4 Star Places To Visit in Groningen Province, The Netherlands (50)

4.5 Groninger Museum (1.369 reviews)
- Loved the exhibitions
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

What a find in Groningen (Art) Museum. Their temporary exhibition on ‘Colour’ was well curated and imaginative. And housed in Alessandro Mendini’s amazing post modern exhibition space extending below the water line. First time I’ve come across the early 20th C artistic collective called De Ploeg based in Groningen - loved their work. Spent a well worth couple of hours loitering there. See more..
4.0 Martinitoren (724 reviews)
- Recommended, but necessary to buy on-line tickets in advance
Architectural Buildings

It turns out that you no longer can get coins at the VVV to climb up the Martinitoren . You now can only reserve on-line. There are a few tours a day with limited capacity, so it is necessary to reserve timely, especially if you want to go up in the weekend. We got a time slot for 10 am on Sunday morning. It was early and bad weather. However still worth doing the climb. The tour guide explains about the tower at the various stops during the climb (255 steps), which was interesting. We recommend a visit. See more..
4.5 Prinsentuin (532 reviews)
- Beautiful Gardenn but very small
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

This is a bit outside the city center, but you still get a nice feel of nature within this garden. ts very beautiful and the best time to go would be in June since that's when all the roses are bloomed. The entrance is free See more..
4.0 Vesting Bourtange (345 reviews)
- Impressive
Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums

It is very important that we still can find places which are not locked down during this COVID-19 time. Of course musea are closedown but you can enter this impressive fortress which was never captured by enemies. In the form of five-pointed star it is surrounded by canals. The town behind the walls and embankments has beer restored in 20-th century but looks pretty similar as original drawings. You can spend all day long at this place. See more..
4.0 Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen (295 reviews)
- Donateuren dag
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos • Educational sites

We are Sealcentre Pieterburen, one of the oldest and best seal rehabilitation centres in the world. On our campus and field station live and work volunteers and researchers from all over the world. By our collective passion and multidisciplinary approach we form a learning community. We transfer our passion to the public and make them aware of our mission. For years we have a passion and take care for the seal, including its environment. A clean and healthy Wadden Sea is very dear to us. This unique piece of nature has the title 'World heritage' and we should treat it accordingly; for now, for later and for our children. This puts a great responsibility on as human beings and as a social enterprise. The role of the seal is crucial; it is the indicator of a clean sea. We measure, monitor, rehabilitate and share our knowledge. To keep both the seal and its habitat healthy and to offer our knowledge and expertise internationally. See more..
4.5 Vismarkt (224 reviews)
- Make sure your visit to Groningen is on Market Day!
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets

Make sure your visit to Groningen coincides with one of the Market days! A visit to the city centre isn't complete otherwise. Here you can experience a bit of the real Dutch culture, talk with many of the truly lovely Dutch people, and sample lots of amazing cheeses I ate a type of monster sized scampi I have never seen before. Delicious oh and the coffee was incredibly good. Went back for another cup See more..
4.5 Hoofdstation Groningen (185 reviews)
- Beautiul old style railway station
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Beautiul old style railway station right at the edge of the center of the city. The architecture is beautiful, the central hall is amazing. See more..
4.5 Museum aan de A (opvolger van het Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum) (159 reviews)
- A pleasant place to spend 1-2 hours in Groningen
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Museum aan de A is the successor to the Northern Maritime Museum, which is definitely changing course after 90 years. From a museum about the Northern Netherlands shipping to a museum about the city and province. About the life of the (extra)ordinary Groningen residents. About successes and downsides. From Rabenhaupt's victory in 1672 to Groningen's involvement in slavery. Of course we will also continue to tell stories about Groningen shipping. Because Groningen would not be Groningen without shipping. We need a few more years for the transition. So work in progress. For lovers of a smooth historical snack and the cultural and historical gourmet: Museum aan de A is for everyone. See more..
4.5 Forum Groningen (148 reviews)
- The cultural hotspot of Groningen
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Movie Theaters • Architectural Buildings • Libraries

Another eye-catching building is added to the skyline of Groningen's historic city centre. Forum Groningen, open since november 2019, was designed by Amsterdam-based NL Architects for the City of Groningen. It covers a surface area of 17,000 m2 on ten floors, is open seven days a week and hosts a diverse array of activities around one coherent ambition: explore the world, discover the future. Forum Groningen's ambition is to let today's world and tomorrow's opportunities inspire the residents and visitors of Groningen. It hopes to achieve this with international exhibitions, film and literature festivals, as well as courses, workshops and talks. Forum Groningen challenges the public to keep an open mind while exposing them to the latest social and technological developments. To this end, the Forum hosts exhibitions and has the interactive Storyworld museum, five cinemas, a multi-purpose events venue, the city library, study and work places, a Medialab and a Smartlab. See more..
4.5 Brouwerij Martinus (106 reviews)
- Tour of Brewery
Breweries

I visited in October with friends and was very impressed with the beers, food and ambience. Friendly people and thoroughly enjoyable See more..
4.5 Universiteitsmuseum Groningen (106 reviews)
- Very interesting museum!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A museum featuring the wonders of science. The collection is linked to the University of Groningen. On a permanent basis there is a collection of human anatomy and a chamber featuring the first famous dutch female doctor Aletta Jacobs. There are also temporary exhibitions which can be check out on our website. See more..
4.5 Veenkoloniaal Museum (102 reviews)
- Great exhibitions
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues • History Museums

I'm not informed if there is such thing as prize given to the best museum in NL, but Veenkoloniaal Museum Veendam is Nr.1 at least on my list. In respect to permanent collection many museums do excell, but Veenkoloniaal is exceptional in well thought out and executed shoert term exhibitions. Kudos goes to the one and only Mr. Riga (director of museum Hendrik Andries Hachmer). Recommended without reservations! See more..
4.5 Fraeylemaborg (96 reviews)
- Beautiful Castle
Speciality Museums

It was good to be back to this castle again as it's a beautiful small castle. Well managed and it's also a wedding location. This time we had a chance to take a look the attic. There was a video about the owner of the castle in the attic. We took a walk in the garden, too and then closed our visit by having a drink in the castle restaurant See more..
4.0 Hanging Kitchens (76 reviews)
- The Hanging Kitchens over the Damsterdiep
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Appingedam is a small town with many original medieval premises that's still be found in the centre. The most famous sight is the hanging kitchens over the Damsterdiep canal. It's fun to see this special sight but seeing the beautiful bridges over the canal is also very nice. See more..
4.5 Nationaal Park Lauwersmeer (72 reviews)
- Wonderful area
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Been coming here for a few years now. And love it at any time of the year. Summer months are best though. For rest and non, or few tourists, the other months are best. Many nature walks available, good for cycling,sailing, heading over to the island of Schiermonnikoog, birdwatching. So much to do. Also the area is one of 2 dark sky parks in the Netherlands, so good for some stargazing or astrophotography (with unobscured views) in otherwise very lightpolluted Netherlands. See more..
4.0 Synagogue Groningen (65 reviews)
- Excellent visit
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

An opportunity to be able to visit this building. The information available was quite detailed and I was free to wander around this active place of worship. Guides were available but the timing of my visit did not enable me to take advantage. See more..
4.5 Menkemaborg (64 reviews)
- Lovely historical building, beautifully decorated, in a large garden
Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

We visited this site a few times, every time we enjoyed our visit very much. It is a beautiful furnished mansion, in the East-Northern part of Holland in the village of Uithuizen, called a 'Borg" with a lovely garden surrounded by a moat. You get a very good impression of life here in the 18th century. There are a number of rooms to visit with description. There is also an old stable which is turned into a restaurant, very cosy. Including a drink or lunch in the restaurant, the mansion and garden a visit takes about 2,5 hours. Admission fee is € 7,50 p.p. See more..
4.0 Landgoed Nienoord (61 reviews)
- Excellent day out
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

€50 for a family of 4. We had access to the pool complex and the massive playground. Had a great day with very little stress. See more..
4.0 Fontana Resort Bad Nieuweschans (58 reviews)
- Daily visits help to recoup after amazing Thai massage in Leer Germany
Spent More than 3 hours Hammams & Turkish Baths • Spas • Thermal Spas

Benefits are fantastic, my bruises were basically disappearing in 1 day what would take several days without visits to the spa. Saunas well kept and maintained, clean and plenty of options. Food is ok just average. I went daily for about 7-8 days to restore and recoup from deep Thai massage (hummer and chisel deep tissue for scar removal)in Leer Germany about 20 min away. Infra red is very powerful, other saunas are good and helpful as well. Pools have 1 min jets that help tremendously massaging and improving circulation. I was in sports from 6 y old now in 50’s with more injuries then you can imagine from extreme sports and hard work( artist in USA). Highly recommended for any kind of body restoration or just relaxing. Photo is not really bruises it is stagnant blood that is moved from deep tissue with massage and allowed me to regain flexibility from 20 years ago. Spa speed up recovery and my recuperation to be able to take it daily for 10 days in a row. Mile from Stamford CT. USA. See more..
4.0 Museum Klooster Ter Apel (57 reviews)
- Ter Apel Monastery
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Religious Sites

Ter Apel Monastery, built in 1465, is a former monastery in the village of Ter Apel in the northeastern Dutch province of Groningen. It is located on a forested ridge of sand along the ancient trade route from Münster i/W (in Germany) to the city of Groningen. For passing travellers and pilgrims the monastery was a place of hospitality and dedication. Even though accents have shifted, Ter Apel Monastery has been a meeting place even to this day. It is a meeting place for art and culture enthusiasts because of the old and new architecture, and the permanent and changing exhibitions. It is a meeting place for fans of old and new (church) music, the acoustics of the monastery church are unsurpassed. It is for nature lovers because its wooded rural location offers plenty of walks. And also for anyone who just needs a moment of peace and reflection. See more..
4.0 Waterlelie (55 reviews)
- Paradise in The Netherlands.
Spent More than 3 hours Spas
Having visited several outstanding spas in Holland, Waterlelie rates number 1. Spotless, spacious, friendly staff, good food, affordable, fantastic grounds, fantastic relaxation longe and total tranquility. This is a naturist spa as are most in NL. We have been several times now and choose to book for late afternoon to benefit from discounted entry fee. Entrance for 2 adults, several drinks and a 1 course meal costs approx £50 all in. Do attend the collective sauna experience held several times each day, its invigorating. Absolutely NO negatives for this place. See more..
4.0 Der Aa-kerk (55 reviews)
- Amazing views
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Wow, what a great experience! Already know the church, from concerts en exhibitions. But this very special occasion will not be fast forgotten. After an enthousiast story by a volunteer, we got helmets and climbed the very small stairs to the first level and than even higher... we ended near the clocktower. Which we couldnt climb because of the bat colony sleeping in wintertime... But wow! interesting and impressive. See more..
4.0 Korenbeurs Groningen (52 reviews)
- Two birds with one stone
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

The location of the Albert Heijn supermarket at the Vismarkt (fish market) has been cleverly chosen by the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. The store is located in the Korenbeurs, the old corn exchange. It is a wonderful location right in the center and a really beautiful building. Two birds with one stone, so it can remain preserved and used in a good way. It's an asset to the city and its residents and an easy convenient store. See more..
4.5 Openluchtmuseum het Hoogeland (49 reviews)
- Very interesting
Speciality Museums

We enjoyed our two hours here looking at the little houses and artefacts. The vets house appealed to us with the various instruments for dealing with animals. The Jewish butchers house was also interesting. We could park immediately outside the museum. The cafe was good too. Seeing the children’s games took us back to our own childhood and the desks in the school with ink wells. The shop sold Persil and Sunlight soap in old packaging. See more..
4.0 Muzeeaquarium Delfzijl (49 reviews)
- Very good and not expensive
Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • Aquariums

The museum itself makes use of a old German war time bunker for keeping the aquarium and its contents at a constant temperature and is a brilliant use of something for which it was not intended. The museum was educational and we found the kids were interested in all aspects of the maritime history. For a small museum it is well worth the entrance fee and we found the man in charge to be very helpful and interesting to speak to, as really on a Sunday there is not much open to help tourists. He guided us to Appingden which was a wonderful place to eat outside in the sunshine. Unfortunately we was unable to get parked anywhere near to the Folk Festival that he had recommended to us. See more..
4.0 Doe Zoo (41 reviews)
- Small animal Zoo
Zoos

Fun with children! Small Zoo with a lot of turtles :), much appreciated by children, they can feel, smell, hear and look at small animals. The entourage is friendly and based on trust. Time we spent was around 2 hours with a 2 year old child. This included painting a duck with water paint. There is a very small play ground included, this contains a air cushion, and a swing. See more..
4.0 Groningen Tourist Office (33 reviews)
- A good place to start.
Visitor Centers • Educational sites

Great place to find out the local attractions to visit in Groningen. Has a well stocked souvenir shop and helpful staff. Located close to the Martini tower so easy to find. See more..
4.5 Noorderplantsoen Park (31 reviews)
- Noorderplantsoen; a large spacious 19th century park dating from 1879-1881
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Noorderplantsoen is the largest park in central Groningen and the mature trees and small hills make it a scenic place to enjoy nature in the city.A very popular place when the sun comes out. See more..
4.0 Noorderlicht Photogallery (29 reviews)
- World class photography in Groningen
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

Galleries exclusively devoted to photography are rare, and those that feature provocative work rarer still. Noorderlicht fulfills both in its spacious, edgy space, located on the Ankerkhof, facing the old church (kerk). It is open free to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12-18pm. See more..
4.0 Nicolaikerk Appingedam (24 reviews)
- deserves a visit
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

the people who take care of the church are very happy to answer all your questions and to tell more from their heart. good toilets. See more..
4.5 The Bare Feet Trail (23 reviews)
- Getting Down & Dirty in Opende
Hiking Trails

A fab afternoon on this most enjoyable trail. After a weeks rain I imagine it was muddier than normal but that just added to the adventure. Free activity, shop at the end & a dip in the pond to rinse off made this a very enjoyable afternoon for us all, children aged 14,10 & 18months. Was v glad of other reviews suggesting the towels & change of clothes. Only regret was that I didn't take a picnic as it would have ended it up perfectly! Will def return before we go home to Ireland. See more..
4.5 DelfSail (23 reviews)
- Festival of Energy
Historic Walking Areas

A small place, a small harbour, but a great festival for young and old people. Good organized. Peacefull and in big harmony. More as 20 Tallschips and over 100 old inlandwater ships. A pleasure for all. See more..
4.0 GRID Graphic Museum Groningen (22 reviews)
- Outstanding
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

At GRID Grafisch Museum Groningen, graphic heritage comes to life in a variety of ways. During a visit, you can see the temporary exhibition, see the printing works and bookbinding, or experience it yourself in one of the various activities and workshops for children and adults. Our volunteers will be happy to explain the past and present of graphic art and printing and binding techniques, or guide you through one of the various activities and workshops. A visit to GRID will be a unique experience in which not only is there a lot to see, but also a lot to do! Groningen has always been the most important graphic city in the Northern Netherlands. By 1900, the print-houses in the city were even the largest economic engine. Over the past few decades, the development of digital techniques has changed the graphic profession enormously. Companies in Groningen have grown along with this and still play an important role. See more..
4.5 Museumspoorlijn STAR (20 reviews)
- Big show
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Museumrailway STAR is a heritage steam railway based in Stadskanaal (Netherlands). Get on our train and enjoy on a journey through the past! See more..
4.0 Wonderwereld (20 reviews)
- Nice experience
Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Zoos

Smaller than your average zoo, but guaranteed entertainment for young children. Lots of places to climb and to discover. The large collection of owls Yes and wild birds of prey pleasantly surprised us. We liked most that you could get close to the animals, if felt more casual than bigger zoos. Recommended to go early to beat the crowds. One point of improvement, the food in the restaurant was not great, but for a small place with limited facilities this is to be expected. See more..
4.5 Dijkstra wadlooptochten (19 reviews)
- Flat walking has never been so exciting
Walking Tours

Don't miss a tour of the wad with Dijkstra. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable about the surrounding nature. An unforgettable experience! See more..
4.5 Grootegast Legio museum (19 reviews)
- Voor jong en oud
Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums

Het Legio Museum bestaat alweer een aantal jaar uit 3 musea onder 1 dak, ondergebracht als het Museumplein Grootegast.
Museumplein Grootegast bestaat nu uit:

Legio Museum
Museum Drukkerij
Victory Museum 1940-1945

Tevens is er een American Diner restaurant aanwezig waar men vanalles te eten en drinken heeft.

Men koopt bij de kassa 1 kaartje voor 3 musea en dat voor maar 8 euro p.p.!!

Museumplein Grootegast is voor jong en oud. Hier kun je gerust een hele dag doorbrengen!
See more..
4.5 Theater Geert Teis (19 reviews)
- warm theater
Theaters

It has a variatie of shows in a smal theater. Therefore the interaction with artists and audiance is great. See more..
4.5 Landgoed Verhildersum (19 reviews)
- Beautiful sculptures
Speciality Museums

The sculptures of Eddy Roos in this garden follow the principle of the golden section, this is unique to experience, the peace, silence and beautify. The walk in the garden was beautiful experience. After the garden we went to Eddy Roos museum in Uithuizen. This combination is a completion. See more..
4.5 Termunten Village (18 reviews)
- Land's end
Historic Sites

Behind the Industrial zone of Delfzijl and 18 km from the German border at Statenzijl. A small village with a population of just over 400 people on a "terp" or "wierde" (elevated terrain for protection against floods). Quite different from the (former) communist villages more land inward as fishing and not working for a landlord was a major activity. If you cycle along the sea dike to Statenzijl you will encounter only sheep and birds. Quite extraordinary for the Netherlands where usually there is a village about every 5 km. Here the nether land ends.Paradise for peace and quiet seekers. See more..
4.5 Pieterpad (17 reviews)
- Excellent experience to see Holland in details
Hiking Trails

Walking the 2nd etappe of the Pieterpad long-walk it was a excellent chance for discovering this part of Holland. 21km walk from Wirsum to Groningen. Open fields and great atmosphere. Wonderful route. See more..
4.0 Wadlopen Pieterburen (17 reviews)
- Eens moet de eerste keer zijn
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

Description Always wanted to walk on the mudflats? If you have never made a mudflat walking tour before, this is the perfect way to get acquainted with the mudflats. This ramble is the most booked in our range and is for young and old. Accompanied by the guide, you leave with your own car from Pieterburen to the mudflats behind the dike at Pieterburen. If you do not have a car yourself, you can report this to the guide and drive with him/her. The mudflat tour can be booked from the age of 6, takes about 2.5 hours and afterwards you return to the point where you started. See more..
4.0 Museum Wierdenland (16 reviews)
- Surprised
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Did not expect a very nice modern looking museum in rural groningen. Withon the museum there is a cafe offering the basic food and drinks See more..
4.5 St Bernardushof Kloostermuseum (16 reviews)
- dit moet je zien!!!
Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

een groot deel van Groningen is ontstaan door monnikenwerk, letterlijk! De vroegere bewoners van het helaas afgebroken klooster van Aduard hebben daar een zeer grote rol in gespeeld. Op zeer beeldende wijze wordt getoond hoe dit klooster is ontstaan in de fraai opgezette tentoonstelling "van klein naar klooster". De vroegere ziekenzaal is deels in ere hersteld, naast de functie van kerkgebouw. De rondleiding is geweldig boeiend See more..
4.5 Bax bier proeflokaal (15 reviews)
- Great local beers
Wednesday: Breweries

Great beers, friendly staff. Plenty of room inside. There's a large terras too (open in the spring/summer). Currently they only serve (good!) snacks, but they are opening a professional kitchen shortly. See more..
4.5 Kaarsenmakerij Wilhelmus (14 reviews)
- educational
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

At our candle makery you can make your own candles; either dip your own candles, or make a candle from your own hand! You can also see the craft of the candle making. We still make candles the old-fashioned way and we are more than pleased to tell you all about this craft. We also have a nice store, where you can find all sorts of handmade candles and accessoires. See more..
4.5 Museum Mohlmann (14 reviews)
- even kijken wat te zien was
Speciality Museums

gewoon even een keertje kijken op een regenachtig dag.
het is de moeite waard als je er van houd .
is genoeg te zien See more..
4.5 Winkel Centrum (14 reviews)
- Small but Nice
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

Iconic small & narrow city street which offers a variety of shops for the locals & tourists. See more..
4.0 Museum Stad Appingedam (14 reviews)
- Local history
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

This museum tells the history of Appingedam and surroundings. There's a few style rooms, a medieval basement, and all kinds of historic items. Nothing really spectacular, but still I found the total quite appealing, probably because of the setting in an old house with two basements and about 4 attics. The movies about different aspects of the town's history are also quite interesting. Besides history, there is also a temporary exhibition. When I visited, this was about animals in art, with some quite good paintings and some sculptures too. See more..
4.5 Museum Nienoord (13 reviews)
- Carriages and more
Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

Nienoord is one of the many borgen in the province of Groningen. With its yellow walls it looks quite atypical. The main attraction here is the carriage museum, which can be visited with a guide every hour. There are some royal and one imperial carriages. The more mundance exemplars include sleds, without wheels, and many other rare old means of transport. One of them is still used every year by the students of Vindicat. The borg has a nice upper level with a large painting on a wooden wall. In the main building there are more carriages and an exhibition of some funny paintings by one painter (I didn't get the name). See more..

Filter by Rating

No rating yet

Filter by things to do 48

Load more 36 things to do