Top 10 Things to do and see in Groningen province

Groningen province is often underestimated and overlooked. It’s considered to be ‘far, far away’, empty, boring and very, very flat.

Flat and empty, yes. But boring? That depends. Me, living in Groningen? No, that turned out to be too boring for me. But for a weekend, road trip or vacation? Definitely worthwhile.

Not necessarily untrue, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? I have lived in Groningen countryside for several years, before moving to Groningen city, and imho Groningen province is certainly worth a visit.

Look at those clouds! Isn’t that impressive?!

Panoramic views, impressive clouds, lakes and canals, peace and quiet, biking, walking, canoeing, boating, road trips, cute tiny towns, islands within easy reach, and one big city; that’s Groningen for ya!

Panoramic and flat… check!

Top 10 things to do and see in Groningen province

1. visit Groningen city, the vibrant heart of the county, with lots of shops, restaurants, hofjes and art. Spend at least two days there and check out my Groningen map with all the hotspots on it. Handy!
2. go to ‘het wad’ aka the mudflats and make a mudflat walk from Pieterburen to Schiermonnikoog
3. explore Schiermonnnikoog by staying here for a couple of days and enjoy the island life.
4. visit some of Groningen’s famous Borgen aka historic mansions and travel back in time.
   

   Beautiful Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren.

   Originally built as country houses for nobles, the Borgen that are still here today, have now been turned into museums.

5. make a road trip along cute little villages, endless flatlands, wierden (artificial hills), art galeries, lakes and the north coast.
   

   Charming little village in Groningen.

   Specific parts of Groningen each have their own characteristics and sights, like the Westerkwartier (dykes and meadows), Oldambt (lots of cultural activities), Waddenland (seals and mudflats), Eemsdelta-Hoogeland (hanging kitchens and harbour), the Veenkolonieen (history, gardens, fishing and canoeing) and Westerwolde (walking).

6. stay in some of Groningen’s best, most local or quirkiest B&B’s and hotels, like Erfgoed logies Nieuw Midhuizen, Crawfurd’s Corner, or Blauwestad Hoeve. Or camp in a luxury safari-tent in Zuidhorn, near Groningen city.
7. visit the Zeehondencentrum aka Seal Rescue Center in Pieterburen
8. Lauwersmeer (lake) is great for watersport and recreation
9. check out Bourtange, a pretty fortified village
10. include some of Groningen’s many historic churches -like the church in Warfhuizen- in your road trip.
    

    Just one of Groningen’s many churches.

Two more posts about Groningen coming soon

My next article will be about the Fraeylemaborg, Slochteren and the post after that is gonna be about art gallery, sculpture garden, restaurant and shop WaarKunst, ‘t Waar.

The restaurant of Waarkunst in ‘t Waar, Groningen. Filled with art and art for sale.

Have you visited Groningen? If so, what did you see and do there? If not, does this province appeal to to you?