Discover Groningen: museums, architecture and green spaces

The Groninger Museum combines striking architecture with a varied exhibition programme. The building was designed by Alessandro Mendini together with Philippe Starck, Michele de Lucchi and Coop Himmelb(l)au. Its four pavilions host changing exhibitions and public programmes. The permanent collection includes historical objects relating to Groningen’s history, Asian ceramics and paintings by the Groningen art society De Ploeg.

Museums, architecture and city history

At Forum Groningen, Storyworld is dedicated to comics, animation and games. You can draw, animate and try out games at 14 interactive installations. Forum also has five cinema screens; its programme includes new releases, classics, arthouse films, documentaries and film festivals. The rooftop terrace is 45 metres high and offers lovely views. The Martinitoren also offers an unobstructed view across the city of Groningen. You can climb the tower on foot via the stairs; there is no lift.

Guided tours at Groningen Synagogue are offered on the hour. On Sundays, guides take visitors through historic Jewish Groningen. Another architectural highlight is Wall House #2, built in 2001 in a residential neighbourhood by the Hoornsemeer in Groningen. Its distinctive wall is 18.5 metres wide and 14 metres high.

The history of the fortifications can also be traced at specific locations. The Helperlinie, also known as Linie van Helpman, was an extension of the fortress around Groningen’s city centre and ran across the Hondsrug. The De Helper windmill was built in 1863 below Helpman, on the east side of the Noord-Willemskanaal, and rebuilt in 1970–1971 on the eastern shore of the Paterswoldsemeer.

In the late 19th century, Park Noorderplantsoen was laid out in the English landscape style on former defensive ramparts and along old city moats; the moats were turned into ponds. Today, the park provides the annual setting for the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen. At the Prinsentuin, you can explore the rose garden, herb garden and leafy arcades. The garden is free to visit during the day; the arcades offer a glimpse of how princes once spent their afternoons here.

Haren: botanical garden and archaeology

Haren lies south of the city of Groningen and is less than half an hour away by bicycle from the Grote Markt. The Hortus Botanicus in Haren is home to special plants from around the world. Its gardens include a Chinese Ming garden, considered the only one of its kind in Europe.

The De Vork archaeological walking park in Haren focuses on ways of life in the past: visitors can learn more about significant finds and how people used to live. The park is home, among other things, to a reconstruction of an Iron Age farmhouse. The visit thus connects archaeological history with a tangible example of a historic farmstead.

Green spaces and outdoor activities

Stadspark is a green oasis in the city, with walking paths and a petting zoo. The Heemtuin Stadspark is a botanical garden with special plants and flowers and is freely accessible at all times. Its different areas include an herb garden, a sandy area and a wooded section.

At the Kardinge nature reserve, you can picnic, walk, run, inline skate and swim. The Beijumerbos in Kardinge has an accessible Beleefpad with wide, paved paths. At Hoornseplas, there is a play and paddling pool for small children on the beach.

Markets and seasonal events

At the Vismarkt, market stalls and food options sit alongside cafés and shops in historic buildings. For events, the Drafbaan in Stadspark offers a specific seasonal highlight: various concerts and festivals take place there in July and August. If you’d like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your intended travel period.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Groningen, Leek, Loppersum, Menterwolde, Slochteren, Delfzijl, Stadskanaal, Winsum.

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