Province of Groningen

The Province of Groningen, with a population of almost 584,000 inhabitants, looks back upon a rich history that stretches back to the early medieval period and – as archaeological excavations have shown – even beyond. It is a dynamic, enterprising and innovating province with extensive space for nature and recreation.

Amidst the green expanses of the Province lies its economic heart: the city of Groningen, home to more than 230,000 inhabitants. Here, you find the city’s famous state university, several colleges of higher education, the university medical center, IBM, the headquarters of Gasunie and a large number of authorities and service providers. Moreover, with its main port of Eemshaven and the harbor area of Delfzijl, the Province of Groningen has a thriving economic growth potential at its disposal with Google as one of the largest companies situated at the Eemshaven. The chemistry park in Delfzijl, the energy valley and healthy ageing are all business areas that keep Groningen innovative.

G7 reasons for visiting Groningen

Number 1 is the city – the bustling cultural heart of the province with attention for art and architecture, design and the Hanseatic trade league. There are friendly cafés and restaurants, wonderful theatres and high-profile festivals. The city center has charming shopping streets, and historical buildings tell their own particular stories. As a lively university city, Groningen has the youngest average population in the Netherlands.

Number 2 are the Groninger estate houses (borgs). In former centuries, Groningen estate houses were the magnificent country seats of local nobility. They usually originated as stone houses; a simple defense work from the 14th or 15th century with thick walls where farmers could flee in times of danger. There are only 16 left out of the 100 borgs of earlier times.

Number 3 is Lauwersmeer National Park. The Lauwersmeer National Park is ideal for walking, cycling and sailing. The Park is officially declared Dark Sky Park, an area where visitors are welcome at night to experience the darkness and see the starry sky.

Number 4 is The Wadden Sea World Heritage that has been included in the Unesco World Heritage List. The location of the seal sanctuary in the village of Pieterburen is also the starting point for many hikers who come here for a walk across the mud flats at low tide.

Number 5 is Bourtange. Here, you can travel back into time through east Groningen where the Bourtange fortress has stood still in time and where the ancient cannon booms as it did in the year 1742.

Number 6 is Terps, which are artificial hillocks made by human hands. The Hoogeland open-air museum in Warffum shows a terpvillage in its original environment. Surrounded by fields, the original character of this village is enhanced by ancient church paths between the buildings.

Number 7 are the Churches. The countryside is characterized by old churches, who provide an image of the old days with their austere architecture and modest interiors. Some are internationally known.

For more information visit: *www.toerisme.groningen.nl or www.visitgroningen.nl