Welcome to Groningen

Welcome to the captivating province of Groningen, where a warm and friendly community of nearly 584,000 residents awaits you. Steeped in history that dates back to the 11th century, this province is a vibrant hub for dynamic innovation with ample opportunities to enjoy local nature and recreational activities.

Business

In recent years, the province of Groningen has been in the news because of its leading role in the energy transition (in particular hydrogen) and its strong digital and circular economic sectors. IBM and Google have facilities in Groningen, and the Eemshaven harbour and Delfzijl chemistry park are hubs for the Province of Groningen’s economic activity. Healthy ageing, digitalisation, bio-based economy, and agrifood are all key sectors where Groningen is innovating, and in turn are ensuring that this region remains a cutting-edge province.

Young at heart

Amidst the lush green landscapes, you’ll discover the heart of the region: the city of Groningen, home to over 230,000 inhabitants.

This city in the Northern Netherlands is renowned as a thriving student city: with two universities (the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences) over 25% of the inhabitant are students, making it one of the “youngest” cities in Europe despite its ancient history.

The city of Groningen is characterised by its progressive urban policies, down-to-earth character, thriving nightlife and cultural events (including Eurosonic Noorderslag, the largest music festival showcase in Europe), and the astounding number of bicycles that grace its streets. In fact, Groningen is often regarded as the biking capital of the world. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the city of Groningen is regularly ranked as one of the happiest places to live in Europe.

For more information about the province of Groningen, check out the Visit Groningen website.