Groningen-a city of many possibilities

Groningen is a Dutch city located near the Wadden Sea, in the north of the country. It is a student-filled city with one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands - the average age of Groningen's residents is under 40. The first evidence of settlement in the area dates back 7,000 years, and the existence of the city is mentioned in documents from the late 13th century. For centuries, Groningen thrived thanks to its participation in the Hanseatic League. During World War II, however, it suffered severely and required extensive reconstruction, which was carried out carefully and mostly preserving the old appearance of the buildings.

Groningen tops many rankings. It is the happiest and one of the least polluted and quietest cities in the world. Perhaps the fact that it is also number 1 among bicycle-friendly urban centers contributes to this? There are many bicycle paths in and around Groningen, allowing you to take hours-long trips amidst beautiful architecture and picturesque green spaces.

What to see in Groningen?

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Groningen is a good city to explore on foot. Most of the historic city center is closed to traffic. What is worth seeing in this Dutch city?

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Grote Markt in Groningen

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The main square in the city is a place full of restaurants, cafes and pubs, where it is worth staying for a while. Here you'll find the city hall, dating back to the 19th century, and the Goudkantoor, a 17th-century building that once served as a tax and warranty office for gold or silver products.

Martinitoren and St. Martin's Church in Groningen

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Martinitoren is the tower of St. Martin's Church, which measures 97 meters. The tower is the highest point in the city and also its most important symbol, boasting as many as 62 bells and a deviation from the vertical of 60 centimeters. From the observation deck you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city, but you have to climb 260 winding stairs to get there. The 12th century St. Martin's Church itself is also worth a visit. Inside there are beautiful paintings and an impressively sized organ.

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Museum in Groningen

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This museum collects and presents collections of contemporary art, especially by local and national artists. The building itself, designed by renowned Italian architect Alessandro Mendini, catches the eye and makes quite an impression. Among other things, the museum's exhibitions are devoted to musical ensembles, showcase photographs on various themes, contemporary design, applied art or a rich collection of porcelain wares.

Northerm Maritime Museum

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Located in buildings dating back to the 15th century, the museum presents exhibitions on medieval boats from the area of the Netherlands today. Here you can learn interesting facts about the ways and techniques of their construction. The exhibits are replicas of original boats.

Prinsentuin

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This is a Renaissance garden located in the center of the city, full of herbs, roses and plant labyrinths. Prinsentuin is surrounded by a wall and is a kind of oasis of tranquility in Groningen. On sunny days, a tea house is open in the garden.

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Groningen Forum

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This is a modern cultural center open to the public, which also houses a library, part of the Groningen Museum, a cinema, cafes and a viewpoint located on the roof of the building. And it is for the views of the city that it is worth a visit.