A Trip to Groningen: Why the Dutch City Is Worth a Visit

The city of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands seems straight out of a picture book. Narrow brick houses snugly line the edges of narrow alleys. Behind large windows, blonde children with rosy cheeks play and at the market, buyers and sellers greet each other as if they all belonged to one big family. Even the vegetables look unreal, perfectly shaped and shiny in the display.

When the wizard Gandalf from 'The Lord of the Rings' first stepped into the Shire, the homeland of the hobbits - who avoid adventures and prefer to let a day pass stress-free and with a full stomach - he must have felt similar to travelers visiting Groningen.

Like the hobbits of the Shire, the people of Groningen love good food. At the Vismarkt (Fish Market), surrounded by historic buildings such as the Corn Exchange, you can find kibbeling and Hollandse Nieuwe, two Dutch specialties.

Kibbeling consists of cod fillets that are traditionally cut into bite-sized pieces and then fried. The fish is served with fries and tartar sauce or garlic dip. The new herring, Hollandse Nieuwe, is eaten whole with onions and pickles. The market takes place on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 5 PM.

You can find authentic local specialties at Restaurant Weeva: Here on the menu are the famous Groningen mustard soup with cream and ham (6.25 Euros) and Groningen blood sausage (9.50 Euros).

Those who prefer a local treat on the go can use one of the snack machines located in several places around the city. In addition to croquettes, cheese soufflés, and frikandel, the machines' compartments also contain the so-called eierbal - a breaded egg surrounded by a layer of ragout.

A unique experience is also a visit to the restaurant Het Concerthuis. Here you can order multiple dishes to share - vegan menus are also on the menu. While waiting for the meals, guests can pass the time playing table tennis, cards, board games, or foosball.

In the summer, several festivals take place in the city, where about 55,000 students live. Among them is the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen, which attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the world each year to Noorderplantsoen Park, and the Paradigm, where music fans from around the globe dance to electronic beats.

The Groninger Museum is remarkable in any season. A trip to the building is worthwhile even if you're short on cash or simply not willing to pay the 16.50 Euro entrance fee. The view of the avant-garde architecture from the outside is impressive enough. However, due to its unique collection and constantly changing exhibitions, it's recommended to go inside as well.

Currently, you can see an exhibition featuring photos by Joram Krol, the Groninger Museum's collection, and the Grand Stairwell Installation. Starting November 30, 2024, the exhibition 'How Van Gogh Came to Groningen' opens.

The somewhat leaning tower of Martinikerk, affectionately called 'the Old Grey One' ('de olle grieze') by locals, is also impressive. This symbol of Groningen is 500 years old and stands 97 meters high. Those fit enough for the climb will have a view of the entire city and the surrounding area from the top. For several years, there have also been information boards and a small cinema where a short film about Groningen and the tower is shown. A ticket costs 6 Euros, and children up to eleven years old pay 4 Euros.

Worth a visit is the newly opened Forum in the heart of Groningen. This 45-meter-high building houses photo exhibits, five cinemas, and the interactive Storyworld Museum. The highlight of the Forum, however, is the rooftop terrace offering a view over Groningen.

You can end your day perfectly at the Belgian pub De Pintelier, located in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods and featuring a menu with over one hundred beers. A place that Gandalf and his small, enjoyment-loving friends would also appreciate.

Looking for more inspiration? You'll find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.