Groningen
By Mike Pickup, Mike writes about travel for numerous newspapers and magazines, both consumer and trade, and has over a hundred features published each year. He is also the Editor of Holiday Magazine and a professionally trained photographer. For more information click here
As you arrive in the University city of Groningen, the first thing you notice are the bikes! The lack of hills in Holland makes the country ideal for cycling and Groningen’s significant student population means this form of transport accounts for some 60% of all journeys. However, pedestrians, cars and bikes live happily alongside each other and despite the crowded city centre they all seem to avoid each other with well-honed skills.
Being a university city, Groningen has a lively atmosphere with an abundance of affordable bars and restaurants, ideal for visitors of all ages; closing time is not an issue. The city also has a youthful liveliness about it, without detracting from the enjoyment of those for whom being a student is but a distant memory.
Having settled in to the Hotel de Ville in the centre of town we walked through great shopping areas to the Restaurant de Pijp. A buzzing atmosphere with local business people, we enjoyed an excellent dinner. Then it was on to the Infoversum, a dome-shaped cinema where you lie back in comfortable seats to enjoy amazing movies displayed on the dome. The movies happen all around you and you really do feel you are part of the action. At ten euros per person, it makes for a unique cinematographic experience.
Being a university city, Groningen has a lively atmosphere with an abundance of affordable bars and restaurants, ideal for visitors of all ages; closing time is not an issue. The city also has a youthful liveliness about it, without detracting from the enjoyment of those for whom being a student is but a distant memory.
Having settled in to the Hotel de Ville in the centre of town we walked through great shopping areas to the Restaurant de Pijp. A buzzing atmosphere with local business people, we enjoyed an excellent dinner. Then it was on to the Infoversum, a dome-shaped cinema where you lie back in comfortable seats to enjoy amazing movies displayed on the dome. The movies happen all around you and you really do feel you are part of the action. At ten euros per person, it makes for a unique cinematographic experience.
Our first evening ended with a drink or two in one of Europe’s largest pubs, holding up to 4,000 customers. Oozing character, the place was busy but the service excellent. Everyone in Groningen, it appears, speaks English and is happy to chat. Advice on the various beers available was expertly provided by one of the young waiters, perhaps gleaned from extensive personal experience! He was happy to advise against one of the beers on offer and, having ordered it despite this, one of our party wished he had heeded the warning.
Not surprisingly we slept well and the following morning enjoyed a typical breakfast of rolls, cold meat, cheeses and pastries before setting out to see more of this fascinating city.
Groningen is surrounded by canals and easily managed on foot, except perhaps for the 97m high Martini Tower. Originating from 1230 and later re-built after a lightning strike, its carillon contains 62 bells. An exhausting climb up the 260 steep winding stairs is rewarded with stunning views. For those with less stamina there is an excellent viewing area from just under half way.
Not surprisingly we slept well and the following morning enjoyed a typical breakfast of rolls, cold meat, cheeses and pastries before setting out to see more of this fascinating city.
Groningen is surrounded by canals and easily managed on foot, except perhaps for the 97m high Martini Tower. Originating from 1230 and later re-built after a lightning strike, its carillon contains 62 bells. An exhausting climb up the 260 steep winding stairs is rewarded with stunning views. For those with less stamina there is an excellent viewing area from just under half way.
St Geertruidsgashuis was built in 1405, initially for pilgrims visiting the Martini church. It is built around two peaceful courtyards, both of which are open to the public. The houses are now owned by a housing association and rented to local citizens, a great place to live. The old chapel is still used for services and what was the dining room is used for weddings.
A major attraction in Groningen is the museum. No old stuffy edifice, it was built in 1994 and designed by the Italian architect Mendini. Whilst some exhibits are permanent, the museum houses a number of temporary exhibits, ensuring that there is always something fresh to see. The David Bowie exhibition, popular around the world, will end its travels in Groningen at the end of the year. The exhibition coincides with the Eurosonic Noordeslang, an annual four-day conference and festival showcasing European pop music. Great timing!
A major attraction in Groningen is the museum. No old stuffy edifice, it was built in 1994 and designed by the Italian architect Mendini. Whilst some exhibits are permanent, the museum houses a number of temporary exhibits, ensuring that there is always something fresh to see. The David Bowie exhibition, popular around the world, will end its travels in Groningen at the end of the year. The exhibition coincides with the Eurosonic Noordeslang, an annual four-day conference and festival showcasing European pop music. Great timing!
The museum from the water and its stunning spiral staircase
Close by the Groningen Museum is the railway station. A magnificent structure completed in 1896 and restored in 1999, it boasts an amazing papier mache ceiling. Other fascinating buildings are the Gold Office, dating back to 1635 and now a restaurant, and the modern Wallhouse, a wall with the rooms on the outside. A rather unusual visitor attraction is a blue and milky white urinal designed by Rem Koolhaas and Erwin Olaf, although this particular bit of street art is put into storage in the cold winter months.
Groningen is also famous for its coffee shops. Whilst they may serve coffee they are primarily places where you can legitimately buy and smoke cannabis, although perversely smoking ordinary cigarettes is forbidden.
Our stay ended with a trip round the city by canal boat, it’s a great way to see the enormous diversity that the city offers, from old gothic buildings to edgy modern Italian architecture.
There is something in Groningen for everyone and the locals are most definitely a friendly bunch.
For more information go to http://www.visitholland.nl/groningen
Our stay ended with a trip round the city by canal boat, it’s a great way to see the enormous diversity that the city offers, from old gothic buildings to edgy modern Italian architecture.
There is something in Groningen for everyone and the locals are most definitely a friendly bunch.
For more information go to http://www.visitholland.nl/groningen
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Want more about Holland? See Amsterdam in Spring