hedged initials W and A, and a history of royal ties, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the city’s regal past.

The Aa-kerk stands tall in the heart of Groningen, a medieval church that has witnessed centuries of city life. Originally built for Catholic worship and later taken over by Protestants during the Reformation, this historic structure is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic churches, offering a glimpse into Groningen’s rich spiritual past.

At the heart of Groningen lies the Grote Markt, a vibrant square that has long been the city’s beating pulse. Known historically as Breede Merckt until the early 19th century, this lively hub is crowned by the towering Martinitoren and the stately Stadhuis. The square buzzes with life—hospitable cafes, including the legendary Drie Gezusters, reputed to be Europe's largest pub with room for 3,700 revelers. Once a stage for grand celebrations and solemn remembrances like Groningen’s Liberation Day, the Grote Markt has seen its historic charm reshaped post-World War II, and today it gleams anew after recent redevelopment efforts.

Noorderplantsoen is Groningen’s beloved green oasis, where history meets leisure. Once part of the city’s defensive walls from the 17th century, this 20-hectare park now features winding paths and serpentine ponds inspired by the English garden style. It’s the perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind, especially on sunny days.

At the heart of Groningen, Forum Groningen redefines cultural engagement with its futuristic architecture and multifaceted programming. Whether catching a film, attending a workshop, or exploring exhibitions, it’s a dynamic space that sparks curiosity and community.

Previously located in historic buildings on Brugstraat, the Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum charts the maritime story of Groningen and Northern Netherlands. As one of the province’s most visited museums, it offers insights into shipbuilding and seafaring. Since 2022, its exhibits have integrated into the new Museum aan de A, continuing the city’s maritime legacy.

Nestled just off Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat, the University Museum Groningen invites curious minds with its quirky blend of Victorian charm and modern exhibits. Explore fascinating scientific artifacts, taxidermy, and anatomical specimens upstairs, while the first floor often hosts innovative, tech-oriented temporary exhibitions—perfect for those eager to uncover the city’s scientific heritage.

Groningen’s main train hub, affectionately known as Hoofdstation, has been connecting the city since 1865. The current station, designed by Izaak Gosschalk and restored in 2000, is a bustling gateway for travelers exploring the region. With numerous bus services and historic charm, it’s the perfect place to start your Groningen adventure.

Discover the charm of Folkingestraat, a vibrant street where local artisans and cozy cafes invite you to experience Groningen’s everyday life. The historic architecture and lively atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind and find unique souvenirs.

Groningen’s oldest church, the Martinikerk, is a true icon of the city’s history. Named after Saint Martin of Tours, this 15th-century hall church features the historic Martinitoren, which once served as the cathedral for the short-lived Bishopric of Groningen. Its centuries-old walls echo stories of faith and medieval craftsmanship.

Step into the Korenbeurs, a building steeped in Groningen’s mercantile history. Its unique architecture reflects a blend of styles, and today it stands as a testament to the city’s trading legacy, now serving as a modern marketplace within a historic shell.

The Goudkantoor, an architecturally striking building from 1635, sits prominently on the Grote Markt. Originally serving as the city’s office for tax collection, its Latin inscription hints at its historic role. Over the centuries, it also functioned as a gold hallmarking house and a wartime storage site. Today, it’s a charming café, blending history with modern urban life.

MartiniPlaza is Groningen’s premier indoor venue, buzzing with concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events. As the home of basketball team Donar and a hub for entertainment, this versatile arena offers a lively glimpse into the city’s modern cultural pulse, with a capacity of over 4,000 fans.

Dominating Groningen’s skyline, the St. Joseph Cathedral is a stunning example of religious architecture designed by Pierre Cuypers, with contributions from his son Jos. This historic church, serving as the cathedral for the Diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden, combines spiritual significance with architectural beauty, making it a meaningful stop for visitors interested in the city’s religious history.

Venture beyond Groningen’s bustling core to discover Hoogkerk, a neighborhood where tranquility and tradition reign. Its picturesque streets and scenic parks offer a peaceful retreat, while historic sites like Sint-Vitusholt church reveal the area’s rich architectural heritage. Interacting with friendly locals in cozy cafes makes this a genuine slice of Dutch life, away from the tourist trail.

Spanning around 140 hectares, Stadspark is a green oasis in Groningen, designed by landscape architect Leonard Springer in the early 20th century. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, featuring an arboretum, petting zoo, and space for concerts—an urban escape that captures the city’s natural and social vibe.

Tucked away in the northeast of Groningen, Kardinge is a secret slice of Dutch wilderness and activity. This enigmatic area combines a lush nature reserve managed by Natuurmonumenten with a lively transferium (P+R Kardinge) and a bustling sports center (Sportcentrum Kardinge). Sandwiched between the neighborhoods of Beijum and Lewenborg, its name whispers of the nearby Kardingermaar, a waterway stretching about three kilometers to the northeast—an overlooked waterway that hints at the area's quiet, mysterious charm.

Tucked away in Groningen’s northern reaches, Selwerd reveals a side of the city where community and creativity flourish. Its green parks and local art exhibitions create a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking authentic cultural immersion. Wandering through its quiet streets offers a glimpse into everyday Dutch life, far from the tourist crowds.

Perched atop the northernmost rise of the Hondsrug, the Nieuwe Kerk stands as a proud testament to Groningen’s spiritual heritage. Known in the 18th century as the Noorderkerk, this Protestant church is a Rijksmonument that commands the Nieuwe Kerkhof—an ancient cemetery—within the lively Hortusbuurt. Its name, “New Church,” pays homage to the older Sint-Walburgkerk, with roots tracing back to a cemetery once called the Nieuwe Sint-Walburgkerkhof. Steeped in history, it offers a quiet yet profound glimpse into the city’s religious past amid the scenic northern hill of the Thye.

The Groningen Synagogue, built in 1906 on Folkingestraat, offers a glimpse into the city’s Jewish heritage. After serving the community until 1942, it was rededicated in 1981 and now features a museum section that showcases Jewish culture, religion, and history in Groningen and beyond. Adjacent to the synagogue are historic ritual baths and remnants of the old Zwaantjesgang.

Follow the winding journey of the Drentsche Aa, a river that begins its quiet flow in the Dutch province of Drenthe, meandering through the landscape of the same name before reaching Groningen. This waterway, known by a multitude of local names like Deurzerdiep and Taarlosche Diep, culminates near Haren in the Schipsloot, which then feeds into the Noord-Willemskanaal. Its waters end their voyage in the Lauwersmeer and Wadden Sea, carrying stories of the land through a landscape protected within the Drentsche Aa National Landscape—a watery mosaic of history and nature.

The Provinciehuis Groningen is the administrative heart of the province. Situated along Martinikerkhof, its front building dates back to the early 20th century, while behind it lies the historic Latijnse Sint Maartensschool, a late medieval structure. This site embodies Groningen’s governance and architectural history.