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Europe Netherlands Groningen Do & See Martinitoren

Overview

Martinitoren

The guide was updated: 2024-02-03

Few landmarks in Groningen are as emblematic as Martini Tower, or 'the old grey one' as the locals call it, which proudly signals its presence from afar, guiding visitors to both the church and the main market square (Grote Markt). The current structure — third time's the charm — was built in the 15th century and stretches almost 100 metres into the skyline, offering panoramic vistas for those who climb all 260 steps.

Useful Information

Address: Martinikerkhof 3, Groningen
Website: www.martinikerk.nl
Phone: +31 50 311 1277
Email: info@martinikerk.nl

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Martinitoren

Martinitoren

Few landmarks in Groningen are as emblematic as Martini Tower, or 'the old grey one' as the locals call it, which proudly signals its presence from afar, guiding visitors to both the church and the main market square (Grote Markt). The current structure — third time's the charm — was built in the 15th century and stretches almost 100 metres into the skyline, offering panoramic vistas for those who climb all 260 steps.

University Museum

University Museum

Groningen University Museum, established in 1934, showcases an eclectic mix of nature, culture and science. Highlights include historical medical instruments, the world's first electric vehicle from 1835, and a tribute to Dr Aletta Jacobs, the Netherlands' first female graduate. The museum's anatomical theatre has around 50 macabre anatomical preparations, as well as some skeletons and wax models. Check the official website to learn about the ever-changing temporary exhibitions.

Museum aan de A

Museum aan de A

Museum aan de A, formerly the Northern Maritime Museum, now focuses on Groningen city and province life. It highlights both triumphs and complex histories, like the local maritime heritage and Groningen's involvement in slavery. With a few years still needed for its full transition, the museum offers an engaging blend of history and culture.

Excalibur Climbing Wall at Klimcentrum Bjoeks

Excalibur Climbing Wall at Klimcentrum Bjoeks

Excalibur at Klimcentrum Bjoeks, the world's tallest freestanding climbing tower, offers a unique ascent for experienced climbers. Rising 37 metres with an 11-metre overhang, it mimics real peak conditions. Climbers can connect via a dedicated WhatsApp group for partners, and rent all necessary equipment on the spot. For the adventurous, there's even an option to stay the night atop Excalibur. Bjoeks also features remarkable outdoor bouldering on concrete, a distinct experience requiring technical skill. Indoor climbing and essential facilities like showers and a kitchen make your stay extra comfortable.

Vismarkt

Vismarkt

Vismarkt, a hub of urban vibrancy, has transformed from a 17th-century fish market into a lively centre for shopping and dining. Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the square is busy with market stalls offering a variety of goods. Surrounding historic buildings like the Korenbeurs and the A-Kerk add architectural charm. The Korenbeurs, a notable UNESCO monument, now hosts a supermarket, blending history with modern convenience. Vismarkt regularly hosts cultural events, making it a focal point of city life.

Lauwersmeer National Park

Lauwersmeer National Park

Lauwersmeer National Park, straddling the border of Groningen and Friesland, emerged from the transformation of the Lauwerszee into a lake in 1969. This park, a haven for over 100 bird species and a key stopover in their migratory paths, offers a blend of open water, grasslands, reed beds and forests. Notable for its tranquillity and natural beauty, it's also a designated Dark Sky Park, ideal for stargazing. Home to unique wildlife, including Konik horses and Scottish Highland cattle, the park provides enriching experiences through hiking and boat photo tours.

Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. This intertidal zone, stretching across the North Sea coast, is a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty. Traverse its mudflats for a memorable experience, or explore the pristine darkness of a Dark Sky Park. Savour local flavours with fresh seafood and regional delicacies. For wildlife enthusiasts, the 'big five' of the Wadden Sea (seals and grey seals, white-tailed eagles, porpoises and European sturgeon) are a sight to behold. Birdwatchers can revel in a diverse array of species along the Uithuizerwad dyke.

Ancient Village Niehove

Ancient Village Niehove

The picturesque village Niehove stands as a testament to historical ingenuity. Built on a terp (a man-made hill) to outsmart the advancing sea, its layout has remained unchanged for centuries. This former capital of Humsterland is a maze of narrow church paths and red brick houses, arranged in concentric circles around a central, 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic church. Once the only stone structure in Niehove, the church now houses a visitor centre, sharing the village's rich history. This protected site, with its unique street plan and tranquil charm, invites visitors to step back in time.

Piloersemaborg

Piloersemaborg

Piloersemaborg, a 17th-century manor in Den Ham, stands as a historical gem just a short drive from Groningen. Surrounded by avenues and canals, this sole surviving manor farm in the Netherlands offers a glimpse into the life of squires with its stately architecture and rural charm. Initially built in 1633 and later restored, Piloersemaborg now hosts a restaurant, blending its rich history with contemporary culinary delights. Sheltered by trees and encompassed by a moat, it presents an idyllic retreat into the past.

Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre

Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre

Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic history of over one hundred thousand Jews, Sinti and Roma deported during WWII. It actively preserves their stories through exhibitions, eyewitness lectures and theatrical performances. This site of reflection connects past atrocities to present-day dilemmas, emphasizing the individual humanity behind the Holocaust.

International Wooden Shoe Museum Eelde

International Wooden Shoe Museum Eelde

The International Wooden Shoe Museum in Eelde showcases an unrivalled collection of over 3,000 pairs of clogs and wooden-soled footwear from more than 45 countries, making it the world's most comprehensive exhibit of its kind. The museum, born from the passion of the last clog makers in Eelde and enhanced by significant private collections, also displays a vast array of clog-making tools and machinery.

Drents Museum

Drents Museum

The Drents Museum in Assen is a treasure trove of history and art, showcasing over 90,000 objects. Its archaeology collection, featuring prehistoric artefacts like the mummified Yde Girl and the oldest known canoe, the Pesse canoe, is among the most important in Northwest Europe. The museum also boasts a significant art collection, considered one of the Netherlands' finest, alongside an impressive array of contemporary realism art. A visit offers an immersive journey through Drenthe's rich past and artistic legacy.

DOT

DOT

DOT in Groningen is a versatile event space, known for its iconic white dome. This multifunctional venue caters to up to 500 guests for congresses, dinners, and parties. Its gastrobar and charcoal-fired Josper grill offer a vibrant culinary experience, complemented by DJs and live music. The outdoor terrace suits both casual and professional gatherings. With a film and theatre hall featuring advanced sound and lighting systems, DOT is a unique destination for a range of events.

Boot Groningen Canal Cruise

Boot Groningen Canal Cruise

Boot Groningen offers an enchanting journey through the city's waterways. Whether opting for a private group tour or joining others, passengers can expect an educational and scenic exploration of the city. The canal cruise is a great way to see the city's architecture and lively ambience, with knowledgeable guides sharing intriguing facts and landmarks. An added delight is the inclusion of drinks, enhancing the experience.

Groninger Museum

Groninger Museum

A stunning post-modernist structure floating on scenic Verbindingskanaal, the Groninger Museum is bound to impress you at first sight. Inside, visitors are treated to a diverse collection of modern art, featuring both local and international talents. Explore historic events, pop culture and many more through a host of permanent and travelling exhibitions.

Nieuwe Markt & Forum Groningen

Nieuwe Markt & Forum Groningen

Nieuwe Markt, at the heart of Groningen's city centre, emerged as a vibrant square with a modern touch. Surrounded by contemporary structures and historic townhouses, it offers a unique view of the city. The centrepiece of the square is the recently completed Forum Groningen is a cultural centre with a library, cinema, and select parts of the Groninger Museum.

Noorderplantsoen Park

Noorderplantsoen Park

Lying on the former northern defence line of the city, this English-style public park is a beloved place for outdoor activities, be it a walk, a picnic or duck watching. Adorned with magnificent foliage and ponds, the park also serves as a backdrop to vibrant cultural events, most notably the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival in August.

Plaza Posta

Plaza Posta

Situated half an hour southwest of Groningen, Plaza Posta is an all-embracing activity centre suitable for groups of all themes and sizes, be it family or work events. With over a dozen programmes from escape games to bowling to outdoor tours, it's all up to your definition of fun. For the essential bites and drinks, the historic De Postwagen restaurant provides a variety of options including high tea, buffets and barbecue. It's advisable to enquire beforehand about opening hours and availability, including those of the restaurant, as they may be subject to large group bookings.

Prinsentuin

Prinsentuin

With a history dating back to the 17th century, the Prince's garden is a historic landmark that today unfolds as a tranquil oasis with its manicured garden and inviting foliage corridors. Against the scenic backdrop of the Martinitoren, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls and lounge in the garden's tea room. Every summer, poets gather here to present their work at the dedicated festival, which makes for a fitting complement to the splendour of the place.

Hanging Kitchens of Appingedam

Hanging Kitchens of Appingedam

Perched over the Damsterdiep canal, these hanging kitchens are quirky extensions to brick-walled houses that trace back to mediaeval times. Designed to provide extra room and water access to households, these unique structures make for a charming sight when strolling through the city of Appingedam. Visit Aan Tafel café across from these houses and enjoy your high tea or snack with a view of these architectural gems.

Dark Sky Park — Lauwersmeer

Dark Sky Park — Lauwersmeer

Officially declared a Dark Sky Park in 2016, Lauwersmeer National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Groningen and is mostly renowned for its rich birdlife and the popular night walks, offering a celestial escape in a country with an otherwise heavy light pollution. As one of just above 40 Dark Sky Parks worldwide — and the second in the country after Boschplaat — it promises sightings of the nocturnal wildlife, constellations and, on rare occasions, even the northern lights.

Bourtange Fortress

Bourtange Fortress

The fortress of Bourtange, this small village sitting on the German border, is a captivating star-shaped defensive structure completed in the 16th century during the Eighty Years' War. Stroll through its cobbled alleys for a journey through time as you browse quaint shops — including a small candle workshop — alongside bars and restaurants. Regularly hosting events like markets and historical re-enactments, the fort offers both a glimpse into the past and a vibrant contemporary experience for visitors.

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