Welcome to Groningen
Welcome to Groningen – The City of Students and Bikes.
Introduction to Groningen
Groningen is one of the biggest university cities in the Netherlands just after Amsterdam, it is also known as the city of talent. Groningen has on average the youngest population in the Netherlands and belongs in the top five of best bike cities. 57% of all transportation within the city is done by bike. In 2009 the city was awarded as a fair trade town. Groningen is an incredibly old city, traces were found of a mayor settlement that originated in the third century AD. During medieval times, Groningen became an important trade centre in the north of Europe. The city currently has a population around 193,250 and every fifth person is a student.
Night-life
Groningen is perfect for a long night out. One of the things that makes the night-life special in the city is for instance that there is no closing time for bars. You can literally party all night till the sun comes up. Almost every night the bars will be filled and during the weekdays there will be various parties planned. Even if you don't have a place to sleep in Groningen there will be trains ready to bring you home.
Everything you need during for a good night out is found at the Grote Markt and the Poelestraat. You will find student bars but also bars for the more aged people. Music varies from House till Rock till Techo, no matter what you like, there will be a bar or club suited for you.
Shopping
Groningen is a lively and cozy city. Not only because of the nice restaurants and cafés that you can visit, but also because of the great variety of shops. It is a compact city, so everything is reachable by foot which is ideal for a day of shopping. The most famous shops and store-chains are located on the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt and the Herestraat, which is the most famous shopping street in Groningen. If you're more fond of speciality stores and boutiques, then make sure to visit the Folkingestraat, de Grote Kromme Elleboog or de Oude Kijk.
sightseeing
There are plenty of beautiful and extraordinary sights found in Groningen so below you will find a list with the most famous ones.
- The Martinitoren Groningen
Often called the symbol of the city.
- Groninger Museum
Founded in 1847, best visited museum in Groningen.
- Fraeylemaborg
18th century castle with beautiful and large garden of more than 23 acres.
- Seal nursery Lenie 't Hart
A seal nursery famous the whole of the Netherlands that takes care of sick or washed ashore seals.
Climate
The climate in The Netherlands is fairly cool. It has temperate maritime climate with relatively moderate winters and decent summers. The temperatures in the winter varies from 2 till 6°C and in the summer 17 till 20°C on average.
Time-Zone
Central European Time Zone (UTC+01:00)
Public-transportation
The centre of Groning has been closed off to cars, that’s why the city is so bike friendly. It is also very safe for you to just saunter through the city without worrying about cars. There are also many buses available that can take you to the famous spots in Groningen.