City guide

Groningen

A headstrong city beneath the Martini Tower.

1 museums
Photo: © Sean Valerio Images | museumtickets

The story of Groningen

Groningen is the big city of the north, young thanks to its students and old thanks to its history. Above it all rises the Martinitoren, which locals call d'Olle Grieze, the old grey one. And right by the station sits a museum that looks like a work of art in itself.

For museum visitors, Groningen starts at the station: the Groninger Museum sits on an island in the canal directly opposite. From there you walk into the old centre in a few minutes, past canals, warehouses and the Grote Markt. Almost everything lies within the old city moat, so you will not need a bus. In between, climb the Martinitoren or find some calm in the Prinsenhof garden. Plan a museum in the morning, a tower after lunch and an evening in the city's lively cafés.

  • 1040Groningen is first mentioned
  • 97 mHeight of the Martinitoren
  • 1614The university is founded

Your museum day in Groningen

One day, four moments. How to get the most out of your visit.

  1. 10:00MUSEUM
    Groninger Museum Start at the station and walk straight into the museum on the water.
  2. 12:30EAT
    Lunch around the Vismarkt A square full of terraces, close to the Grote Markt.
  3. 15:30SHOP
    Folkingestraat Small, independent shops on one of the city's nicest streets.
  4. 19:00SLEEP
    Hotel in the city centre Groningen comes alive at night, and your bed is within walking distance.

Groningen in six moments

  1. 1040Groningen is first mentioned, as villa Cruoninga.
  2. 1482The Martinitoren rises above the city.
  3. 1614The University of Groningen is founded.
  4. 1635The Goudkantoor, an elegant tax office, is built on the Grote Markt.
  5. 1672The city withstands the siege by Bommen Berend and is relieved on 28 August.
  6. 1994The new Groninger Museum opens on an island opposite the station.

What to do in Groningen

Six places to complete your museum day.

  1. 01

    Groninger Museum →

    A colourful museum building from 1994 on an island opposite the station, designed by Alessandro Mendini and others. Inside: changing exhibitions and art from Groningen.

    Museumeiland2 to 3 hours
  2. 02

    Martinitoren

    The tower of the Martinikerk is almost 97 metres tall. After a solid climb you look out over the city and the flat land around it.

    Grote Markt1 hour
  3. 03

    University Museum

    More than four centuries of university life in one museum: old instruments, specimens and stories about research and student days.

    Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat1 to 2 hours
  4. 04

    Prinsenhof garden

    A walled garden behind the Prinsenhof, with roses, herbs and an old sundial. A quiet spot in the heart of the city.

    Turfsingel30 min
  5. 05

    Forum Groningen

    A striking cultural building on the Nieuwe Markt, with a cinema, library and exhibitions. Ride the escalators up to the roof terrace for a sweeping view.

    Nieuwe Markt1 to 2 hours
  6. 06

    Noorderplantsoen

    A rolling city park along the old fortifications. This is where locals picnic, and where you can wander away from the bustle.

    Noorderplantsoen1 hour

Museums in Groningen

Buy your tickets online and plan the rest of your day around them.

All museums in Groningen (1)

On the map

All museums in Groningen. Click a museum for the route.

Plan your trip to Groningen ↗
Hidden story

The bishop who threw bombs

Every year on 28 August, Groningen throws a party and the university closes. If you do not know why, it can be quite a surprise.

Read the storyHide the story

In 1672, the Dutch Year of Disaster, the young Republic was attacked from all sides. That summer the Bishop of Münster, Christoph Bernhard von Galen, marched his army to Groningen. He set up camp south of the city and pounded it for weeks with cannonballs and bombs. The people of Groningen gave him a nickname that is still known today: Bommen Berend, Bernard the Bomber. The defence was led by the Bohemian nobleman Carl von Rabenhaupt, and the city refused to give in. On 28 August the bishop withdrew. Ever since, Groningen has celebrated the day as Gronings Ontzet, the Relief of Groningen, with fireworks and festivities.

Where: City centre, Groningen

Beyond the city

Around Groningen lie wide landscapes, old manor houses and the Wadden Sea. A fine contrast to the busy city.

Train to Uithuizen, then a short walk

Menkemaborg

A beautifully preserved manor house with a moat and gardens in Uithuizen. Inside you see how the Groningen gentry once lived.

Route by public transport ↗
Train and bus from Groningen, plan your journey ahead

Bourtange

A star-shaped fortified village close to the German border. Walk along the ramparts and through the old streets.

Route by public transport ↗
Bus to Lauwersoog, then the ferry, approx. 45 min

Schiermonnikoog

A quiet Wadden island with wide beaches, dunes and one small village. You can hire bikes on the island.

Route by public transport ↗

Travel times are indicative. Live times on 9292.nl ↗.

SLEEP

Stay in Groningen, explore the north

Groningen has places to stay for every budget, from a simple room to a hotel on the canals. From the station, trains and buses head out to manor houses, villages built on mounds and the Wadden coast. After a day out, you are back in the evening in a city that is always pleasantly busy.

Find your hotel →