City and province

At the foot of the Martinitoren you will find the city of Groningen. The capital of the province of Groningen and the sixth largest city in the Netherlands. The city is known for its centuries-old university. In more than 400 years, the University of Groningen has grown into one of the largest universities in The Netherlands with more than 50,000 students.

Between the medieval buildings there is always something going on. A city of students and city dwellers, bursting with undiscovered pearls: a place where you always keep discovering. Walk down any street and who knows, you might discover a new side of the city. Whether it is a new exhibition at the Groninger Museum or a mural in the Papengang. Have dinner at a cozy neighborhood pub or dine extensively at one of the fine dining restaurants. Need to escape the hustle and bustle? You can do so in one of the courtyards. In these majestic courtyards you will forget the delusion of every day.

Discover the city of Groningen

There is much more to discover around the city of Groningen. The surrounding countryside is also full of adventures. It is home to one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Europe and borders a Unesco World Heritage Site. In the vast landscape you can see endlessly far. Centuries-old church towers rise above the villages and are beacons in the Groningen landscape. Villages here are perched on hills so that residents can keep their feet dry. In stately homes with surrounding gardens, you will discover the history of the Groninger nobility. These buildings are the showpieces of the province. Besides iconic buildings, the surrounding countryside also offers plenty of beautiful nature. Head out with binoculars to Lauwersmeer National Park or put on your sturdy footwear and take a walk through the unspoiled nature of Westerwolde. Whether you head east or south of the province, each region has its very own character.

Added bonus: the air you breathe here is also the cleanest air in The Netherlands! While we enjoy the present, here we are also building tomorrow’s world. Groningen is a province of pioneers. In doing so, the province is taking a leading role in the energy transition and the growth of both the digital and bio-based sectors.

Discover the province of Groningen

Want to learn more about things to do in the city and province of Groningen? The website visitgroningen.nl features a wide range of outings, restaurants and events in the province. Those who want to find out more facts about Groningen can take a look at our facts and figures page, but the best way to get to know Groningen is to visit it yourself.