Groningen Magazine 2016 EN by Er gaat niets boven Groningen

GRONINGEN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN | 2016

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WALKING IN WESTERWOLDE MAKE HASTE SLOWLY

EXPLORE THE GRONINGEN RING OF CANALS DURING A DIEPENRING (CANAL RING) CRUISE

HOTBED OF CREATIVITY

DESIGN TALENTS FROM THE CITY AND ITS ENVIRONS

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FOREWORD

WELCOME

plein. And when I see the ultimately

students from home and abroad, ensuring

unimpressive Groningen skyline from the

there is always something going on, with

Emmaviaduct, I feel a sense of peace in my

plenty of parties. Go to the Hoornsemeer if

mind. This is home: a beer at De Pinte-

you are looking for some quiet or romance.

I can state that the pressure of my schedule

lier, the conviviality of De Uurwerker, the

There are plenty of varying cuisines and

has expanded enormously in recent years.

sweating people in De Shooters. I really

the city is becoming more trendy by the

It may well be that I spend more hours

love the city centre, where I walk around

week. The city is suffused with music, art

outside of the city than in Groningen itself,

for hours, watching people while listening

and creativity. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine moving any

which essentially is good, but I would be

to beats and thinking of new lyrics. And

place else; the moment of returning home

lying if I said it was all fun. I cannot do

although the city may not seem to be all

is invaluable.

without Groningen for too long. In addition

that when it comes to shops, we do have it

to the Benelux countries, I often travel to

all. It is well-arranged, friendly, lively and

cities such as London and New York. And

tranquil at the same time. People are kind,

Kraantje Pappie is a successful Dutch musical

no matter how I love these places, I am

girls are pretty and the real city residents

artist who grew up in the city of Groningen

always happy when I drive up the Juliana-

colour the city. There is a huge number of

and still lives and works there.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

CONTENTS 78 WALKING IN WESTERWOLDE

32 THE MARKET IS VERY MUCH ALIVE 68 THE PEAT DISTRICT MAN-MADE

12 A CRUISE OF THE CANALS

55 WADDEN SEA: DOLLARD 4

CONTENTS

50 BOURTANGE 60 GRONINGEN ARTIFICIAL DWELLING HILLS

74 GRONINGEN ESTATE HOUSES 58 SAILING: OLDAMBT FROM THE WATER

7 Why Groningen? 8 Be inspired 10 Region in images 12 A cruise of the canals 16 GRID Printmaking Museum 18 Design talents in Groningen 23 Shopping in Groningen 27 Old Grey One 32 The market is very much alive 37 Tasty Smaeck 40 Groningen’s Gold Brewed in Groningen 42 Parking 44 Lauwersmeer lake area 48 Churches The miracle of Aduard 50 Bourtange 55 Wadden sea Dollard 58 Sailing Oldambt from the water 60 Groningen artificial dwelling hills Going 2500 years back in time 62 Groningen’s Gold Groningen producers 64 Special overnight accommodation 65 Arrangements 66 Must see 68 History The peat district man-made 72 The Hondsturg sand ridge Geological heritage of exceptional stature 74 Groningen estate houses Menkemaborg and Allersmaborg 78 Walking in Westerwolde 84 History Groningen linked to water 87 Setting out Adventurous excursions for the entire family 88 Cycling fun in the Westerkwartier area 91 Museums 92 Tourist Information Office 93 Events calendar 2016 98 Colophon

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

MARTINI TOWER TOWER CLIMB

The Martini tower has towered over the city for more than 500 years and is still the most distinctive landmark in the Groningen skyline. Visitors can climb the 97-metre tower. It’s quite a climb but certainly worthwhile for a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Price: adults € 3, children € 2,50 Tickets available at VVV Groningen, Grote Markt 29 Groningen Tourism.groningen.nl

OPENING HOURS

January, February, March, November and December • Monday through Friday: noon until 4 pm • Saturday from 11 am until 5 pm • Sunday from noon until 4 pm April, May, June, July, August, September and October • Monday from noon until 5 pm • Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am until 5 pm • Sunday from noon until 4 pm

WWW.TOuRIsM.gROnIngEn.nL

WHY GRONINGEN?

G7 THE CITY OF GRONINGEN This university city with the youngest population in the Netherlands has a large number of interesting museums, galleries, theatres and festivals with national and international talents. After shopping, take a break at one of the innumerable outdoor cafĂŠs with a view of the historic and contemporary architecture. Alternatively, visit one of the almshouses, gardens or parks: in Groningen, the countryside is always nearby.

G7 BOURTANGE Often besieged, never conquered! The past comes to life in the Bourtange fortress that has been renovated to its old glory. The surrounding area is also more than worth exploring; the Westerwolde region is famous for its variety, from wooded areas to moors and brooks to pastures.

7 REASONS TO VISIT GRONINGEN What exactly is it that makes Groningen the city it is? Be surprised by the variety of aspects in both the city and province with the Groningen G7, a selection of places of interest that are typical of the northern part of the Netherlands.

G7 LAUWERSMEER LAKE When in 1969 the Lauwerszee sea was closed off from the Wadden Sea, the Lauwersmeer Lake developed, designated a National Park for a very good reason. In this impressive scenic area, special animals live together in perfect combination. The dykes, colcs and coupures in the area are reminiscent of how human beings have lived here with the water for centuries.

G7: WADDEN SEA The Wadden Sea is among the top of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It comes second after the Alps as the largest connected wilderness in Central Europe, the Groningen part of which is considered the most untouched. The area is of international interest as the breeding area for the North Sea and a resting, moulting, feeding and breeding ground of millions of (migratory) birds. The Wadden area is also a perfect habitat for seals; during low tide, the sandbanks provide safe places for resting and nursing the young.Â

G7 GRONINGEN ESTATE HOUSES The Groningen estate houses originated from mediaeval stone houses; firm and solid houses where the rich felt safe and secure. They were converted into showpieces and occupied by noble families. There were once over one hundred Groningen estate houses in the province, but many have been lost. Some of the sixteen remaining ones now function as museums.

G7 CHURCHES Towering proudly over the Groningen ground level are magnificent ancient churches, often in an austere Roman or Roman-Gothic style. Some of the churches are open to the public: simply pick up the key at the neighbours.

G7 TERPS (ARTIFICIAL HILLOCKS) Groningen has many terps; artificial hillocks that protected inhabitants against high waters for over a thousand years. They became redundant as a result of diking-in and some of them were levelled. In the case of those that were retained, the church is often still located on the highest point.

Explore the Groningen G7 for yourself These seven places of interest represent the most distinctive features of Groningen. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

BE INSPIRED

Find the best Groningen locations using this map. Search the map and find the locations described in this magazine. Be inspired and plan your visit! > Read more about the seven weird and wonderful Groningen views on the next page.

REGION ARRANGEMENTEN IN IMAGES

LEGEND 1 Aduard 2 Ter Apel 3 Bedum 4 Breebaartpolder 5 Wedde 6 Delfzijl 7 Eenrum 8 Ezinge 9 Oldehove 10 Hondsrug 11 Hornhuizen 12 Kropswolde 13 Lauwersmeer 14 Leek 15 Leens 16 Lettelberter Petten 17 Midwolda 18 Niebert 19 Noordpolderzijl 20 Nuis 21 Oldambtmeer 22 Onstwedde 23 Oudeschans 24 Paterswoldsemeer 25 Punt van Reide 26 Sellingen 27 Smeerling 28 Stadskanaal 29 Termunterzijl 30 Tolbert 31 Uithuizen 32 Veendam 33 Vlagtwedde 34 Vriescheloo 35 Wehe-Den Hoorn 36 Winschoten Illustration: Kim Veenman

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

SEVEN GRONINGEN SIGHTS

WADDENLAND Wonderful views Bird-watchers immediately become wildly enthusiastic when they hear the name Lauwersmeer, a national park with water, small islands and rugged grasslands where over a hundred bird species breed and tens of thousands of geese winter. The bird feast is at its peak in spring and autumn. And there is more to the Wadden area: villages, farms and ancient Groningen estate house dot the open land between the Lauwersmeer and Wadden Sea, which ensures a wonderful view.

> ANNEMARIE BERGFELD

Groningen is all about variation, and each region has its own distinctive countryside and character. Join us on an exploratory exhibition into seven wonderful Groningen sights.

WESTERKWARTIER On both sides of the Van Starkenborghkanaal The entire history of the Netherlands becomes visible in the Westerkwartier countryside: boulders from the Ice Age; moorland that developed when temperatures went up after the Ice Ages; and heathland that developed after our ancestors excavated the moorland. And finally: grassland where heathland was ploughed to create farmland. Almost every square metre of this countryside was man-made, and the vast and empty area north of the Van Starkenborgh channel is among the oldest man-made landscapes in the Netherlands.

EEMSDELTA Churches, lakes and Groningen estate houses Farms and Groningen estate houses are beacons in this countryside, which is entirely open at the Wadden Sea coast with its grasslands, meandering ditches, winding dykes under high skies and cow parsley in spring. And then there are the wierden, artificial dwelling hills Dutch forebears made from clay, manure and waste. Most of these are adorned with a small ancient church. 10

Illustration: Kim Veenman

REGION IN IMAGES

OLDAMBT Quiet and colourful In the main farmland in the Netherlands, potatoes and corn is grown in addition to colza, colouring the land yellow in spring. In addition to farmland, Oldambt has countryside as well, and the Island of Winschoten still has its distinctive lateral moraines. The Hondhalstermeer in the middle of orchards and large farmhouses can be explored by canoe only.

MIDDEN-GRONINGEN A golden path taking in the culture and and countryside In former days, this area used to be one huge scenic area consisting of marshes, peat wooded areas and numerous pools and lakes. On the sand ridge are historic monuments and special gardens and park wooded areas. The sandy subsoil allows for an extremely varied vegetation, where trees have grown since time immemorial. There are special examples, such as the Komhasterbos wooded area and the park wooded area on the Fraeylemaborg country estate. The former marsh and watery area can be rediscovered in places such as in the Roegwold scenic area.

WESTERWOLDE

DE VEENKOLONIĂ&#x2039;N The riches of life Until the 17th century, there were vast peat moors south-east of Groningen that extended far across the German border, and the landscape changed permanently after the peat was extracted. A firm pattern of canals and districts was laid out, with dozens of bridges and sluices. The 19th century was a Golden Age, and numerous sawmills, shipbuilding yards and factories were constructed. The historic houses along the canals indicate the wealth of those days.

Area with heathland, wooded areas and meandering roads Anyone who would be dropped off in Westerwolde blindfolded would have a hard time believing that this is Groningen. Westerwolde is an area with meandering paths, heathland, wooded areas, pools and small pastures between tree belts. And this is where you find the Ruiten Aa stream valley, a wonderful river that was once straightened and today is allowed to run freely again. This magnificent river is the very spine of Westerwolde.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN CANALS > BERT NIJMEIJER

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to start a tour through the Groningen ring of canals, which takes in three kilometres of history, well-known highlights and other surprises. Venture out on a clockwise skirt round the Martini Tower with city guide Koos Lammerts.

CITY: A CRUISE OF THE CANALS

ou can start a tour of the Groningen canals at any desired location, bridge, building or warehouse. There is a story about or behind almost each building, and each quay has its very own history, often dating back to the early Middle Ages. Groups of tourists look up the façades all year round. The Diepenring is the Groningen ring of canals and harbours around the city, some of which were created in the Middle Ages. The ring of canals is like a spider in a web of waterways, according to city Guide Koos Lammerts, and the canals run to the inner canal from all directions. We set out for a three-kilo-

metre and two-hour clockwise tour of the Diepenring by bike, skirting clockwise around the Martini Tower. Art by the canals We depart from the Hoge der A (1), among the most beautiful areas in Groningen with its distinguished buildings, old warehouses and the masts of the traditional sailing fleet that moors here in winter for some city entertainment. The names on the buildings refer to trade, Hanse and more of this rich past: the Libau and Londen warehouses and Batavia House. ‘H.W. Mesdag, the artist who created Panorama Mesdag in The Hague, lived

‘ THIS IS WHERE SHIPS LEFT FOR THE ISLANDS OF SCHIERMONNIKOOG AND AMELAND’

at number 9,’ according to Lammerts. ‘Graphic artist and Ploeg artist H.N. Werkman’s studio was in the warehouse across the street.’ New residents are now living in the old and magnificent houses, with a hotel, bakery and Brussels grand café housed in newer buildings. In summer, there is a lovely outdoor café by the water. Reminiscing former days ‘Until the construction of the sluices near Zoutkamp, which were put into use in 1870, this was a trading port’, Lammers reports when we reach the Visserbrug by the quay. ‘Groningen had an open connection with the

Noorderhaven. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

RING OF CANALS: In the 19th century, the saying “a walk around the canal” was used to refer to a walk around the city. In the south, the walk took in the Kattendiep and Zuiderdiep, which were not yet filled in. The walk is still an option and takes about an hour. – literally Wikipedia

1 2

2 9

Lauwerszee, and the canals still went with the rhythm of the tides. At the end of the Hoge der A was the fish auction, which is still apparent in the street names of Visserstraat and Vishoek. Near the harbour was the red-light district, and past the bridge was De Sleutel distillery, which today is a lovely pub. Across the street is Havenzicht, a pub with a rich history’. At the corner of the Noorderhaven, the Drentse Aa and the dug Hunze canal meet in the Bocht van Ameland. ‘This is where ships left for the islands of Schiermonnikoog and Ameland. It is still among the most frequently photographed locations in the city, as is the Noorderhaven itself behind it.’ The impressive warehouses, the old Jugenstil-style dairy factory and the boat life in the free port – a world of masts, rope and the scent of oil – take us back into time. Along the Lopende Diep The Boteringepoort, one of the originally five city gates of mediaeval Groningen, was at the end of the Oude Boteringestraat. The distinctive Corps de Garde hotel (2) is established in the watchhouse and part of the old gate can be seen in the basement bar. The tides in the canals came as far as the 14

8 9

Illustration: Kim Veenman

Spilsluizen; the location of the sluices. The stretch of canal leading up to it was referred to as the Lopende Diep because of the alternation from high to low. This is why you see lower and higher quay parts: the Hoge and Lage der Aa. The tour continues along the Ossenmarkt and the courthouse across and the mansions in the Marktstraat further on. At this side of the Spilsluizen is De Klomp shop, a very old shop that sells miracle pans, streak-free window

wipers, etc. (‘Looked everywhere and found it at De Klomp’). And over there is a building with typical Groningen shell motifs in its façade. The longer you look, the more you see. Royal touch We have to get on if we want to see everything planned for in these two hours. Past the Maagdenbrug is the Prinsentuin (3), the garden of the former viceregal court, and today the location of the Prinsenhof hotel-restaurant. ‘The herbs from the

CITY: DIEPENRING

3 4 5

A cruise of the ring of canals. The Tourist Information Office has various canal ring walks available. Alternatively, book city guide Koos or one of his colleagues for a city walk through the Tourist Information Office. > www.toerisme.groningen.nl

The Kool boat excursion company sails the ring of canals every day to provide tourists and residents with the opportunity to see the history of Groningen from the water. > www.rondvaartbedrijfkool.nl 6

herb garden flavoured the viceregal food, and in summer the roses flowered and the beech hedges protected the women from the sun.’ You can still experience, smell and taste it, while the carillon in the Martini Tower (4) plays its tunes each quarter of the hour. Further on is the municipal theatre (5), the eclectic-style, red and yellow cultural temple. It is as exuberant as the performing arts themselves, and one of the reasons why the theatre scene is always happy to come to Groningen. ‘Mainly pilgrims used to come the city,

because a piece of the arm of John the Baptist was said to be retained in the Martini Church. In the decorative wrought ironwork, you can see John pointing to the church further on: this is the way to go.’ Favourite lavatory We go back to where we started, along the inside of the Verbindingskanaal with distinguished avenues around the SintJozef cathedral (6), a Loire-styled city castle at the Hereplein. In the grass of the avenue are the most

magnificent works of art, such as the foal by Wladimir the Vries and the Werkman monument by Armando. And then there is the Groninger Museum (7) by Mendini: a golden yellow and topsy-turvy ship for art, a truly peerless building in the Netherlands. Koos Lammerts points out a villa of Berlage, the Jugenstil of the Tavenier House (8). This used to be a obstetric clinic where generations of Groningen residents saw their first light. Nearby is the public lavatory by architect Rem Koolhaas and photographer Erwin Olaf (9), another famous image in Groningen. Lammerts could stop to tell forever. And while we are enjoying a herring sandwich in the A-straat, a new group of tourists is impatiently waiting across the bridge near the Libau warehouse for their tour of the Groningen canals.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

SEE, EXPERIENCE AND DO IN GRID PRINTMAKING MUSEUM > ANNEMARIE BERGFELD

The GRID Printmaking Museum, at the foot of the Martini Tower, bridges the past, present and future of printed matter. Visitors can view graphic heritage and make prints themselves, which makes this an activities museum. The window next to the entrance is interactive. On the pavement, passers-by can call up graphic works of art using a touch screen to learn more about the artists and the techniques they used. This is a wonderful appetizer for the collection inside the GRID Printmaking Museum. It becomes obvious in the hall that this museum looks beyond the past. In colours and former smells In addition to an old American printing press – a black colossus with a gilded eagle on top – a colourful wall with an ultramodern collage of graphic elements by designer Jelle Post stands out. The hall of this impressive building with its arched arcade symbolises all the spaces in the museum: the past, present and future of the graphic design trade really go hand in hand. Graphic heritage Managing Director Fronique Oosterhof is lyric about the Heidelbergers, two large printing presses from the early post-war period, and the toggle joint press and composing frames from the inheritance of Hendrik Werkman, the well-known Groningen printer and artist. She is just as lyrical about the risograph, a state-of-the-art computer16

controlled screen printing machine with results that make the mouths of graphic artists water. ‘Our core collection comprises graphic heritage, but our objective is to bridge the past and present in everything we display,’ according to the Managing Director. Ancient and trendy One of the places where the past and present almost naturally come together is in bookbinding: an ancient craft which is fashionable again today. In the bookbindery, visitors can set out to work under the guidance of a professional bookbinder and sew a notebook, marble paper or make a special cover. Hosting workshops is among the museum’s core activities. Visitors can also typeset, design and make posters using various printing techniques. ‘All of the machines and appliances are still functioning,’ says Fronique Oosterhof. ‘And we actually use them. And it is not like there is an infernal racket when the machines are on; no matter how large they are, they produce nothing more than a soft and buzzing sound.’ The steam-driven printing press that from 1900 was used by a communist printing office in Oude Pekela has undergone a modern concession and now works on electricity.

CITY: GRID PRINTMAKING MUSEUM

PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE, NEWSPAPER, MUSEUM The GRID Printmaking Museum has been in Groningen for over 25 years, and relocated to the Sint Jansstraat in the autumn of 2015. For years, the Public Records Office was established in the historic building with its arched arcade and high and narrow windows, followed by the local news desk of the Dagblad van het Noorden newspaper. The building thus has a long history of paper and documents, and the Printmaking Museum fits in seamlessly.

EXHIBITIONS AND WORKSHOPS • From 16 April through 17 July, the Wie is er bang voor zwart en wit? (Who is afraid of black and white?) exhibition will feature work within the framework of the Klassieke Salon manifestation, with which the Groninger Klassieke Academie will celebrate its tenth anniversary. • Children’s workshops are held each Saturday afternoon, and workshops for adults on Sundays. • GRID, Sint Jansstraat 2, 9712 JN Groningen, 050 - 525 6497. > www.gridgroningen.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

CREATIVE BREEDING GROUND > MARIJE SIETSMA

Groningen is booming with creative talents, some of whom are from the local breeding ground, the Minerva Academy, and also because the city draws creative people to Groningen. There is always something happening in the numerous studios, museums and in the streets. Observant visitors can see and admire many pearls among design.

esign objects can be seen in the Groninger Museum right across from the station, and even if you decide not to enter the building, this is a masterly example of the art of design in itself. And there are more special designs in the streets, such as the artistic urinal at the Reitemakersrijge. This public lavatory, with photos by Erwin Olaf, was created in 1996 and designed by Rem Koolhaas.

Artistic breeding place There are various galleries in the city that sell works created by Groningen artists, and you can also acquire such works from the designers themselves. Groningen has quite a few residency studios for creative talents: artists and designers experiment all they want in their collective buildings. These locations are usually not freely accessible, but open days are sometimes held, which are really worth visiting.

Vleugel F Podium One example is the Biotoop in Haren. Today, this former location of the Biological Centre

of the University of Groningen houses various small businesses and studios. Under the name of Vleugel F Podium, exhibitions and workshops are held, music is made and work by designers from the building can be bought. The www.biotoop.org website announces the dates of these open days well in advance. Creative hearts Other artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; residency studios include De Puddingfabriek, immediately behind the main railway station, Het Paleis in the Ebbingekwartier (be sure to monitor their cultural Sundays), De Papiermolen near Helpman and Het Werk (Oosterpark). Het Werk also has a small coffee-roasting house with delicious fresh coffee. It is also a wonderful opportunity to visit other users of this collective building, such as Tjeerd Veenhoven and Martijn Westphal (see designers). House of Design Keep informed of the latest designs, exhibitions and other developments in the area of design via www.houseofdesign.nl. House of Design is a Groningen platform for professional design and also organises Living in Groningen, a special shop route through Groningen city centre where designers show their latest work in various furniture shops, give a workshop or show how they make their products. This is the perfect way to see what wonderful items are created by Groningen designers, which is quite a lot.

CITY: DESIGN TALENTS IN GRONINGEN

ART ROUTES IN THE PROVINCE Many studios are located in the province of Groningen, and artists generally collectively organise the open studio routes, making their work accessible to the public. From Eems to Westeremden Every year around late August, for two weekends 32 artists open their studios to the public. The website below includes the dates of these weekends, as well as comprehensive information about the artists from this region. > www.atelierroutevaneemstotwesteremden.nl Route 99 Each last Sunday of the month from noon until 5 pm, artists from the Zoutkamp, Ezinge and Pieterburen area hold an open studio route. > www.route99.nl Art on the outskirts of the Netherlands This cooperative of about 50 artists in the border region of east Groningen and Germany regularly holds open studio routes and sometimes a retrospective exhibition. > www.kunstaanderandvannederland.nl The Beetse Terborg This 7-kilometre art route through Westerwolde takes in the various studios as well as the Borgervold scenic area.

EVEN IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO ENTER THE BUILDING, THE GRONINGEN MUSEUM IS A MASTERLY EXAMPLE OF THE ART OF DESIGN

> www.atelierroute-debeetse-terborg.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN DESIGN TALENTS Who are these Groningen talents, and what do they create? Following is a concise overview in alphabetical order. ALBERT GEERTJES As an artist and designer, Albert Geertjes does not specialise in any single discipline. He creates designs for which the material or association forms the basic assumption. He often makes use of worn and old materials, such as bookcases of thick trunks, various lamps of used glass and outdoor art of Corten steel. www.geertjes.nl

GERT-JAN SOEPENBERG Gert-Jan Soepenberg is a Groningen product designer and interior architect. His work stands for quality with traditional and industrial honesty. He designed a washbasin made from an old structural beam from a fodder factory which today houses a restaurant. He recently designed a concrete vase line based on architecture. His work was also on display during the most recent Dutch Design Week. www.gertjansoepenberg.nl

GERARD DE HOOP Gerard de Hoop designs tables, stools, lamps, bookcases, cupboards and other wall units for which geometric shapes play an important role. Some of his designs have been included in the collections of furniture brands such as Gelderland, Castelijn, Odesi and Palau. www.gerarddehoop.nl HAN KONING In 2002, Han designed the 103% Vase, a vase with a special mini vase on the rim, providing broken stems with a suitable ‘stage’. Dutch retail giant HEMA took the 103% into production and Koning has steadily continued to design, often in conjunction with architects and other designers. Today, he produces the vase from his own studio using a 3D printer, and creates austerely designed light objects. www.hankoning.nl

UNIT-30 Design duo Unit 30 consists of Jozephine Duker and Willem van Landeghem, who found each other in their shared passion for ceramics and the possibilities offered by this material in the production process. They design both by commission and for themselves. Their work has been displayed at various national and international design exhibitions. www.unit-30.com TJEERD VEENHOVEN Tjeerd Veenhoven’s designs usually take some time; not to understand them, but to develop, because Veenhoven commonly works with materials he invents. A good example is palm leather, a robust material he makes from palm leaves, which he then processes into casuals and covers for stylish notebooks. www.tjeerdveenhoven.nl

CAROLIJN SLOTTJE They bear a strong resemblance to fragile sea creatures, but they are in fact plants hanging from the ceiling in a net of gossamer-thin knit iron wire. The successful Air Planting design by Carolijn Slottje has been included in various interior design magazines and other magazines. This does not come as a surprise, because the plants that live in the air appeal to imagination. In Groningen, they are available at Folk Conceptstore in the Folkingestraat. www.carolijnslottje.nl

TIM VINKE As a spatial designer, Tim Vinke likes variety, which is why he is involved in product design, as well as in the design of objects and interiors. His designs are clear and simple, as is demonstrated by the BigFoot lamp and the concrete flowerpot that are available at Folk Conceptstore in the Folkingestraat. www.timvinke.nl MARTIJN WESTPHAL The Copper Lamp by Martijn Westphal is a minimalist copper hanging lamp and was on display during the most recent Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. Westphal is mainly inspired by everyday things from the world around us, and his designs are usually austere, fresh and sometimes funny. www.martijnwestphal.com

CITY: DESIGN TALENTS IN GRONINGEN

1. BigFoot lamp by Tim Vinke 2. Detailed picture of Air planting brass by Carolijn Slottje 3. Air planting Brass by Carolijn Slottje 4. Art & Furniture by Albert Geertjes 5. Vase by Gertjan Soepenberg 6. Product by the Unit 30 design duo, Willem van Landeghem and Jozephine Duker 7. Designs by Tim Vinke

GRONINGEN HAS QUITE A FEW HOTBEDS FOR CREATIVE TALENTS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

“Possibly the best hotel” - De Telegraaf “Hotel of the year” - Gault & Millau-guide 2015 “Travellers Choice Award” – Tripadvisor

Diverse hotel rooms, all equipped with oak floors, the most comfortable beds, finest linnen, luxurious bathrobes and selected Acqua di Parma bath products. Free Wifi and minibar. Century-old beams or view on the Prinsentuin (Prince’s Garden) in some rooms, fireplace or view on the Martinitower in others. Room rates start at € 149 per night.

GRONINGER MUSEUM FOR YOUNG & OLD! Martinikerkhof 23 | 9712 JH Groningen | +31(0)50-3176555 | hotel@prinsenhof-groningen.nl

VVV GRONINGEN TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE The Groningen Tourist Information Office (VVV) is located in the city centre, opposite the Martini tower. The shop provides all the information you could possibly require about the city and province of Groningen, as well as the rest of the Netherlands. The Tourist Information Office employees are happy to help you. In addition to oral and written information, the Tourist Information Office also provides tourist information, including maps, routes, street plans, tourist guides, overviews of accommodation, and event information and souvenirs. Be sure to visit us! MORE INFORMATION For more information about Groningen, go to: VVV Groningen Tourist Information Office Grote Markt 29, 9712 HS Groningen T +31 (0) 50 313 97 41 www.tourism.groningen.nl

OpENING HOURS • Monday from 12 pm until 6 pm • Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 am until 6 pm • Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm • Sundays from 12 am until 4 pm • Closed on Dutch Holidays

www.tourism.groningen.nl

CITY: SHOPPING IN GRONINGEN

SHOPPING IN THE BEST SHOPPING STREET IN THE NETHERLANDS > MARIEKE BOS

Groningen has everything you need for a great day of shopping, and the best thing is: you can treat yourself any day of the week. Be sure not to miss the streets surrounding the Grote Markt and Vismarkt squares, because this is where you find the most special and delightful shops. And then there is the ‘Best shopping street in the Netherlands’*: the Folkingestraat.

1. Folkingestraat 2. The bullets of Heerlijk Chocolade 3. De Stadsakker 4. Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat

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he Folkingestraat is a culinary Valhalla for foodies and connoisseurs. This is where you can get any foreign delicacy and Dutch treat. The Italian delicacy shop Ariola* is a household word because of their homemade pestos, tapenades, pastas and richly filled Italian rolls, which have been best sellers for twenty years. Imagine yourself in North Africa when entering Le Souk. Inhale the evocative aromas of herbs and spices while filling your containers with delicacies such as

olives, hummus and stuffed dates. Go to the Boergondiër for regional products such as cheese, jam and sweets. A bit

ONCE YOU HAVE HAD YOUR FILL OF DELICACIES, BROWSE THE OTHER LOVELY SHOPS IN THE FOLKINGESTRAAT

further on is Heerlijk Chocolade, the ultimate place to be if you have a sweet tooth. The shop window displays almost fifty different types of chocolates, such as Bullets, the top bonbon that once won a prestigious prize. Once you have had your fill of delicacies, browse the other lovely shops in the Folkingestraat, such as Klinkhamer Antiek & Curiosa. This is where you find animal skeletons, glassware, LPs, lamps and other curiosities.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

5. Synagoge Folkingestraat 6. De Kaaskop 7. Toy Toy 8. Bij Britta 9. De Schoenfabriek Vismarkt

Be sure to take your time, because the shop covers 200 square metres. Toy Toy is a shop filled with nostalgic toys and colourful kitsch, from bouncy lamps to cheerful music boxes and special dolls. Art by members of De Ploeg artists’ collective is available at Galerie Ter Borg. And to all you gentlemen: consider changing your look at the Zwarte Raaf barber. The women you find at this barber are behind the counter; the rest of the shop is male territory. The Folkingestraat continues into the Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat, another must with an abundance of trendy shops and friendly coffee shops. If you are looking for some real Dutch conviviality, go to Bij Britta, a coffee shop and tearoom that resembles a homey living room. Tea lovers can select their favourite tea variety from a special wall with hundreds of containers, each with a different flavour, from which you can choose your favourite. Those with and without green fingers must visit the De Stadsakker; the ultimate address for creating a city kitchen garden. They sell garden tools, preserving jars, “seeds for flowers for plucking in a box”, gardening gloves, etc. Did we mention that this street is

THE DE OUDE KIJK IN ’T JATSTRAAT IS ALL ABOUT CONVIVIALITY 24

the place to be for vintage articles? The number of shops selling second-hand clothing, furniture and accessories is booming. Recessie was the first vintage specialist that was established here, and this is the ultimate address to go for an entire vintage outfit, including sixties pumps and retro jackets. Anyone with shopaholic tendencies could go on for another bit, which is a good thing, because Groningen has many more great shops. Below are just a few tips, first of all in the Zwanestraat. At De Kaaskop – a shop that specialises in cheese, dairy products, nuts, tapas and wine – customers can make their very own peanut butter. ‘The best you have ever tasted’, according to the shop. In this street you can also find CledingRaad, that sells trendy menswear by well-known and less wellknown brands. In addition to clothing, the owner Clement is also happy to provide proper and clear-cut advice. No new outfit is complete without a pair of new and trendy shoes, and De Schoenenfabriek Akerkhof is just the place to be. Their collection is unusual, as is its interior design which is distinctive because of its industrial look. The shops staff are hipsters who wear trendy aprons. Considering the enormous number of shops, it may be hard to believe that Groningen city centre covers just one single square kilometre, so you are always near all the other amazing shops...

CITY: SHOPPING IN GRONINGEN

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The best shops ARIOLA Folkingestraat 54, Groningen LE SOUK Folkingestraat 21, Groningen > www.winkellesouk.nl* DE BOERGONDIËR Folkingestraat 57, Groningen

HEERLIJK CHOCOLADE Folkingestraat 35, Groningen > www.heerlijkchocolade.nl KLINKHAMER ANTIEK & CURIOSA Folkingestraat 50, Groningen > www.klinkhamerantiek.nl GALERIE TER BORG Folkingestraat 33, Groningen > www.terborg.com ZWARTE RAAF Folkingestraat 25, Groningen > www.de-zwarteraaf.nl BIJ BRITTA Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat 27, Groningen DE STADSAKKER Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat 38, Groningen DE KAASKOP Zwanestraat 24, Groningen > www.kaaskopgroningen.nl CLEDINGRAAD Zwanestraat 9, Groningen > www.cledingraad.nl DE SCHOENENFABRIEK Akerkhof 17-19, Groningen > www.deschoenenfabriek.nl RECESSIE Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 54, Groningen > www.recessie.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

CITY: OLD GREY ONE

THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE MARTINI TOWER > ELS ZWERVER, THE STORIES OF GRONINGEN

You can see its distinctive crown from way outside the city of Groningen: the Martini Tower. With a height of 96.8 metres, the Olle Grieze (‘Old Grey One’) is the highest tower in Groningen and for centuries has overlooked the Grote Markt at its feet and the Groningen countryside at the horizon. The tower has seen plenty, and the stories of the tower and church itself are no less colourful..

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

Oldest version of the Martini Tower from the 13th century on a seal. (Collectioni RHC Groninger Archives)

1. The Martini Tower in evening light 2. Martini Chuch 3. Painted ceiling of the Martini Church 4. The towers in the city centre

n the 13th century, a different, approximately 30-metre high tower as part of the Saint Martin church was located on the very spot of the current tower. The church was constructed simultaneously with the tower on a location where various churches had been built since the year 800. It was dedicated to St. Martin, the patron saint of Utrecht, because the Utrecht bishops ruled Groningen in the 13th century. However, since 1220, the main draw of the church was the relic of the arm of Saint John the Baptist. Pilgrims from all corners of the world came to see the miraculous arm, of which people believed that it could heal illness. John the Baptist’s arm There is a legend about how John the Baptist’s arm ended up in the Saint Martin church. It involves a merchant who forced a prostitute to blackmail a monk, as a result of which he could lay hands on the coveted relic. He came to Groningen, where he had a house built and hid the arm in one of the columns. The arm brought him happiness and riches, so he was not worried at all when he was told that his house had caught fire. However, his fellow citizens became suspicious and the merchant decided to entrust the arm to a hermit. After she was proven to be unable to keep the secret, the city government took it from her, had a beautiful relic holder made and placed the arm in the church. The merchant ultimately died penniless. German monk Caesarius van Heisterbach travelled to Groningen in 1220, where he saw the arm with his own eyes. He recorded the legend of the merchant and added a few more miracle stories, including one about a priest who was appointed to guard the relic. The city government had a magnificent relic holder set with jewels made for the arm of John the Baptist and exhibited it on a special altar. A solid timber house was

built behind the altar for the guarding priest to sleep. During the first night, the house shook so violently that the man suffered great fears, and he was hurled from the house the second night. In another miracle story, the arm, wrapped up in a cloth, was brought to a sick city councillor. After unwrapping the arm, the cloth was soaked with blood. Bishops granted indulgences, a sort of absolution from sins, to those who came to worship the arm of John. Some pilgrims were accommodated in the Pepergasthuis in the Peperstraat. The relic became a symbol of the power of the city government and the moneyed class because they were the proud owners of the arm instead of the church. The city, as well as the church, profited hugely from the arm of John the Baptist. Thundering bells In 1469, a start was made with the construction of a new tower after the spires of former churches had collapsed or been destroyed by fire. This tower was to symbolise Groningen’s substantial power and, according to a stubborn myth, was 127 metres high. Reliable sources, however, say it was just over 100 metres. Not even 25 years after the completion, in 1577 the greater part of the tower collapsed as a result of a fire. The bells came down thundering and it was not before 1627 that the tower was restored. The damaged Martini Tower can be clearly seen on a map from 1616. The great mystery Meanwhile, the Eighty Years’ War raged in Groningen. The city government was Catholic, but the civilians

CITY: OLD GREY ONE

DURING THE FIRST NIGHT, THE HOUSE SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY THAT THE MAN SUFFERED GREAT FEARS, AND HE WAS HURLED FROM THE HOUSE THE SECOND NIGHT 2

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

THE BELLS CAME THUNDERING DOWN AND THE TOWER WAS NOT RESTORED BEFORE 1627

in the city and countryside converted to Protestantism. Iconoclasm never came to the Saint Martin church, because when in 1594 Groningen decided to definitely side with the Protestant rebels, the holy figures were removed and the altars demolished neatly. After this, the Martini church became a Protestant church. The relic of John the Baptist mysteriously disappeared around 1588, and the arm has never been seen since. Today, the street name of Sint Jansstraat is the only thing that is reminiscent of the famous arm. The image of the saint is processed into the bridge railings of the Sint Jansbrug: when the bridge goes up, John points to the church. Alterations and renovations Over the centuries, the Martini Church has undergone numerous major alterations and was in need of considerable repair work on various occasions. After the Reformation, the murals and vault paintings disappeared under a thick layer of plaster. The leaking 5

5. City centre in ruinst, but the tower is still standing (picture postcard, collection RHC Groninger Archives) 6. A map by Nicolaas Geel kercken (collection RHC Groninger Archives) 7. Threatening skies above the Martini Tower

CITY: OLD GREY ONE

A VISIT TO THE MARTINI CHURCH AND -TOWER: The Martini Church is a real must. Its interior features architectural styles from various centuries and magnificent murals and vault paintings. The organ, which dates from 1480, is among the most beautiful and famous Baroque organs in the world. Guided tours are held during church opening hours. Tourist visits are not possible when the church is rented out. Tickets for the Martini Tower are available at the Tourist Information Office (Grote Markt). Tickets are €3.00 per person, children from 4 through 12: €2.00. Group prices from 10 persons: €2.50. The Tourist Information Office can be contacted at +31 (0)900-2023050 (€0.15 c/m).

roof was replaced, but the faulty construction pushed the walls about half a metre out of plumb. Despite thorough renovations, there is still too little money to properly maintain the church even today. Demolition? The tower also suffered from natural disasters and wars. In 1822, lightning struck the spire, and this is also the year from which the windvane in the shape of the horse of Saint Martin dates. When in 1888 the city council discussed the state of the tower, the demolition of the Olle Grieze was seriously considered. It was decided to renovate it, but not thoroughly enough. In 1938, the heritage department stated that there was ‘a very real danger’ that the tower would collapse after they discovered large cracks. The tower was in scaffolding during the entire World War II. During the liberation of Groningen in 1945, a large part of the city centre was destroyed, but the tower and church survived the battle reasonably undamaged. But who knows: maybe the arm of John the Baptist is still exercising its protective powers... 7

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

The Vismarkt The Vismarkt was originally called the Langestraat, indicating that this may not always have been a square or open space. Some historians suspect that the market used to be a harbour of the Drentsche Aa.

1. The Vismarkt from the air 2. The Korenbeurs: the location where corn used to be traded

CITY: THE MARKET IS ALIVE

VISMARKT A culinary hotspot for 350 years > MARIJE SIETSMA

It is a ritual for many students: cycling home in the wee small hours when the market vendors are setting up their stands on the Vismarkt. And how about all those people whose Saturday is just not complete without a freshly fried fish, or a chat with their regular greengrocer? The market is alive, and it has been for 350 years.

n December 2015, the milestone was reached: the Vismarkt has been the backdrop of the market for 350 years. This is a special anniversary, because while specialised shopkeepers such as butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers are slowly disappearing, the market has held its own: nationwide, market vendors sell no less than 3 billion per year. The market in Groningen is geographically stable and apart from some minor shifts during main events, it takes place on the Vismarkt. This is obvious, because it has been the Groningen centre of trade since the 18th century. In those days, Groningen economy was booming after the core business of the farms in the area shifted from cattle breeding to arable farming. Farmers became richer and farms larger.

Flourishing corn trade The corn the farmers grew was initially traded in the Korenbeurs at the west side of the Vismarkt, but they rose above their surroundings in no time. As a result of the Crimean War in Russia, corn was in great international demand and part of the trade was transferred to a nearby café. Today, this café is still known as Huize de Beurs. In order to maintain the Vismarkt as a trade centre, the wooden Korenbeurs was replaced by a bigger and

future-proof building designed by architect J.G. van Beusekom and delivered in 1865. A distinctive feature is the amount of incoming light; thanks to the large number of windows, traders had sufficient light to assess the quality of each other’s corn, even on darker days. Van Beusekom designed more prominent buildings in Groningen,

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

THE ADVENT OF DELICATESSEN AND FOOD TRUCKS In recent years, the market has made a undergone an extraordinary development. In former days, it was the place for bargain hunters to seize their opportunity, but today exclusive (regional) products are sold, from fresh pasta at the German Der Nudelladen Pasta stand and nuts from Jan Boscher to organic vegetables from the Groningen organic vegetable market and delicatessen from Basarz, which also has a shop at the Vismarkt.

The link between shop and market is a successful one, and it has been proven that on market days, sales in the surrounding shops increase noticeably. On the other hand, it is important for the location of the market to be easily accessible and preferably near shops, allowing visitors to combine their shopping with a visit to the market. The rise of culinary high-quality stands on the market coincides with the popularity of culinary festivals and special food truck festivals. Over the past year, various of culinary events have been held in Groningen, from Lepeltje Lepeltje and the Culinary Temptation to Rrrolling Groningen. You can also find various food trucks on the Friday and Saturday markets, such as the famous Groningen De Belg Waterloo fish and chips stand and the CaffĂ¨ MobilĂŠ trolley.

2016 CULINARY FESTIVALS MULTI-CULINARY FOOD FESTIVAL 14 through 16 May, Bernoulliplein > www.multiculinairfestival.nl DE CULINAIRE VERLEIDING (THE CULINARY TEMPTATION) 4 and 5 June, Ebbingeterrein > www.deculinaireverleiding.nl LEPELTJE (SPOON) 1 through 3 July, around the Nieuwe Kerk > www.lepeltje-lepeltje.com PROEVEN IN GRONINGEN (TASTING IN GRONINGEN) 3 and 4 September, Harmonieplein > www.proeveningroningen.nl RRROLLEND GRONINGEN (RRROLLING GRONINGEN) 16 through 18 September, Ossenmarkt > www.rrrollend.nl

such as the main building of the Praedinius grammar school at the Turfsingel. Impressive buildings More impressive buildings are an essential feature of an important trade centre as the Vismarkt, and most buildings around the Vismarkt are listed, such as the Huize de Beurs stated above. In the late 19th century, the social democrats held meetings chaired by Domela Nieuwenhuis. Its interior has mainly been retained. Another building worth mentioning is at the north side of the Vismarkt, at number 27. The first department store of Groningen established here in 1904: 34

CITY: THE MARKET IS ALIVE 3. The Culinary Temptation 4. Fish on the Vismarkt 5. Fresh seasonal products at the best market in the Netherlands 6. Colourful annual flower market on Good Friday Vrijdag

THE MARKET IN GRONINGEN IS GEOGRAPHICALLY STABLE. FOR 350 YEARS, THE VISMARKT HAS BEEN THE ULTIMATE BACKDROP the French Bazar. In 1939, the building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1954 to function as a store again. Later, from 1974 until 1990, the public library was established in the building, but the location was far from ideal: a pump in the basement was required to run 24 hours a day to keep the building dry. It turned out that the building was constructed on the remains of a canal; evidence that there once was water in the vicinity of the Vismarkt. Hot pavement The north side of the Vismarkt is also referred to as Glènne Riepe, meaning something like ‘hot pavement’, referring to summer days when the sun shines on the warm north side all day long. The other side of the Vismarkt is thus referred to as the cold side, and a logical place for the fish stands to be set up. After all, it remains to be seen whether the goods will keep at the other side of the Glènne Riepe… In addition to the food market which is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, the Vismarkt is also used for other activities, such as the fun fair, the annual flower market on Good Friday, second-hand book markets, creative markets with handmade items, and concerts. Concerts have been held here for many years: the chimes were

already ringing back in 1898, when the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina – who was also celebrating her eighteenth birthday – was celebrated. After a morning programme on the Grote Markt, in the afternoon the Harmonie orchestra performed two concerts on the Vismarkt. Today, the Vismarkt is still a venue for musical performances and House of Orange celebrations, such as on King’s Day. On 27 April 2015, the Vismarkt was

the backdrop of a large stage where the band Mooi Wark and others performed. Granted, it was not chimes ringing, but this by no means diminished the celebrations. Goods markets in Groningen Tuesday, Friday en Saturday from 9 am until 5 pm: Vismarkt, Grote Markt, Akerkhof. Wednesday, 9 am until 5 pm: Vismarkt (on the steps) and Akerkhof. Thursday 10 am until 6 pm: Grote Markt.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

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TASTY SMAECK

The owner of Smaeck, André Hayasak (left, in the front), with his brigade

‘GAME REALLY IS MY FAVOURITE’ > MARIJE SIETSMA

It is not yet one year since Smack opened its doors, and it has already received a mention in the Michelin guide. It has not yet been awarded a star or Bib Gourmand, but owner André Hayasaki considers it a great honour. He, however, does not expect it to affect clientele. ‘We have actually been fully booked for the past three months.’

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

H ‘I FOCUS ON SERVING HIGH-QUALITY CASUAL STREET FOOD’

ayasaki grew up in Stadskanaal and dreamed of a culinary career since he was young. Not to prepare just anything, but instead create dishes that would really surprise people. He left for London aged seventeen to follow a training course at Le Cordon Bleu, after which he made an international career, working for various Michelin star restaurants from London to New York. He even made it to the kitchen of top chef Heston Blumenthal. It is actually no surprise that he considered the time had come to start for himself, and Groningen was his destination. Another salient detail is that Hayasaki is just 25 years old. So, why Groningen? Hayasaki: ‘I was looking forward to being closer to my

relatives and friends again, who I had been missing after spending all those years abroad. In addition, I think that Groningen could use a business like Smaeck, as a location for surprisingly tasty food at a reasonable price.’ Hayasaki’s idea was to become an intrinsic part of Groningen. ‘A restaurant in which you know you will be pleasantly surprised with special tastes.’ Meat from the Wilde Slager Hayasaki purchases most of his products regionally. ‘We try to make optimum use of our products, but this is impossible to do 100%.’ Hayasaki loves to work with game. ‘It is by far my favourite product, and although not everyone likes its sometimes strong taste, it is on our menu for almost the entire year. We are currently serving ducks from the Wilde Slager, which taste so much better than from a wholesaler’s. Customers are always free to ask for game at Hayasaki. ‘I can usually prepare something, even if it is not on the menu.’ The menu stands out because of its summary description of dishes, and main ingredients are stated only. Dishes are described as Potato-Eel-Cashew or Octopus-Almond-Quinoa. This way, most what’s on your plate stays a secret until it is served. ‘And this is exactly what I love to do.’ Eclectic kitchen Smaeck dishes are not based on a specific country. ‘It is difficult for me to state one common denominator for my dishes’, says Hayasaki. ‘It is French-based, but ultimately the dishes are mainly eclectic. I like preparing things differently to what anyone else would do’. His menu regularly includes a dish with angler liver. ‘The taste can be compared to duck liver, but without an animal having to have been force-fed, as is often the case in duck and goose liver. Angler liver thus has a special taste and in addition is better for animal wellbeing.’ The restaurant was included in the Lekker and Michelin guide within one single year, and Hayasaki realises that this is good news. ‘And this is despite the location working rather against us for prestigious mentions like these.’ The space is limited and the design simple. Hayasaki describes the style as Scandinavian, with plenty of white wood and

TASTY SMAECK

simple tables and chairs. ‘But the chairs we started out with were even more basic’, Hayasaki smiles. ‘They have since been replaced by more comfortable ones.’ Casual street food Hayasaki is thus steadily working on the realisation of his dreams.

‘A Michelin star is not my sole objective. Instead, I focus on serving high-quality casual street food, like James Knappett at the London Bubbledogs. Knappett has a champagne bar where he serves hot dogs instead of caviar. But really top-quality hot dogs’, according to Hayasaki. In the back of the champagne bar is a small door that leads to the

kitchen with a large bar around it and where up to 19 people can enjoy a 12 to 14-course menu. ‘If I would ever be able to manage this, it would be my dream come true.’ Smaeck Oude Boteringestraat 8, Groningen > www.smaeckgroningen.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

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BREWED IN GRONINGEN > MARIJE SIETSMA

Groningen was once the granary of the Netherlands, so naturally the region has a rich beer history. Meanwhile, locally brewed beer is on the up and up, and various Groningen beers are available, each with its very own and distinctive taste. 1. Martinus brewery The latest addition are the beers by Brouwerij Martinus. Currently, they produce four beers: a blond, brown, pale ale, and a triple beer. The brewery (with café and shop) is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 3 - 8 pm. > www.brouwerijmartinus.nl

2. Bax beer Jeroen Bax and Sepp Jansen have already produced some highquality beers with their Bax beers, and hope to be able to open the doors of their very own brewery at the former Suikerunie grounds. Their beers have cheeky names such as Womaniser, Grandma’s Plum, Hiphopper and Heretic and are available in Groningen and the rest of the Netherlands. > www.baxbier.com 4

3. Pivo Brewers The three founders of Pivo Brewers have their own ideas about beer. All of their beers are brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot and are bottled unfiltered and unpasteurised to maintain optimum taste. The brewery is established in the De Biotoop living and working community, where they brew beer such as Liquid bread, a top fermentation darker white beer, and Groningen Glory, a low fermentation beer inspired by south German style. > www.pivobrouwers.nl

4. Groninger brewery This brewery was established by no fewer than nine founders, including farmer Hero Havenga de Poel. His organic Oberkulmer Rotkorn spelt is used as the basis for the beers that are regional where possible and, according to the founders, always have ‘quality and special tastes with a touch of rock ’n roll’. Beer lovers can sample van Spelt Pale Ale, Oerspelt Weizen white beer and Sweet Stout. > www.groningerbier.nl

GRONINGEN’S GOLD

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After all these stories, about beer, you might forget that Groningen is also the home base of various other wonderful products 7

5. Hooghoudt After all these stories about beer, you might forget that Groningen is also the home base of various other wonderful drinks, such as the various Dutch gins, liquors and bitters by Hooghoudt. Established in 1888, this Groningen company keeps up its origin by continuing the marketing of Fladderak, a liquor-like drink made from lemon and cinnamon, which is considered typical of Groningen. 6. Like the past At the Bleyendael monastery farm, farming takes place according to the principles of the past, meaning that the owners work with respect for nature and environmental and animal well-being, and organic products are cultivated with the taste of former days. All of these delicious products are available at their farm shop. There is meat and dairy from their cows, seasonal vegetables and special monastery products such as candles, soap and Crutched Friar beer. > www.kloosterboerderij.nl

7. Groningen eierbal (Scotch egg) There are few places in the north of the Netherlands where this snack is found. An eierbal resembles a large type of croquette with just a limited amount of ragout, because the main ingredient is a hardboiled egg; the perfect snack during or after a night on the town! 8. Ranja orange squash Recently, Ranja has been reintroduced in various shops. The brand used to be such a household word that many people still refer to a glass of soft drink made with concentrated syrup as ‘ranja’. However, far fewer people are aware that ranja was initially created and produced in Groningen.

9. Groningen mustard Many regions have their own type of mustard, but the variety made in Groningen is well-known throughout the Netherlands. Compared to its French counterpart, it is somewhat less spicy and distinctive due to its coarse structure. At Abraham’s mustard factory in Eenrum, mustard is made according to traditional methods. > www.abrahamsmosterdmakerij.nl

10. All berries White currants, apples, chives, bread-making wheat, spelt… at the organic Landgoud farm in the north of the Netherlands, the harvest baskets are always generously filled. And this is a good thing, because this fresh produce is processed into the most delicious products, from juices and syrup to currant wine. All of these products are available in their shop and at various regional markets. > www.landgoud.nl

KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND IN GRONINGEN Groningen is an appealing city and many visitors find their way there for work, shopping, visiting a museum or to go out. Parking space is important in any of the above cases: commuter traffic at the P+R grounds, visitors in the car parks and parking in the street for a short visit. And with 23,000 parking places, there is room for everyone. RING-NOORD

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GEMEENTE GRONINGEN Boterdiep * 1. Boterdiep 85 9712 LL 2. Bloemsingel 10 9712 KZ 3. Boterdiep 45 9712 LL

e1.00 /25 minutes Day rate: e10.00

Circus * Korreweg 9 9714 AA

e1.00/25 minutes Day rate: e10.00

24 hours a day

Damsterdiep * Damsterplein 5 9711 SX

e1.00/24 minutes Day rate: e21.00

Mon through Thu from 7 am – 11 pm Fri, Sat 7 am – 1 am Sun 7 am – 11 pm

2.05 m

Euroborg * Boumaboulevard 115 9723 ZS

e1.50/60 minutes Day rate: e20.00

24 hours a day

1.90 m

Oosterpoort * Trompsingel 23 9724 DA

e1.00/25 minutes Day rate: e10.00

ma t/m zon 07.00 - 23.00 u

1.90 m

Station Europapark * Verlengde Lodewijkstraat 300 9723 AK

e1.50/60 minutes Day rate: e20.00 A special rate applies to Train passengers

24 hours a day

2.05 m

Zaanstraat * Zaanstraat 1 9725 EG

e0.50/20 minutes Day rate: e10.00

24 hours a day

n/a

e1.20: 0.10/5 minutes e2.40: 0.20/5 minutes e3.60: 0.30/5 minutes e6.00: 0.50/5 minutes e2.40: 0.20/5 minutes e6.00: 0.50/5 minutes e2.40: 0.20/5 minutes

Mon through Fri from 4 am – 5 pm Mon through Wed 5 pm – 4 am Thu 5 pm – 4 am Fri 5 pm – 4 am Sat 4 am – 5 pm Sat 5 pm – 4 am Sun 4 am – 4 am

1.90 m

Mon through Sun from 7 am – 11 pm

Car park Car park under construction

You will pay the full hourly rate for the first hour, and then for every 5 minutes.

INTERPARKING Cinema Ruiterstraat 12 9712 CD

e0.40/10 minutes Day rate: e22.00

Mon through Wed from 7.30 am – 1 am Thu and Fri from 7.30 am – 2 am Sat from 7.30 am – 3 am Sun from 9.30 am – 1 am

1.90 m

Centre * Pelsterstraat 15 9711 KH

e0.40/10 minutes Day rate: e22.00

24 hours a day

1.90 m

County Hall Sint Jansstraat 4 9712 JN

e0.40/10 minutes Day rate: e22.00

24 hours a day

1.90 m

P+R Main railway* Cascadeplein 9726 AD

e2.44/60 minutes Day rate: e14.11 NS day rate e4.01

24 hours a day

2.10 m

Museum Centre* Herepoortenmolendrift 2 9711 DG

e1.00/20 minutes Day rate e19.50

24 hours a day

1.95 m

Ossenmarkt * Spilsluizen 25 9712 NR

e1.00/20 minutes Day rate e19.50

24 hours a day

2.05 m

Rademarkt * Rademarkt 27 9711 CS

e1.00/20 minutes Day rate e23,00

24 hours a day

2.05 m

Westerhaven * Westerhaven 17 9711 AC

e1.00/20 minutes Day rate e19.50

24 hours a day

1.95 m

Q-PARK

* leaving the car park is possible 24 hours a day

Contact information Gemeente Groningen Harm Buiterplein 1 T 14050 (no dialling code) > www.parkeren050.nl

2016 GRONINGEN PARKING FACILITIES

1.90 m

HOLLAND CASINO Holland Casino * Gedempte Kattendiep 150 9711 PV

Low traffic/pedestrian

2.00 m

Parking route + direction of the traffic flow Number of spaces Boterdiepgarage car park entry

Interparking contact information Postbus 501 3000 AM Rotterdam T (010) 217 09 70 > www.interparking.nl

Q-Park contact information Stationsplein 12-e 6221 BT Maastricht T (0900) 446 68 80 > www.q-park.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

ALONG THE COAST > CORA WESTERINK

The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage and an unequalled scenic area. The area inside the dyke is also worth exploring. The Kiek over Diek (view across the dykes) project resulted in a 90-kilometre long cycle track that connects the Lauwersmeer lake area to the Dollard inlet and the special Wadden Sea with its fascinating hinterland.

lthough it is possible to cycle from Lauwersoog to Nieuwe Statenzijl in one go, that would be a pity, because there is plenty more to see. Lauwersoog Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see what is known about the route. We start at Lauwersoog, a lively fishing village and home port of the Zoutkamp fishing fleet. There is always

something to do, see or experience here, such as the departure of the ferry to the island of Schiermonnikoog, or the chance to enjoy a fresh fish or ice cream. It is also a perfect starting point to explore the Lauwersmeer lake area. This new wilderness, with the National Park designation, is easy to explore by bike. Any information for an exploratory expedition can be obtained at the HIP, an information pavilion at the top of the

LAUWERSMEER LAKE AREA

A LOVELY LOCATION TO SEE THE TIDE COMING IN OR LOOK OUT OVER THE COLOURFUL SALT MARSHES

Illustration: Kim Veenman

Marria Bosman, Kiek over Diek Project Manager: ‘The new cycle track has been included in the bicycle junction system, which makes it possible to add the occasional additional loop and explore the villages, countryside and places of interest behind the dyke. We place information signs with suggestions at the TOPs, Tourist Change Points, twelve of which are located along the route. Hiker’s huts will be placed at Noordpolderzijl and in the vicinity of the Dollard and camper places have already been realised. In the villages along the dyke are lovely galleries, restaurants and shops, and something called story banks will be realised as part of our project. The entire development is in its final phase, and everything should be ready for the opening in June.’

Put your boots in the pannier

harbour. The Lauwers ferry has been put into service recently; a bicycle ferry that departs from the Het Booze Wijf and Suyderoogh restaurants, which adds even more to a bicycle ride of the Lauwersmeer. The watchtower at Het Booze Wijf is already in place. Westpolder Meanwhile, back at the dyke: from Lauwersoog to the Westpolder, you can cycle both on the inside and the outside of the dyke. During the entire ride to the final destination, the mighty Dollard inlet, the bicycle track is located at the outside of the dyke at various locations, such as between Deikum and Noordpolderzijl, and sometimes even on the dyke. If you are interested in taking a walk through a salt marsh, be sure to put your boots in your saddlebag. From the Kustweg at Hornhuizen, explore the special countryside outside the dykes and the Nieuw Onrust duck decoy. Further on, a trail is set out outside the dykes at Noordpolderzijl. At Deikum, also referred to as Pieterburen aan Zee, is another TOP. From here, you can go to Pieterburen with its seal sanctuary and lovely restaurants serving fresh fish. If you prefer a pancake, go to the ‘t Appeltje restaurant ship. Noordpolderzijl This is the smallest tidal harbour in the Netherlands, and a lovely location to see the tide coming in or look out over the colourful salt marshes. Camper stops have been realised and five

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

LAUWERSMEER LAKE AREA

1. Lauwersoog harbour 2. A breeding colony of gulls at the Lauwersmeer lake 3. Noordpolderzijl 4. The Kiekkaaste birdwatcher’s hut at Nieuwstatenzijl 5. Horses in the Lauwersmeer National Park 6. At the Kiekkaaste birdwatcher’s hut at Nieuwstatenzijl

hiker’s cabins will be placed. The evenings are really dark here, so on clear evenings you will see more stars than you ever have. The harbour is also famous because of ‘t Zielhoes, a nostalgic living room café against the dyke, a place everyone should visit at least once. The Eemshaven harbour is quite something different. The last stretch of the cycle track is on the dyke, and rather impressive. Past the Eemshaven, there will be no immediate changes, but a broadening of the dyke is planned for 2017. Chances are that a cycle track will be laid out on the dyke. Delfzijl And there is the Delfzijl harbour. Be sure to take your time and look around. The Muzeeaquarium, five special museums and a sea aquarium under one roof, is located at the lower end of the dyke and near the beach and harbour. There is a TOP at the museum, with suggestions for an interesting loop through the hinterland. The historic village of Appingedam, for instance, with its hanging kitchens, is nearby. From 29 June through 3 July, the Delfsail maritime event is to take place for 46

the 6th time. Go shopping inside the ancient fortress or visit the Amsterdam School district with houses and buildings according to this characteristic style. You probably would not expect this here! Termuntenzijl The route goes on along the harbour industrial zone near Termuntenzijl. Zijl means ‘sluice’ and this village developed near a sluice gate. Enjoy some fish, the boats coming in and the old Cremer pumping-station. There are seven camper stops near Termuntenzijl. On the Punt van Reide is a viewing wall near a favourite seal resting place. During high tide, a large group of seals frequents this place, not bothered by the fact that they are watched. Nieuwe Statenzijl The last stretch of the route runs under the Dollard, on soil that has been reclaimed from the sea, and along Dollard Süd, popularly termed the Ambonezenbosje, a nickname derived from the barracks which were constructed here in the

OVERdeVLOED This wonderful project deserves a festive opening, which will take place on 3, 4 and 5 June at various locations along the route. Sandrina Scholte is involved in the organisation of the OVERdeVLOED (ABOUTtheTIDE) festival. ‘Preparations for this three-day event are in full swing. On 3 June, a Wadden concert will take place, and other events will be held on Saturday 4 June in each village along the dyke. I cannot say much about this yet, but I imagine entrepreneurs having an open day, music, theatre, children’s activities and maybe a kite festival. On 5 June, there will be “location theatre” at various places in the countryside and based on the theme that nature “takes and gives”. The full programme will be on our website, www.festivaloverdevloed.nl.’ The website will also include a presentation made using a drone, displaying the 90-kilometre dyke from Lauwersoog to Nieuwe Statenzijl. This will undoubtedly boost plans to explore the Groningen coastal area.

1940s for the silt workers, and between 1953 and 1961 used as a temporary relief centre for Amboinese people. The barracks are gone, but an information board gives a rough sketch of the situation in those days. Four hiker’s huts will be constructed here over the next four years. The final destination is near, with just one more sluice to go: Nieuwe Statenzijl, an impressive building that keeps east Groningen dry. This is the location of the only birdwatching hut outside the dykes, the Kiekkaaste, which is accessible via a deck path through the reed lands. Cycling further will lead you to Germany.

LAUWERSMEER NATIONAL PARK AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Everyone is sure to be sold on the Lauwersmeer National Park When exploring the rugged area of the Lauwersmeer National Park, you might feel as if you were the only person in the entire world, with just the wind as your walking buddy to blow away any cares. In a birdwatcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hut, spend hours watching over the thousands of wintering geese and water birds. See Konik horses trot across the plains where you might just run in to a Scottish Highlander cow. This is also where you might spot the white-tailed eagle soaring above. Behind the dyke is the Wadden Sea Unesco World Heritage site with its impressive panoramic views. Be sure to take an unforgettable walk

across the salt marshes or the mudflats, and go to one of the fish restaurants in Lauwersoog for some sustainably caught fish or taste the best eel ever in the fishing village of Zoutkamp. If you want even more impressive scenic sights, simply sail to the island of Schiermonnikoog National Park in forty minutes. Three special scenic areas this close to one another is really rare. And in the evening, when your cheeks are pink from all the fresh air, return to your comfortable cottage, a hospitable hotel or a charming B & B. You are sure to feel great enthusiasm for the Lauwersmeer.

LAUWERSMEER.GRONINGEN.NL/EN MGRO adv Lauwersmeer 2016 200x268mm EN.indd 1

18-03-16 16:18

THE MIRACLE OF ADUARD > CORA WESTERINK

By the end of the 12th century, twelve monks left Klaarkamp, their mother house near the city of Dokkum. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They were looking for a suitable place for a new monastery and stumbled upon an artificial dwelling hill called Adduwert or Adewerd in the rough salt marsh area in the north of Groningen. The plan was to erect a monastery that would outgrow the monastery in Dokkum. The powerful Sint Bernardus abbey no longer exists, but thanks to the latest 3D technology, you can still take a walk across the monastery grounds of centuries ago. Join us in a journey across the Miracle of Aduard.

The app takes you back into time. ÂŠ Martin Borchert

t is generally assumed that the Aduard monastery was founded in 1192. Cistercian monks led a very frugal life and liked to work with their hands. The uncultivated salt marsh area must have posed quite a challenge, because for centuries they were

involved in reclamation, dyke construction, the digging of ditches and canals, including the eight-kilometre long Aduarderdiep as proof of their skill. Their involvement in Middag-Humsterland can still be clearly seen. The monks were also competent in the area of construction engineering, and a ninetymetre long cruciform church, the largest in the north of the Netherlands, is said to be proof of this. Miracle Brickyards were realised for the construction and extension of the monastery, and it is believed that this is how

they introduced this skilled trade in the region. Huge numbers of Roman bricks, glazed tiles and ornaments were produced here, as the handiwork of the monks realised a miracle on the Aduard artificial dwelling hill. The Cistercian Saint Bernardus Abbey developed into one of the largest monastery complexes in Europe. The monastery was finished around 1300. In addition to the maintenance of dykes, canals and agricultural land, the monks increasingly applied themselves to the trade in and export of Roman bricks from the brickyards and other products. During the 15th century, the

CHURCHES: ADUARD

1. Aduard today 2. Memories of the past thanks to the app © Axe Kooi 3. Picture of the beautiful Saint Bernardus abbey © Axe Kooi 4. An image from the air of what it must have been like © Axe Kooi

monastery earned prestige in the area of piety and scholarship. Well-known scholars of those days travelled to Aduard to discuss and reflect on scientific topics; in those days, the abbey was an academy rather than a monastery. The great fire During the Eighty Years’ War, in 1580 to be precise, State and Spanish armies were fighting near the monastery, causing it to catch fire and the monks to flee. Meanwhile, the Reformation progressed in Europe: Roman Catholicism became a forbidden religion, resulting in the suppression of the many mon-

asteries and convents in Groningen in the 16th century. In 1594, the powerful Saint Bernardus Abbey was closed and gradually demolished, allowing for the current village to develop on the ruins. All that was retained was the RomanGothic monastery infirmary which was converted into a Protestant church. Various houses in Aduard were constructed using the Roman bricks from the former abbey. One of the oldest houses now accommodates the St. Bernardushof Museum. Experience the miracle The fire destroyed the entire monas-

tery archives, and no image, portrait or record was saved. Yet information about the history could be gained through excavations in the 1930s and the Latin Aduard Ambten Chronicle written in the 15th and 16th century. In combination with investigations and logical thinking, these two sources resulted in a modern miracle. Walk the two-kilometre route around the former monastery grounds which takes in seven works of art and information boards. ‘Would you like to know more about how this works? Come to Aduard and go back into time. This really is a miracle!’ > www.kloostermuseumaduard.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

THE BULWARK, A PIECE OF NO-MANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S-LAND, WAS DEFENDED TOOTH AND NAIL

BOURTANGE

THE FORTRESS THE MARSH

> BERT NIJMEIJER

In the new Bourtange visitor centre, see and learn how an impregnable fortress developed in the middle of the marsh. Fly across the wet land on the back of a common crane and shoot soft balls at Bommen Berend, far away from today and back to the days.

The origin The N365 between Germany and Vlagtwedde skirts around Bourtange. In the time of the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648), there was no road yet, but only a marsh. There was one sandy path of ‘two cart tracks wide’ that connected city of Groningen with the German Lingen and Westfalen south of it. When in 1580 Groningen fell into the hands of the Spaniards, William of Orange ordered the establishment of a reinforced fortress to stop undesired Spanish or pro-Spanish transients. The forces of nature In the 19th and 20th century, nature succeeded where the Spaniards failed: to take Bourtange. The marsh was dried up, the peat extracted and the area

transformed into fertile farm land. The fortified village lost its function and fell into decay. Until, in the 1960s, a

BOMMEN BEREND Cristoph Bernhard van Galen, the Bishop of Münster (Drensteinfurt, 12 October 1606 - Ahaus, 19 September 1678). Bommen Berend is the nickname of the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard van Galen, which he owed to his passion for cannons. The Bishop of Münster was responsible for the bombing of the south side of the city of Groningen. The successful general was ultimately forced to acknowledge the superiority of Carl von Rabenhaupt, who later became the Mayor of Groningen.

plan was made to restore the village to its former glory. Today, every year 275 thousand visitors explore the Bourtange fortress from 1742 that looks as if nothing has ever changed. Terra Mora The story of Bourtange is told in the brand-new Terra Mora visitor centre. Terra Mora is freely translated into “marsh land”. In fragrances and colours, images and sounds, experience how one of the best retained pieces of the Dutch Republic erected in the middle of the boggy peat moors: a star-shaped soldier village with wide moats and towering banks. It was unassailable, even for Bommen Berend, the dreaded Bishop of Münster.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

TERRA MORA The Terra Mora visitor centre is a joint venture of the Groninger Landschap foundation and the Bourtange fortress. Last year, Pieter van Vollenhoven offically opened the centre with a cannon shot. The new visitor centre allows everyone to actively explore the Bourtange fortress. Terra Mora has three separate halls, each designed according to a specific theme. In ‘The Moor and the Fortress’, visitors can find out all about the marsh and the wars that were fought there. In “The Fight”, you can shoot cannons and imagine yourself on the fortress sconce while the troops of Bommen Berend are approaching, and in the third hall, take a walk through the Bourtange countryside. In short: images, sound, education and movement take centre stage in the Terra Mora visitor centre. > www.bourtange.nl

BOURTANGE

Reception hall This exploratory expedition of Bourtange starts in the reception hall, where you see a stuffed Konik horse, the ‘wild horse’, that grazes the countryside around Bourtange. The horse is also a suitable companion for making selfies. In the hall is a wall-sized aerial photo of Bourtange, which raises questions among foreign visitors: a star-shaped village? To them, it is quite unbelievable and they often assume that the photo is in fact a scale model. Film hall The journey continues in the film hall, where, using projections on the floor, you can see how Bourtange developed and how the marsh expanded to the “wet horizon”; a large dug lake on the German side of the border. The lake was dug again and clearly visible from the bank. A bulwark developed slowly; a piece of no-man’s-land that was defended tooth and nail. Don’t let the noise of bombs, grenades and

WATCH OUT! THERE’S A WAR GOING ON IN THE MARKSMAN HALL the yelling of soldiers in the cinema startle you, because Bourtange is well defended! Marksman hall Watch out! There’s a war going on in the marksman hall. This is where children and their parents can join in the turmoil. Rumbling and uproar, and the noise of shots, bullets striking and water dripping fill the room. Tension is extremely high, and two rows of cannons are arranged opposite each other. One row belongs to the Orange supporters, the other to the attackers. Children can navigate the cannons and take up arms against each other. This is a popular game, for older people also: parents or grandparents are regularly drawn to the fact that it’s the turn of the next in line.

Countryside hall In the countryside hall, visitors can put the monuments of Groningen and East-Friesland in their consoles on a large map: the Martini Tower, the German fortresses and castles. Lights turn on and a narrator starts telling. What went on here? From the stone monuments, continue to live nature: a large photo wall displays all that grows, flowers and flutters around in the former peat lands. Good news: the sundew, a carnivorous plant, has made a comeback. Fortunately, it is dangerous to insects only. Fly on the back of a common crane, dancing in the wind through the Bourtange of the past with marshes as far as the eye can see. From Westfalen to Bourtange is nothing to a common crane. It took Bommen Berend and his retinue considerably longer. But make no mistake, the enemies from Amsterdam and Münster are dangerously close. > www.bourtange.nl

Address: W. Lodewijkstraat 33 9545 PA Bourtange T +31 (0)599 35 46 00 E info@bourtange.nl Opening hours: The information office is open daily from mid-March through late October from 9.15 am until 5 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am until 5 pm. The museums are open from mid-March on Monday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

EXPLORE THE WADDEN SEA WORLD HERITAGE SITE

After the Alps, the Wadden Sea area is the largest connected wilderness in Central Europe, the Groningen part of which is considered the most untouched. The rich Wadden Sea area features innumerable very special spots and places of interest. With its ancient artificial dwelling hill villages, historic farms and vast fields, the Groningen part of it is perfect for hiking and cycling. In spring, see the migration of various bird species, such as gulls, stilt-walkers and spoonbills. Be sure to explore this very special area.

WADDEN.GRONINGEN.NL/EN

BREEBAART POLDER (AREA OF LAND RECLAIMED FROM THE WATER)

THE BREEBAART POLDER,

LOVELY FOR BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS The vantage point at the top of the Buitenplaats Reidehoeve country estate provides a good image of the Breebaart polder near Termunten: the channel with its birdwatcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hut, the seal viewing screen at the other side on the dyke, and the Dollard behind it. And there are birds, a huge number of birds. > CORA WESTERINK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN ENDEARING SIGHT, ALL OF THESE GROUPS OF SEALS

SEALS The icing on the cake during a walk is the large wooden viewing screen on the Delta dyke with its spyholes, through which you can see seals resting or nursing their young on the sandbanks. Your best chance is during high tide, when the sandbanks are covered and a large group often lies at the foot of the dyke just under the viewing screen. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an endearing view which makes you forget that these are diligent fish catchers, putting away five to eight kilos of fish every day. They get out of the water shiny and dark, but reveal the most wonderful colour variations once they have dried off, from light to dark grey, beige to brown and even shades of orange.

ut be sure to explore the Reidehoeve before putting on your walking shoes. In the visitor centre, a short film is shown about the area, featuring interesting facts about the flora and fauna, which will come in handy once you set out. You could take your bike, but if you prefer walking, take the footpath across from the Reidehoeve to the Dollard dyke. The path is fringed with reed and shrubs to prevent

the countryside from being disturbed by humans. Dogs are not allowed. After the breeding season, cows graze the area in order to ensure a varied plant growth, while sheep keep the grass on the dykes short. You can hear and see birds all around and if you are interested in photography, you will be very happy here. Brackish water tidal area The Breebaart polder is among the newest polders in the Netherlands. After the 1953 flood disaster in the Netherlands, the dykes throughout the

country were raised to the minimum safe height. Instead of raising the existing Dallingeweersterdijk dyke, in 1979 a new dyke was thrown up a bit further on, resulting in a 63-hectare polder between both dykes. Initially, the Breebaart polder was used as agricultural land, but when in 1991 the polder was put up for sale the Het Groninger Landschap foundation lost no time buying the land, as well as the Reidehoeve farm. A channel was dug and a drain realised in the new Delta dyke, allowing the tide in the Dollard to affect the polder and an unparalleled brackish water tidal area resulted. An

BREEBAART POLDER (AREA OF LAND RECLAIMED FROM THE WATER)

1. Sheep on the dykes 2. De Reidehoeve country estate 3. Seals resting below the viewing screen 4. Hairy willo-herb 5. A view of Delfzijl 6. Punt van Reide

blers and wagtails also thrive in this area. Visitors can view the birds from the birdwatching hut that is accessible from the Dallingeweersterdijk dyke. Flora is doing well also, and a real salt marsh vegetation is developing slowly but surely, which includes glasswort, sea aster and sea lavender.

ingenious fish ladder was created in the Dallingeweersterdijk dyke, that allows some freshwater from the drainage into the polder as a luring stream for fish species that are looking for freshwater to reproduce. Various feathers A nutrient-rich area developed, resulting in a rich bird population, such as colony of avocets in the Dollard area. When the

water is high, the birds with the curled beaks go to the Breebaart polder. A large group of spoonbills and various species of stilt-walkers, ducks and geese use the nutrient-rich ponds as a refuge during rising tide, as a foraging area or winter. Small birds such as sedge warblers, bluethroats, reed war-

Point of Reide You can opt to explore the Breebaart polder by yourself, but if you have a taste for more nature, take a guided excursion to the Point of Reide. Once a natural levee of the Ems, today it is a vulnerable piece of countryside with special vegetation, and a breeding and resting place which is normally closed to the public. Traces of habitation are still seen at the far end, in addition to more recent traces of a WWII bunker. Excursions are held during low tide, when the mud-covered tidal flats are the domain of foraging water birds, providing plenty to observe. In a relatively short period of time, the Breebaart polder has developed into an appealing bird paradise and a wonderful area for a hike or bicycle ride. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also conveniently close to Termuntenzijl, where you can eat delicious fish dishes afterwards.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

Blauwe Passage

OLDAMBT FROM THE WATER > BERT NIJMEIJER

The Oldambt is a lovely quiet place for sailing, without any tailbacks or long waits. Since the opening of a new waterway near Midwolda, all of the fairways are open, and water sports enthusiasts are increasingly discovering the Oldambt area. 58

nce you leave the Midwolda marina, you are surrounded by space and tranquillity, with dragonflies buzzing the water and coots bobbing among the reeds. Sail across the Nieuwe Kanaal, take in the colza fields on the way to Nieuwolda and cross the Dollard inlet to the Oldambtmeer. Enjoy summer, peace and relaxation in a blue, green and yellow world. Connecting passage Since the opening of a new waterway near Midwolda, water sports near Blauwestad now take place far beyond the banks of the Oldambt lake. The Blauwe Passage, the name of the five-kilometre canal, connects the lake and canals of the Oldambt and the Wadden

SAILING

COME ON BOARD! Explore the lake from one of the Oldambt marinas: Jachthaven Midwolda, Havenkwartier Blauwestad, Reiderhaven Beerta, De Rensel Winschoten, Het Dok Nieuwolda, Jachthaven Scheemda, Jachthaven Bad Nieuweschans, Jachthaven Beerta. For more information, go to oldambt.groningen.nl.

Illustration: Kim Veenman

Canal with its very own story In Groningen, sailors can obtain a self-service key they can use to open bridges and sluices, allowing them to determine the places they want to go and things they want to see. The Oldambt has many monuments, old sluices, bridges, old steam pumping stations and historic buildings. Moor somewhere along the route for a meal in one of the restaurants by the water, or catch your own fish at the De Kolk trout fishing pond. Spend the night on your boat or at one of the campsites near Blauwestad. 2

Sea, which is listed in the Unesco World Heritage List, allowing you to choose from a short trip or a longer cruise. The Blauwe Passage was opened in 2015.

Be active in a tranquil area Sailing tourism in Groningen is developing, and an increasing number of water sports enthusiasts, from Germany also, are discovering the area around Blauwestad. The Oldambt is a lovely quiet place for sailing, without any tailbacks or long waits. You can moor anywhere you like and spend the night at reasonable rates. Sailing here is like sailing in the backdrop of a film, with innumerable flowers, birds, high skies and a magnificent horizon. Something for everyone The Oldambt has everything to offer water sports enthusiasts, with eight marinas and every facility required. At the north side of the lake is a large beach and a sailing school that hires out boats and provides sailing lessons. Have a break from all of your activities at the outdoor cafĂŠ of De Waternimf. In Midwolda is the beautiful Ennemaborg Groningen estate house with the gallery of artist Maya Wildevuur, and Pitch & Putt Oostwold is located by the marina.

Sunny summer days The water sports season starts again from April, but the real highlight is in summer, when events are held almost every weekend, such as the Blauwestad Water Weekend in June, the Hungry Wolf festival in late July, featuring music and theatre in barns and Pure Vida, a free open-air concert by the Noord Nederlands Orkest (North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra). Watch and listen from your boat or the beach while the sun sets behind the Midwolderbos wooded area. We can hardly wait. > oldambt.groningen.nl

THE OLDAMBT IS A LOVELY QUIET PLACE FOR SAILING, WITHOUT ANY TAILBACKS OR LONG WAITS

1. Oldambtmeer lake 2. The Ennemaborg country estate 3. Water sports enthusiast frequent this place

A visit to the artificial dwelling hills is interesting for tourists also. You may not see excavations or research, but the slightly undulating landscape of these villages, such as Ezinge, Westeremden and Tinallinge are perfect for a wonderful bicycle ride, with the Wierdenland museum as a wonderful stop-over. This is where visitors can find information about the excavations and history of the environment, or see one of the regularly changing exhibitions.

he artificial dwelling hill village of Ezinge in particular became wellknown as a result of the research by Professor Van Giffen in the 1920s and 1930s. ‘However, he came up with new projects time and time again, which prevented many of his findings from ever being published’, says Annet Nieuwhof, artificial dwelling hill archaeology researcher. ‘Van Giffen wrote a few articles about the Ezinge excavations, and archaeologically, Ezinge is some kind of key site, and a place from which we can learn a lot even though only ten percent of the dwelling hills has been scientifically excavated.’ And this is exactly what Nieuwhof has been involved in since 2011. In that year, a new research project was launched, the final objective being the full publication of the excavation information. She has published various works about Ezinge, and is currently working on a book about its habitation history. ‘As an archaeologist, I am involved in what is

in the ground. In the Netherlands are huge amounts of sandy soil, and the only thing that is preserved in it are ceramics and flint. Artificial dwelling hills provide just so much more information about how people used to live. In Ezinge, remains of people were found who lived there 500 BC, allowing us to look back into time 2500 years!’ Because the remains in these dwelling hills have been preserved so well, the history of the inhabitants can also be reconstructed well. ‘Not only in the area of material culture or what their houses looked like, but also about their very lives. How did they live and how did they cope? Were they able to be happy or was it distress and poverty that prevailed? The remains in the artificial dwelling areas provide many more clues to provide answers to these questions than other archaeological sites in other areas in the Netherlands.

GRONINGEN ARTIFICIAL DWELLING HILLS

GOING 2500 YEARS BACK IN TIME > MARIJE SIETSMA

You might not see it from the outside, but the Groningen wierdendorpen (artificial dwelling hill villages) hold considerable secrets. They are no dark mysteries, but do provide a wealth of information about life here in former days.

LIVING ON ARTIFICIAL DWELLING HILLS >T EXT & ILLUSTRATION: KIM VEENMAN

The former inhabitants of Groningen were often confronted with rising water. In order to keep their feet dry, they constructed elevated hills: artificial dwelling hills. They started out as simple mounds for when the water was high, but were soon used to build farms on and many of them developed into entire villages. These artificial dwelling hills have the following features:

1. T he residential part of the farms faced the centre of the dwelling hill. The barn was located more on the slope on the outside. 2. T he church was in the middle. 3. T he road was on the outside around the hill because cows were not allowed to walk across the hill, but instead were guided around it.

4. The dobbe was a pool in the centre of the dwelling hill and served as a watering place for cattle. It was probably formed from a water catchment basin for excess rainwater. 5. The land around the dwelling hill was subdivided and attached to the farms, resulting in a typical star-shape of fields, with the dwelling hills as a centre.

ARTIFICIAL DWELLING HILL FACTS These hills vary in height from 2 to 10 metres. • The hills are bicycle wheel shaped when seen from the air. • There are artificial dwelling hills outside of Groningen, but known by other names: - Friesland: terp - Noord-Holland: werf - Northern Germany: warft, wurt or wierde - Denmark: værft, varft or verft

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

1 2

GRONINGEN PRODUCERS > MARIJE SIETSMA

1. Wooden design The watches by WoodWatch are made entirely from wood, which ensures a really special and stylish product, each of which is truly unusual. The experts behind this special product are from Groningen, but they love to look beyond. So they plant trees via Trees for All in the Philippines to compensate for the production of their wooden watches. In short, they sell beautiful and responsible items.

> www.woodwatch.nl

2. Lovely fragrance LOCHT is a hand-moulded candle made from organic soy wax with natural essential oils. It comes in a cute medicine pot and is available in ten fragrances: almond, basil, bergamot, cedar, lavender, orange blossom, grapefruit, rosemary, sage and fig. It is available on-line via the producer and at an increasing number of shops throughout the Netherlands. And the name? Well, indeed: LOCHT is the Groningen dialect word for air, so it is quite applicable. > www.eennieuwavontuur.com 4

3. Knol’s koek Another famous bake is Groningen cake, the best-known of which in the city and its environs is the version by the Groningen Knol cake bakers. It slightly resembles gingercake, but has its very own taste thanks to the addition of rye and syrup. Knol’s Koek is still established in Groningen city centre. > www.knolskoek.nl

4. Underpants with a storage box Even more boxer shorts from Groningen. The Pockies also have a link to shirts: the fabric used to make Pockies are generally used to make shirts. So we are speaking real quality of high-grade cotton. But the most distinctive about these boxer shorts is that they come with pockets. As the makers say: ‘If you are going running and there are no pockets in your shorts for your walkman: wear Pockies. If you are travelling abroad and you are afraid to lose your passport: wear Pockies.’ > www.pockies.nl

GRONINGEN’S GOLD 6

5. Buffalo mozzarella Maybe you would not immediately think of it, but buffalo mozzarella can actually be a regional Groningen product. In Opende, a few years ago a Groningen farmer’s son and an Italian cheese maker started producing fresh Dutch buffalo mozzarella. Really good mozzarella has to be consumed within three days after the buffalo has been milked. > www.orobiancomozzarella.nl

6. Social reuse If the collar of your shirt or blouse is worn, but the rest is still looking fine, it is perfect for a real Van Hulley. The women working at this social corporation transform your shirt or blouse into comfortable boxer shorts within five days. This allows them to acquire work experience and follow a training course and you to have a special garment. And to give your shirt or blouse a second life... The perfect win-win situation.

> www.vanhulley.nl

7. Build your own Groningen Okapis are small books for posting to friends, from a wonderfully illustrated strip cartoon or poem to a cutting, origami and gluing booklet filled with crafts, such as building your own city. The first city in the series is naturally Groningen, with a snack wall filled with eierballen (Scotch eggs), the Martini Tower, warehouses, an enormous number of bicycles and many more Groningen icons. The Okapis are delivered with an envelope, and ensure you always have a present at hand if you wish to express more than fits on a postcard. > www.okapipost.nl

8. Groningen in a pot If you are looking for real Groningen honey, try Groning, a honey that is collected by about 3,000,000 bees of city bee-keeper Bart van Egteren. His hives are spread over 14 locations in a circle around the Martini Tower. Egter joined forces with Toentje and together they market this delicious honey. Groning is available at the Stadsakker, Opgeweckt Noord, and others.

9. Heidi keeps you warm The high north is naturally the ultimate place to be for a really warm winter bonnet. Although travelling as far as Groningen will do, because this is the home base of the Heidi Liebt company that produces lovely and warm caps and rollnecks. All of the items are knitted in the Netherlands and put together by hand. Perfect for winter sports and for protection against the cold Dutch wind. > www.heidiliebt.com

SPECIAL OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION

DOZE OFF IN GRONINGEN DREAMLAND > BERT NIJMEIJER

If you would like to try something entirely new instead of a familiar hotel or bed & breakfast, consider staying in one of these special locations in Groningen.

Straw castle, Hayema Heerd, Oldehove Safari tents at the Meerwijck campsite, Kropswolde Go glamping: adventurous and glamorous camping on the banks of the Zuidlaardermeer. These stylish six-person safari tents at the Meerwijck campsite are designed using scaffolding wood and have six comfortable beds, including a box bed and canopy. Upon entering, your reaction will undoubtedly be something like: ‘wow, this is great!’ There are lounge sofas, a dining area with six chairs, a bathroom with a sink, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and gas cooker. All in all, the accommodation is sturdy and comfortable and just what you need after a day of cycling or on the water. And the fireplace will ensure you are nice and warm in no time. > www.meerwijck.nl

Megalithic room Hotel Stadskanaal, Stadskanaal The Flintstones would certainly have felt right at home here! This is where you spend the night in prehistory with all comfort and luxury of today. Walk past the loam wall between sheets of leather into the ‘Megalith bedroom’ where you can sleep on a huge round bed under a large covering stone. While sitting on furniture cut from trunks, through the rocks enjoy the view of a wooded area while overlooking the vast countryside on the other side, and the Drenthe ridge in the distance. The rocky floor is naturally covered with animal skins, but nevertheless feel free to bring your laptop, because despite its primitive character, this cave is as wellequipped as a four-star hotel > www.hotel-stadskanaal.nl

Alternatively, consider spending the night in a straw castle, in a canopy made of straw. In Oldehove, a large farm has been converted into a dream palace where you can sleep in the Groningen countryside in a very grand manner. Sleeping in straw is soft, special, romantic and comfortable; beds are made with a thick and springy straw mattress, soft duvets, high-quality bed linen and lots of pillows. If you are looking for a special B & B, consider the straw castle or one of the magnificent outdoor straw igloos, where you look at the stars as you fall asleep. The warm straw provides a lovely place to sleep in winter, with an electric heater if required. > www.hayemaheerd.nl

PACKAGES

Wadden Sea World Heritage Many Dutch people have known it for years, but finally it’s official: the Wadden Sea area is a world-class nature reserve, because UNESCO has designated the Wadden Sea as a World Heritage site. The Wadden sea is now equal to famous nature reserves such as Yellowstone in the United States and the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which have already received this UNESCO status. This means that the fact that the Wadden Sea is of special importance to our planet is acknowledged worldwide. Book the Wadden Sea World Heritage Package and learn more about this valuable scenic area, where tranquillity and darkness rule.

PACKAGES Groningen Harvest Package

Explore Groningen

Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Piloersemaborg Groningen estate house of gourmet chef Dick Soek. His kitchen prepares dishes with pure flavours using regional produce.

Groningen is a lively university city and this youngest city in the Netherlands has a long and turbulent history, which is evident from the historic warehouses, almshouses and other buildings. Groningen is also a city with nerve and with the most innovative architecture. Explore, sample and experience Groningen.

Including • 2 overnight stays with a local breakfast. • 4-course dinner and 6-course dinner, including wine, water and coffee in the Piloersema restaurant. •B icycle and hiking route of MiddagHumsterland Price From €266.00 for an apartment and €243.50 for a box bed room, prices based on 2 persons per room. Booking VVV Groningen Tourist Information Office Tel.: +31 (0)900 20 230 50 (€0.15 p/m) info@vvvgroningen.nl

Including • 1 or 2 overnight stays based on bed and breakfast. • Information package about the city. • Tickets to the Martini Tower.

Including • 1 or 2 overnight stays based on bed and breakfast. • I nformation package about the province of Groningen and the Wadden Sea area Price from €41.50 p.p.p.n. Booking VVV Groningen Tourist Information Office Tel.: +31 (0)900 20 230 50 (€0.15 p/m) info@vvvgroningen.nl > toerisme.groningen.nl/arrangementen

Price from €32.50 p.p.p.n. Booking VVV Groningen Tourist Information Office Tel.: +31 (0)900 20 230 50 (€0.15 p/m) info@vvvgroningen.nl > toerisme.groningen.nl/arrangementen

> toerisme.groningen.nl/arrangementen

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

The highest climbing wall in Europe There’s no place like Groningen. Literally, that is, because in the Kardinge sports centre is the highest climbing tower in Europe. The Excalibur – the name of the tower – is 37 metres high and designed for both inexperienced and experienced climbers to have great fun. If you are fairly inexperienced, it is recommended to use the round side, but if you are a fan of extremes, try the hollow side. And if you are too tired to climb back down, you can simply spend the night on top of the tower. Those who are afraid of heights, can pitch their tent under the tower of the field, free of charge.

Smallest hotel in the world You might think that hiring an entire hotel is reserved for the richest people in the world, but anyone could actually do it in Eenrum, where there is a hotel with just one room: De Kromme Raake, the smallest hotel in the world. In addition to a breakfast kitchen, the Art Deco-style hotel also has a living room and foyer. Hotel guests sleep in a king-size box bed. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima almost spent their wedding night at the hotel. They were invited, but had already booked another hotel. Their reaction, including a picture, is above the oven. The hotel has not gone unnoticed in China: De Kromme Raake once featured the front page of the South China Morning Post. www.hoteldekrommeraake.nl

> www.bjoeks.nl

MUST-SEE IN GRONINGEN > MARIEKE BOS

Mediaeval tranquillity

Church door locked? Go to the neighbours for the key If you have come to visit one of the special churches and find the doors locked, no problem: for many churches in the province, a key can be obtained from the neighbours, allowing you to explore an ancient church by yourself and at your leisure. Sometimes you can get your own drink or play the organ. So if you find the doors locked, you will find a note next to the door with the name of the neighbours who have a key. > www.groningerkerken.nl

In Groningen city centre are dozens of almshouses, often hidden behind ancient gates and doors. Be sure to visit them and find an oasis of mediaeval tranquillity behind the walls. The almshouses demonstrate that Groningen was also a social city in former days, where widows, the sick, poor, orphans and pilgrims found shelter in the almshouses, which are also referred to as hospices. Each court of almshouse has its very own history, such as that of the Geertruidsgasthuis, where on Sundays people could go gekk’n kiek’n: for a fee, people were allowed to look through the bars at the mentally ill.

MUST SEE

A divine view of the mudflats

The leaning tower of Bedum It is an odd fact that there are not just as many tourists at the Walfridus tower in Bedum as on the grass surrounding the Tower of Pisa, because the tower in Bedum actually leans more than its Italian equal and has the dubious honour of being the most off-plumb (2.61 metres) tower in the Netherlands. If you would like to feel how much the tower leans, just stand with your belly against it and look up. You’ll be in for a dizzying experience. In the church, you will be left with the same feeling: the walls are leaning and the floor is sloping down.

It is all equally magnificent: the surroundings, the monumental church and the gigantic chandelier by Studio Job. But there is nothing like the view from the Hornhuizen church tower. In the distance is the Wadden Sea and on clear days you might see the island of Schiermonnikoog and Simonszand, Rottumerplaat and Rottumeroog to the east. The church tower can be seen from afar, because the upper part of the tower is covered in “Groningen gold’” a deep yellow to resemble leaf gold. The colour refers to the past, when the tower still functioned as a lighthouse for the ships on the Wadden Sea. In those days, no large lighthouse lamps were available yet, so a fire was lit in the top of the tower to point ships in the right direction. The bright yellow tower still is a beacon for ships at sea. The church interior at the foot of the tower is also worth visiting. In the entrance hall is a huge design chandelier by Studio Job and an exciting and instructive cupboard with hatches for children. > www.groningerkerken.nl

Learning and shivering in the University Museum

> www.hervormdbedum.nl

Dudok filling station Located at the Turfsingel in Groningen, this just might be the most special filling station in the Netherlands because it is the only one by architect Willem Dudok that has remained unaffected by the ravages of time. Dudok designed the building in 1953 by order of the Esso oil company. In those days, filling stations were a relatively new street image in the Netherlands and renowned architects were commissioned

to design something as modern as a filling station. In those days, there were about 112 comparable buildings in the Netherlands, but the one in Groningen is the only one which has been retained and which still functions as a filling station. In Groningen popular speech, the building is still referred to as the “BIM station”, even though the station has been exploited by Gulf for years. > www.staatingroningen.nl

Wander among skeletons, stuffed animals, stones and scientific instruments in the University Museum of the University of Groningen. There is enough to give you the creeps in the anatomy room with dozens of large and small pots holding all kinds of different human parts in formalin. The Siamese twins and cyclops (an early model of a pulse oximeter) are quite impressive. Another exciting thing to see is the ancient mummy Janus in the display case. Next to the mummy is the head of a young man with frizzy hair; according to the University scientists, this is what Janus must have looked like. It seems as if time has stood still in the consulting room of feminist Aletta Jacobs, the first Dutch female physician. Many items in the room, including a cabin trunk and the desk, belonged to Jacobs. > www.rug.nl/museum

>G o to toerisme.groningen.nl/mustsee for more information about these must-sees.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

THE PEAT DISTRICT MAN-MADE

> ELS ZWERVER, THE STORIES OF GRONINGEN

When driving through the Groningen Peat District, you see the horizon all around you. It is hard to imagine that this serene and wide countryside was entirely shaped by humans. Farming land, canals and ribbon villages have replaced the impassable bogs from the past, and the seemingly empty countryside is rich in great stories about the humans that controlled the water.

Bog Before the first people settled in the region, the area long the southeastern border of Groningen was an impassable bog. In the Middle Ages, farmers allowed their cattle to graze on the dryer patches and small-scale peat cutting took place. Small slices of the peat, the upper layer of the bog, 68

were dried to serve as fuel. There were no roads through the area and the meandering rivers and brooks were suitable only for the smallest boats. Companies In the 16th century, the demand for peat increased, and the city of Groningen appropriated huge parts of the bog for

large-scale exploitation. The peat had to be transported to Groningen by ship, so rivers were straightened and navigable canals dug. The first companies, the projects where peat was extracted, originated around HoogezandSappemeer and Pekela. Peat labourers settled in the dug grounds, where they started small farms, resulting in the

HISTORY

RICH PAST

development of the first ribbon villages; elongated settlements along canals. The founding data of the churches in the area demonstrate how turning to peat slowly expanded south: Veendam had a church 1662, Hoogezand in 1667, Oude

Pekela in 1683, Wildervank in 1687 and Nieuwe Pekela in 1704. Hard work Cutting peat involved hard work, and shifts of six to eight labourers com-

The historic background of the Peat District is not as empty as the vast countryside may lead one to believe. The Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam features all of the chapters from the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, from the early prehistoric findings in the peat to its extraction, the rich shipping history and the strawboard and starch industry. The ribbon villages, canals and grand farms on elongated parcels demonstrate centuries of history and wealth.

monly worked in each peat pit. Some of them cut the peat while others put the heavy and wet slices in a wheelbarrow. It was then taken to the field where the women (tĂśrfwiefkes) worked. They put the peat in place and kept turning

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

it until the bricks of peat were dry enough to load onto ships. After the hold was filled, the women stacked the bricks on the decks to several metres high. In the high season, which lasted from spring until the early summer, the entire family would work outdoors. Workdays from 4 am until 6 pm were no exception. Smaller children helped and babies were put in a basket or cloth to sleep while their mothers were working. Shipping Because cutting peat was seasonal work, the masters looked for other ways to make money in the off-season. The smaller inland vessels also proved to be suitable for coastal trade and a brisk trade between the Peat District and Scandinavia and England developed. From the 18th century, coastal trade boomed, in particular in the area of 70

demand for building materials such as timber, which was abundant in the countries surrounding the Baltic. The Groningen coastal trade transported

timber, corn, porcelain, coal, glass and pottery. In a small village like Nieuwe Pekela, in 1874 no fewer than 156 captains were registered. Masters from

HISTORY

1. Sailing in the Peat District 2. Digging up potatoes in 1920, Kropswolde. Until the late twentieth century, digging potatoes was done by hand. RHC Groningen Archives collection 3. Potato starch mill. Stadskanaal Regional historical Centre collection 4. Peat District Museum in Veendam 5. Sailing in the Peat District 6. Peat women. 24. Stadskanaal Regional historical Centre collection 7. Boats in the Peat District 8. Front page of a book from the 17th century about soil turning into peat. A wonderful old pen drawing illustrating men digging a canal. RHC Groningen Archives collection

the Peat District often lived and worked on the ship with their entire family. Children were able to go to school in winter only, when the ship was moored at the quay. Industry The Peat District was a popular place of business for new industries also. The canals ensured proper infrastructure and fuel (peat) was abundant. In the 19th century, starch and strawboard factories established in the area; the cut peat bogs were suitable for growing potatoes and there was plenty of straw. The first multinational in the Netherlands started its enterprise in the Peat District: Willem Albert Scholten (1819-1892) governed an industrial empire of factories in Germany, Russia and Poland. Potatoes for human consumption Agriculture in the Peat District

CHILDREN HELPED OUT AND BABIES WERE PUT IN A BASKET OR CLOTH TO SLEEP WHILE THEIR MOTHERS WORKED mainly focused on industrial potato varieties rich in starch. Signs by the road stating ‘Potatoes for human consumption for sale’ may cause confusion for people who are not from around, but in this region the distinction is clear. Every autumn, entire families set out to the potato field. ‘In Drouwenermond, 35 of

Peat

the 42 children in the highest classes are already cutting school,’ is what a newspaper from 1901 reported. The wage for eerappelkraben (grubbing) was more than welcome to the peat labourers. Potato harvesting was not mechanised until after World War II. Countryside Potatoes are still grown in this region. The elongated 150-metre wide and 2 to 3-kilometre long plots are an immediate consequence of the interference of the city of Groningen, that leased the lots in those measurements in those days. Farms were built beside the canals, crops were grown behind them and cattle were kept on the wetter parts. Despite land consolidation and the filling in of canals, the typical landscape of the Peat District has been retained.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

THE HONDSRUG SAND RIDGE GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF EXCEPTIONAL STATURE > CECILE BOL

When hearing the word Hondsrug, many people think of the province of Drenthe, but the northern part of this sand ridge is actually located in the province of Groningen. Although the Hondsrug is lower and narrower here, its wooded areas, lakes and hills still form an inviting backdrop for a hike or bicycle ride. In November 2015, the Hondsrug was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

he Hondsrug demonstrates that the province of Groningen is not merely flat and level. This prehistoric sand ridge runs from the villages of Klazienaveen, Emmen, Gieten and Zuidlaren to the north of Groningen city, and the area is characterised by a slightly undulated landscape. The Hondsrug is 20 metres high in the south, and 9 metres above the Amsterdam Ordnance Level in the city. The Groningen part of the Hondsrug has recently been added

to the Hondsrug Geo Park, and the sand ridge is now officially one geological and tourist entity. Pieterpad An attractive way to explore the Groningen part of the Hondsrug is to take the Pieterpad. Along the 18-kilometre long Pieterpad stretch between Noordlaren and the city of Groningen, explore all the aspects that make the Hondsrug area such a special one: from wooded

areas and sandy soil to lakes and canals, from trade lanes to megaliths and from farmlands to urban areas. The Pieterpad is also perfect for bicycle excursions. Geological heritage This bicycle route/trail runs over and next to the Hondsrug, which may make you wonder how this sand ridge came to be. The Hondsrug started to develop about 150,000 years ago when a huge ice mass found its way through our

COUNTRYSIDE: THE HONDSRUG RIDGE

landscape. Meltwater and ice pressed and kneaded the land between Coevorden and Groningen, resulting in ranges of hills that became visible after the ice melted. During the years that followed, these ranges determined how humans and animals found a place to live in the area. Pingo (hydrolaccolith) ruin The pingo ruin in Noordlaren is an element in the countryside that originated in the Ice Age. A pingo is a hill formed by underground ice that has pushed the soil upwards. After the ice melts, the upper part of the pingo collapses, resulting in a crater filled with water. The pingo ruin near Noordlaren was overgrown by peat, but has recently been dug out. Prehistoric road In the late Middle Ages, the Hondsrug was the backdrop of a main trade route between Groningen and Münster. The part of the route between Groningen and Coevorden consisted of a sand track that led thousands of travellers through hills and along pools and pingo ruins. The Hoge Herenweg in Haren is part of this prehistoric road and runs across the crest of the Hondsrug. People settled along the route early on, as a result of which many archaeological remains are found here. Living on hills Participants of the annual 4 Miles of Groningen run know all about it: the last piece is the heaviest, because this is where the route starts sloping upwards. The city of Groningen – a village at the time – developed during the Middle Ages on the northernmost part of the Hondsrug. The northernmost part of the hill is clearly visible in the Herestraat shopping street, and the sidestreet at the highest point is even called the Hoogstraatje. The slope is also recog-

1. The pingo ruin in Noordlaren 2. Difference in height in the countryside near Haren 3. Megalithic tomb near Noordlaren

Oriole

Illustration: Kim Veenman

nisable in surrounding streets, such as in the Folkingestraat area, the then Groningen Jewish district. Wooded areas The history of the Hondsrug is framed by a varied countryside. The Noordlaarderbos is a mixed wooded area, managed by Natuurmonumenten since 1932. It is inhabited by many bird species, such as golden oriole, nightingale, owl, sparrowhawk and goshawk.

MEGALITHS The Hondsrug has been inhabited by people for thousands of years. The sand ridge was the only place in the region that allowed people to live this far above, and at a safe distance from, the marsh and the sea. The megaliths form a visible reminder of that era. Dutch megaliths are 4000 to 5000 years old, and the northernmost megalith of the Hondsrug as well as the only in the province of Groningen is found in Noordlaren. The official code name of the megalith is ‘G1’, but is popularly referred to as ‘t Heiveen

You might also see roes, foxes, ermines, stoats, or stone martens. In the Appèlbergen wooded area near Glimmen, a former military training area, various special animal species and plant varieties can be spotted, such as viper, dragonfly and spotted orchid. Lakes If you are a water enthusiast, a visit to the Paterswoldsemeer and Hoornsemeer lakes is a real must. Both lakes are part of an extensive recreation and scenic area; the Paterswoldsemeer developed in the 16th and 17th century as a result of the digging of peat. In autumn and winter, the lake area is inhabited by migratory birds. This lake area is relatively low (almost half a metre below the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum) and the lowest point of the entire Pieterpad. Stories: From the sliding and driving ice and meltwater to contemporary history; the Hondsrug has always played a role in the development of this area, and most of this history is still visible in the landscape. Using the Pieterpad as your guide, see how hilly the otherwise level province of Groningen can be by bike or hike.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

DISPLAY HOUSE

> BERT NIJMEIJER

Wandering through the Menkemaborg in Uithuizen is like a journey through the 17th and 18th century Groningen estate house life. The chessmen are ready and the cookery book is open, as if the residents took up and left only yesterday.

THE LADY SAT ON A LOUIS XVI CHAIR DOING HER EMBROIDERY AND ENJOYING A CUP OF TEA 74

‘T

his is the most beautiful house in the Netherlands,’ a visitor to Menkemaborg said recently. Visitors from various places come to the estate house: from around, the west of the Netherlands and Germany. Some of them have never been to Uithuizen and are more than surprised by what they see and the fact that a well-retained and completely designed 18th-century country house is located here. Prestigious display house The Menkemaborg dates from the 14th/15th century when a stone house, a kind of reinforced castle, was constructed on this spot. Nothing is known about the Menkema family, the original residents. A memorial tablet in the east

façade mentions that the Menkema Hues was destroyed around 1400, and that it was rebuilt in 1614. In 1682, esquire Mello Alberda took up residence in the Menkemaborg, and his descendants resided here until 1902. It was some kind of display house, or indeed a show estate house. From the bridge in front of the historic front door, the symmetry of the house and garden immediately catches the eye, as does the fact that every detail was thought through. In front and separate from the estate house is the treasury, which used to be a stable, kitchen and storehouse, and has now been converted into a restaurant. The garden was laid out according to a design by Allert Meijer (1654-1723), municipal architect of Groningen, who designed an austere

ESTATE HOUSES HIGHLIGHTED

1. The Menkemaborg 2. Interior 3. Gentleman’s room 4. Garden

and formal ornamental Versailles-like garden with everything pruned straight and restricted. Life on a Groningen estate house Unico Allard Alberda and his wife Christine, the estate house couple from the late 18th century, and the maids Kaatje and Fieke guide you through the house with an audio tour. They tell you all about life at the Groningen estate house: eating, sleeping and the spending of the abundant time at hand (for the estate house family, that is). Their children Alberda, Gerhard and Susanna take today’s children on an exciting expedition of the Groningen estate house junior audio tour. The Menkema Groningen estate house is filled with top pieces: mantelpieces by woodcutter Jan de Rijk and resident

portraits by Herman Collenius. And then there is the magnificent pillow cupboard from 1689 and a cabinet organ from 1777. Some pieces are part of the estate house inventory, but most come from other estate houses and buildings, as well as from the Groninger Museum collection. Its interior provides a realistic image of life on a Groningen estate house in the 17th and 18th century. Breathtaking nights A day from the life of the most noble families may resemble how we spend our

Enjoy a delicious luch or meal in the ‘t Schathoes restaurant of the Menkemaborg: the restaurant is open from Wednesday through Saturday and only upon prior reservation. Daily from 10 am until 5 pm in July and August. > www.schathoesmenkemaborg.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

5. Service 6. Kitchen basement

5 6

Sundays today. In the ladies room, the Ladies would sit up straight on Louis XVI chairs doing their embroidery, and enjoying a cup of tea or glass of liqueur. In the large room next door, the men would play draughts or chess, write a letter at the writing desk and drink wine from stylish glasses. They usually enjoyed their meals at tables set with Chinese porcelain and silver. Important discussions were held in the gentlemen’s room with a beautifully painted buffet for the inner noblemen. The show piece of the house, surroun-

ded by all the riches, is a golden yellow canopy of almost four metres high. It is an original piece from the Menkemaborg. ‘The bed has been in the same place for three hundred years,’ according to Stamhuis. ‘People slept in it on special occasions only, but they sure did sleep under a golden heaven.’ It must have been a breathtaking scene for guests as they entered the room. And it still is. The taste of those days The kitchen downstairs smells like cool

pottery and varnished wood. Maids Kaatje and Fieke, coachman Hendrik and manservant Geert used to walk on the now worn tiles. A cookery book from those days is on the dresser: stuffed pigeon. We no longer have a taste for the way they used to cook in those days. We prefer the apples and pears from the orchard. They are ancient varieties, such as the ‘Calebasse de Marum’ pears and an ancient apple variety from England. They taste as they always did. > www.menkemaborg.nl

ALLERSMABORG The Allersmaborg is a little-known Groningen estate house and lies hidden in a curve of the Reitdiep, an area northeast of the village of Ezinge. It is an enchanting place, with a broad moat, a lift bridge and windbreaks. This Groningen estate house, which was inhabited until 2004, dates from the 15th century; its annexes are newer. The dovecote dates from the 18th century. The tranquillity and beauty of the estate house and garden, however, are timeless. Today, the Groningen estate house is maintained by the University of Groningen, that uses it as a meeting place for former students. But the Allersmaborg is available for groups for dining or receptions. In consultation, there are many options, such as overnight accommodation, a wonderful wedding, gathering or barbecue in the garden. Actually, the Allersmaborg is worth a detour on any given day. The estate house is located on one of the most beautiful places of Groningen, in a countryside with dykes, artificial dwelling hills and meandering roads in the middle of the historic Middag-Humsterland area. Follow the Reitdiep bends and have a break on a bench at the old sluice of Aduarderzijl. On top of the dyke, you can see the estate house, the church towers of Winsum and Garnwerd, and on clear days even the Martini Tower 15 kilometres away. > www.allersmaborg.nl

WESTERWOLDE bir t hpl ace of t h e . . . s d n a l r n e t he

T MTB ONGE S L E H T N NDS! NGE S O T HE RL A CH A L L E E T N A E E H R G MT RK F RO N E T WO

T HE N O R T

Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST R E N OW N E D HIKING RE GION

COME AND DISCOVER WESTERWOLDE.GRONINGEN.NL/EN

Venture out into a journey from the Ice Age to today in a few kilometres.

EXPLORING WESTERWOLDE > CORA WESTERINK

You are really missing out if you have never hiked in the Westerwolde area. You may say that what the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over, but Westerwolde is a National Cultural-Historical Landscape and the ultimate walker’s paradise. A visit to south-east Groningen completes your impression of the province, because it has so many aspects and has so much more to offer than just “grand, vast and the Wadden.”

WALKING IN WESTERWOLDE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

MAKE HASTE SLOWLY, BECAUSE YOU SEE MUCH MORE WHEN YOU’RE WALKING

he spine of Westerwolde is formed by a sand ridge where friendly esdorpen (ancient villages with a typical architectural style) are awaiting visitors. History has been retained in these villages through the very old houses, churches and impressive farms. And then there is the Burcht te Wedde castle, the Klooster Ter Apel monastery and the Bourtange fortress, which are surrounded by old oak and beech woods and unexpected pools filled with cotton flowers where you are more likely to encounter a roe deer than another human. The landscape varies from wooded areas to pastures and heathlands, such as near Ter Borg, where a flock of sheep prevents the heathland from transforming into a wooded area. Flora and fauna Along the sand ridge is the stream valley of the small rivers of the Ruiten Aa, Mussel Aa and Westerwoldse Aa. This stream valley landscape has recently been restored to its original situation as it was centuries ago, before the days when people believed canalising was

good for maintenance and water control. Insights have changed since, which is why today the rivers are allowed to freely meander through the countryside once again. As a result, the flora is growing richer, kingfisher and egret are right at home here again and stork have been spotted at nesting poles. It is merely a question of when, instead of if, beaver and otter will resettle in the area. Ancient hamlets and Aa’s Various ancient hamlets with a typical structure are located within the triangle of the villages of Vlagtwedde, Onstwedde and Wedde. Residents from the hamlets of Höfte, Veele and Wessinghuizen have pooled their resources to restore the lanes, lay new footpaths and construct a bridge. After this, 3 to 4-kilometre trails were laid out that can be linked to a longer route. Special places include the Giezelbaarg and the Eske. In Höfte, the route crosses the excavated Kiebaarg and – as inWessinghuizen – takes in ancient farms and archaeological sites of burial mounds and urn fields. > www.essenenaas.nl

WALKING IN WESTERWOLDE

1. Smeerling 2. The Wedde castle 3. The Ruiten Aa river 4. Ter Apel monastery 5. The Oudeschans drawbridge 6. Vlagtwedde

HIKING IN WESTERWOLDE No less than 34 free routes are available for free to download on the Stichting Wandelen site (Westerwolde), varying from a few-kilometre track to a strenuous walk of a couple of hours. The website divides the region into north, middle and south, and the walks are clearly described, including key maps, and GPS and smartphone files if available. Routes sometimes cross paths and go through rough terrain, and go close to streams, across tow paths and through villages and hamlets. The Stichting Wandelen in Westerwolde foundation also organises the Westerwolde Hiking Weekend, which will take place on 25 and 26 June 2016. Traditionally, a 10-kilometre route is held on Saturday, and participants can choose from a 10, 15, and 25-kilometre track on Sunday. > www.westerwolde.groningen.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

A REGION WITH A QUALITY MARK Westerwolde is a wonderful area to live or stay, and it has even been awarded a quality mark for this: the Cittaslow. Cittaslow is the international quality mark for municipalities that are among the best in the area of surroundings, landscape, regional products, hospitality, environment, infrastructure, culturalhistory and preservation of identity. As you can see, it is quite a list. The origin of Cittaslow is in Orvieto (Italy) and developed from the Slow Food movement. The Slow Food movement originated in 1989 as a reaction to fast food and has since become a worldwide concept that stands for tasty, pure and fair food, which is exactly what many restaurants in Westerwolde serve.

TASTE IT FOR YOURSELF AT: RESTAURANT HERBERG SELLINGEN A restaurant in the former stables of a 115-year-old farm. The menu changes regularly and is adapted to the current season, because the managers consider fresh food of major importance. Dorpsstraat 37 9551 AC Sellingen > herbergsellingen.nl BRASSERIE BUITENHOFF A small restaurant by a large pond, with a heated outdoor café where you can enjoy delicious dishes, carefully prepared with the very best fresh ingredients. Dorpsstraat 31 9699 PA Vriescheloo > buitengewoongroenhoff.nl DE PIEKENIER Located in the heart of the ancient fortified town, in 2011 this restaurant was declared the Leukste (Nicest) Restaurant in Groningen, not in the least due to their motto of ‘Fair food for a fair price’. Bob and Wilma Wessels Beljaars Voorstraat 21 9696 XG Oudeschans > piekenier.nl HOTEL BOSCHHUIS This mediaeval Crutched Friar monastery from 1465 is located at the end of an ancient beech lane and next to the Klooster Ter Apel monastery. According to their website, the most refined ingredients form the basis for a gastronomic adventure in a stylish location. Boslaan 6 9561 LH Ter Apel > hotelboschhuis.nl

Westerwolde trail Westerwolde also has more strenuous walks available for those who like more of a challenge. The 80-kilometre Westerwolde path traverses the entire region, from Ter Apel to Wedderbergen and back. It follows the course of the Ruiten Aa and Westerwoldse Aa streams where possible, and distances can be extended by taking smaller loops from the main route, to further explore a certain area or

ENJOY THE HISTORIC TREASURES YOU SEE UNDERWAY to visit a special place or object or place of interest nearby. There is Ter Borg, for instance, where Scottish Highlanders graze on the high sand ridge, or Wedderbergen, where wheels and tide ways are reminiscent of former breaches in the dykes. > www.wandelnet.nl/westerwoldepad

A whiff of art and culture The main reasons for walking the Westerwolde path is the magnificent countryside and nature, in addition to historic treasures to enjoy along the way, such as the Klooster Ter Apel monastery, the 14th-century church in Sellingen and the protected rural areas of Smeerling

WALKING IN WESTERWOLDE

7. Heathland near Ter Borg 8. Sheep in the countryside 9. Bourtange fortress post-mill

9 8

PACKAGES As a Cittaslow region, Westerwolde naturally provides high-quality overnight accommodation, from campsites with excellent facilities and hospitable hotels to charming B&Bs. Some even provide walking packages for which transport to and from the start to final destination of the walk is provided. Employees of the Tourist Info Westerwolde are happy to provide any information, including about routes and excursions laid out or organised by the nature conservators of Westerwolde, the Dutch Forestry Commission, Natuurmonumenten and Het Groninger Landschap. And then there are the architecture routes, historic walks and art routes not included in this article. But make haste slowly, because an initial visit to Westerwolde will probably not be the last. > www.westerwolde.groningen.nl

and De Burcht van Wedde castle. Art lovers will certainly enjoy Het Theater van de Natuur in Sellingen, with its stairs filled with poetry and the work of art in the Ruiten Aa stream in the village of Jipsinghuizen. Even more LAW Part of the Noaberpad (LAW10; 415 kilometres long) runs through the region. This route starts in Nieuweschans and follows the German border to leave Westerwolde at Ter Apel and continues to the German city of Emmerich; from the Dollard inlet to the Rhine. The third long-distance footpath is the 94-kilometre long Hannekemaaierspad which crosses Westerwolde. This route starts in the German Neurhede, enters Westerwolde at Bourtange and then continues its way to Bakkeveen in Friesland. > www.wandeleninwesterwolde.nl

Illustration: Kim Veenman

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN LINKED TO WATER > ELS ZWERVER, THE STORIES OF GRONINGEN

We often fail to fully realise the significant role of water in the Netherlands. Channels, canals and rivers form obstacles we are forced to bridge, because we travel across paved roads. In former days, however, things were the other way around: there were few roads in the boggy lowlands and people had to cross the water to get to places.

lmost all of the waterways in the province of Groningen lead to the city, which, as a powerful port and staple town, in the Middle Ages drew all trade. The city government had canals dug and rivers broadened, repositioned or deepened without any hesitation whatsoever in order to further promote trade. In the

Middle Ages, the city of Groningen was surrounded by ports, of which names like Noorderhaven and Westerhaven are still reminiscent. The idyllically meandering Reitdiep had an open connection with the sea through Zoutkamp, and Groningen traded timber, corn and other goods with England and Baltic States.

Abel Tasman Many Groningen residents earned a living in shipping, sailing on small commercial vessels that were suitable for both coastal trade and inland shipping. Huge numbers of young men, in particular the poorly off labourersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sons from the countryside, signed on for the Dutch East India Company in

HISTORIC SHIPPING

hopes for a glittering career. Among them was Abel Tasman, who was born in 1603 in Lutjegast. The museum in his native village preserves the memory of the man who discovered Tasmania and New Zealand and presents a lively image of an adventurer, fortune hunter and merciless trader. Delfzijl But Groningen was not the only port in the province; from the 16th century, the seaport of Delfzijl gradually developed into a place of significance. Groningen considered Delfzijl, which was part of the Ommelanden district, a competitor in the area of international

1. View of the entrance of a windjammer from Chile with a load of Chile saltpetre assisted by a tugboat (Picture postcard 1910. Municipality of Delfzijl) 2. Reitdiep valley 3. A ship mooring at DelfSail

POOR LABOURERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SONS SIGNED ON THE DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY IN THE HOPES OF BECOMING RICH shipping and tried to stall its development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to no effect however. In the 19th century, Delfzijl bypassed Groningen as the largest port in the north of the Netherlands, mainly due to the trade in agricultural products that were transported from Delfzijl to the rest of the Netherlands. When modern agriculture developed in the late 19th century, the fertiliser trade with Chile flourished. Chile saltpetre was transported from South America in giant three-masters. Shipping also developed in Veendam, in the centre of the Peat District. In summer, the canal shipping sailors transported peat to the city and in spring and autumn sailed to Scandinavia and the Baltic States for freights of timber, corn, glass and pottery. Numerous shipbuilding yards were established in the province that specialised in small and seaworthy sailing vessels, usually with one single mast.

Tough life In the 19th century, shipping involved non-motorised, heavy and dangerous labour. Accidents during loading and unloading occurred on a regular basis and many ships were lost in storms at sea. Ships were unheated and accommodations usually confined, damp and stuffy. Entire families lived on these ships and children were able to go to school in winter only. Even though most ships were provided with a motor in the first quarter of the 20th century, the lives of sailors remained hard. The Groningen coastal trade was known and renowned. In the first half of the 20th century, the motorised Wadvaarders and Sontvaarders were also known as the grey devils because of their colour and competitiveness. During World War II, many Groningen sailors fled the Netherlands on their coasters in order to provide their services to the Allied Forces.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

By the end of World War II, Delfzijl harbour was playing a crucial role in the relief of the misery caused by the hungry winter. Swedish ships with corn – used to prepare the famous Swedish white bread – were allowed to moor at the Delfzijl quays after prolonged negotiations, after which Groningen inland vessels transported the precious rations to the hungry west of the Netherlands. Explore the maritime past There are many historic ships in Groningen. The city is on a standing mast route, which means that old vessels that are unable to lower their mast usually sail through the Groningen canals. A nautical festival takes place twice a year in the city centre: ZomerWelVaart (which can be translated into good voyage) in July and WinterWelVaart around Christmas.

GRONINGEN AND WATER ARE INSEPARABLE The Northern Nautical Museum in Groningen city centre provides a wonderful image of the maritime history in the province. In Sappemeer, the trade of shipbuilding is held in high esteem at the Wolthuis historic shipbuilding

4. DelfSail impression 5. The Northern Nautical Museum

DELFSAIL AND ZOMERWELVAART In late June 2016, dozens of historic sailing ships will moor at the Delfzijl harbour to enjoy DelfSail, a five-day event for young and old and with guests from all over the world. During DelfSail, Delfzijl is honouring its nautical past and provides visitors with the opportunity to see international and historic (sailing) vessels from up close. DelfSail was held for the first time in 1986 and has since drawn an increasing number of visitors. In 2009, almost forty tall ships from all over the world visited the port, in addition to hundreds of larger and smaller historic ships and sailing monuments. The five-day event drew just under a million visitors. In the run-up to DelfSail 2016, various events will take place to increase anticipation. In

mid-June 2016, a convoy of historic ships will depart from Veere, Zeeland, to sail to Delfzijl via numerous intermediate harbours. > www.delfsail.nl During the weekend prior to DelfSail, between 24 and 25 June, a large number of ships on their way to DelfSail will moor in the city of Groningen. During this event, ZomerWelvaart celebrates DelfSail, various activities on and around the ships will take place. ZomerWelVaart provides a foretaste of DelfSail which takes place between 29 June and 3 July in Delfzijl. > www.zomerwelvaart.nl

yard. The Groningen waterways – the life lines of the city – are also well worth exploring. When cycling along the Reitdiep canal, enjoy the tranquillity of the Groningen countryside and explore the history and interest of this ancient sea link. Rolpalen can still be seen on some banks; poles that were used to lead the ropes of the tow barges. The maritime past of the province is versatile and can be recognised everywhere, from historic Dutch sailing vessels with characteristic sprit sail to knickknacks from Latvia, and from a Groningen warehouse carrying the name of a commercial town to the internationally renowned nautical Delfsail festival. Groningen and water are inextricably linked.

SETTING OUT

ADVENTUROUS EXCURSIONS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

> MARIJE SIETSMA

It is a generally known fact that Groningen is a great destination for adults, but there is also plenty to do and enjoy in the city and province for children. We will list some of the best tips on this page. 1

Have you ever kissed a frog?

Last year DoeZoo (formerly known as Insectenwereld; Insect World) in Leens underwent a major renovation. There are still plenty of tickling insects to see, but there is more. Today, DoeZoo is all about experiencing things for yourself, and all of the senses are extensively provided for: this is where you can smell, hear, see and even feel and taste animals. Visitors can experience how it feels to have a snake wrapped around their neck, pet a skunk or kiss a frog. And on some days, you can enjoy insect snacks.

3 From animal riddles to mud pies

In the Nienoord family park, children are sure to have a day filled with fun in the large playground, petting farm and tractor course. And things get really exciting when they join in the Nienoord expedition; an educational adventure route where children can climb, clamber and mess about with mud as much as they like. And there is the Nature education tour along the expedition route, where the expedition obstacles are completed with various questions and assignments involving animals, fruit trees and plants you see along the way.

DoeZoo

Wierde 17, Leens

Expeditie Nienoord

> www.doezoo.nl

Nienoord 20, Leek Pagedal Adventure Park

> www.landgoednienoord.nl

Steaming through the Peat District

Hoveniersweg 1, Stadskanaal

Most children will be excited about a ride in a beautiful old steam-powered train, especially when they see the magnificent steam clouds rising above it. A ride in the historic steam train between Veendam and Musselkanaal is a wonderful experience, not in the least because this 26-kilometre track is the longest museum railway in the Netherlands. For real enthusiasts, the day is not complete without a visit to the train shed, with its marvellous collection of particular train and railway attributes, from tickets, stamps and construction drawings to signal lamps and signposting.

Visiting a fairy-tale world

> www.pagedaladventure.nl

In the wooded areas near Ter Apel is a fairy-like world, which is home to Greurt the Groningen giant, Auntie Beppie the witch and Zwammer the mushroom man. Everyone is more than welcome to visit their wonderland and wander through the secret passages of the Dragon cave, play on one of the playgrounds, watch out for owls in the Owl fortress or learn more about an actual lemur family in the subtropical greenhouse. And there is a bird of prey demonstration every day. In short: there is plenty to do and explore in this magical wonderland.

For climbers

Adventurepark Waddenfun is also targeted at sports enthusiasts, with archery, various adventurous team games and naturally: climbing. The park has three climbing courses of different heights and is also fun on rainy or cold days because the entire climbing area is indoors. The climbing park is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced climbers. In fact, the park is suitable for children four years and up. Adventurepark Waddenfun

Trekweg 1, Wehe den Hoorn Wonderwereld

Stationsstraat 3, Stadskanaal

Ruiten A Kanaal Noord 1, Ter Apel

> www.stadskanaalrail.nl

> www.wonderwereld.nl

Museumspoorlijn S•T•A•R

For real adventurers only

If you are looking for a really cool expedition, you will get all you have hoped for and more at the Pagedal Adventure Park, an outdoor event location at the outskirts of the Pagedal holiday park, which is reminiscent of the Ardennes. This adventure park has over fifty different activities, from outdoor laser gaming, riding a zip line and climbing to survival, archery and building a giant marble alley. The activities can generally be booked by groups from eight people, but Open Adventure afternoons are held during school holidays when visitors from eight years and up can sign up for cool activities alone or in a smaller group.

> www.waddenfun.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

WESTERKWARTIER

EACH PLACE HAS ITS VERY OWN BACKDROP > CECILE BOL

There are few places in the province of Groningen with such varied countryside as in the Westerkwartier. The soil in the north of the area comprises sea clay, in the middle is peat and the south has a sandy soil. This results in a varying countryside, from marsh to heathland, extensive farmlands and water. Explore this surprising countryside and a number of ancient Groningen estate houses and churches by bike during a robust 30-kilometre trip.

CYCLING FUN IN THE WESTERKWARTIER AREA

s a result of the excavation of peat, limited land consolidation and the pastures fringed with windbreaks, a characteristic hedgerow county developed in the Westerkwartier. A hedgerow county is a half-open countryside, where open areas are alternated with rows of trees or hedges, which resembles a stage with side wing. During a ride through the countryside, parts of it disappear behind the side wings to pop out again a bit later, ensuring each place has a different backdrop. Country estates and Groningen estate houses The Nienoord country estate in Leek is the best-known attraction in the region, also because of the family park with a playground and petting farm next to the estate house and the castle garden. The original estate house was built in 1525, and Nienoord later became the property of the Von Inn- und Knyphausen family. One of the family members, the ‘mad squire’ smashed much of the house and even set fire to it. In 1884, esquire Van Panhuys had the damaged estate house converted into a villa. The bicycle tour takes in two other houses of prominent families. The Coendersborch country estate in Nuis was named after Ludolph Coenders, a councillor who in 1668 bought three adjacent farms and large pieces of land. Distinctive to the façade is the framed centre with the triangular decoration above it. The Iwema stone house near Niebert is the only stone house in the province of Groningen to be retained. Many stone houses were converted into Groningen estate houses. The Iwema stone house dates from 1400 and has undergone a major renovation, but the old stone house can still be seen at the front of the farm. Water and birds The route leads through the hedgerow county that is typical of this area. However, the hedgerow landscape is not the only countryside that makes the Westerkwartier distinctive. The water and marshy soil ensure this is a popular area for birds, and the Leekstermeer is a favourite location for water birds. In spring, it is the nest site for the marsh harrier and reed warblers. By the end of the summer, up to 100,000 starlings sleep in the fringes of reeds. In winter,

1. Nienoord country estate 2. Lettelberter Petten swamp forest 3. Highlander cattle in the Westerkwartier 4. Dutch Reformed church in Midwolde

APP AND JUNCTIONS The “Coulisselandschap Westerkwartier” bicycle route is about 33 kilometres long and easy to follow using the free Groningen Routes smartphone app. If you prefer to set out without an app, simply use the junctions. Starting point: Landgoed Nienoord, just east of junction 81. From 81 and 82, go into the direction of 58, but on the junctions after the Lettelberter Petten, turn left to Lettelbert and 46. Cycle via 46, 21, 15, 28, 27, 31, 26, 23, 18, 22, 9, 11, 17 and 16 into the direction of destination: 81 at the Nienoord country estate.

Insignia of Leek

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

CYCLING FUN IN THE WESTERKWARTIER AREA

5. Oude Riet watchtower in Boerakker 6. Tolbert church 7. Interior of the Dutch Reformed church in Midwolde 8. Leekstermeer lake

the Leekstermeer is mainly inhabited by goldeneyes, goosanders gulls and white-fronted geese. You find entirely different animals in the Lettelberter Petten swamp forest. In the 20th century, peat pits have resulted from the excavation of peat, which filled with water and overgrew with trees. Due to the swampy subsoil, trees come down easily, and the dead wood and thick overgrowth ensure that the Lettelberter Petten is an ideal place for birds of prey, songbirds, small mammals, insects and mushrooms. The route continues to the Oude Riet scenic area, where in spring orchids flower in the wet, nutrient-poor grassland. Many different types of birds are spotted from the birdwatching hut, such as quails, corncrakes, geese, egrets, curlews, snipes and buzzards. Churches and church bells The numerous churches that have been retained hold a prominent place in the villages and are typical in the Groningen countryside. The route takes in various ancient 90

churches, such as the Roman church of Midwolde, the late-Roman hall church in Nuis and the white plastered hall church in Niebert. Many of the church bells date from the 1950s; in World war II, the Germans remelted the original bells into materials for weapons. The Tolbert church tower bell is one of the few bells that was not remelted. The bell was taken from the tower, but found again later. Tolbert and Niebert refer to “old neighbourhood” and “new neighbourhood”. Lettelbert literally means ‘small neighbourhood’. The Lettelbert church is located on top of an elevated churchyard; this church with a single nave and pentagonal closed sanctuary was constructed in the 13th century. In the 19th century, the west façade was renewed and the roof-turret, the tower on the ridge of the church, was placed. The vane on the roof-turret depicts the lion from the arms of the Von Inn- und Knyphausen family, who owned the Nienoord country estate for many centuries.

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

This handy and concise overview of interesting Groningen museums and attractions is alphabetically ordered by place. A Klooster Museum Aduard Hoofdstraat 45 9831 RB Aduard +31 (0)50 4032109 www.kloostermuseumaduard.nl Museum Møhlmann Westersingel 102-104 9901 GK Appingedam +31 (0)596 682856 www.robmohlmann.nl B Museum de Oude Wolden Hoofdweg 161 9695 AE Bellingwolde +31 (0)597 531509 www.museumdeoudewolden.nl Zadelmakerij Museum Rhederweg 21 9695 CA Bellingwolde +31 (0)597-532829 Museum Lammert Boerma Borgercompagniesterweg 44-46 9632 TD Borgercompagnie +31 (0)598 393381 www.museum-boerma.com Museum “De Baracquen”, Kapiteinswoning en Synagoge W. Lodewijkstraat 33 9545 PA Bourtange +31 (0)599 354600 www.bourtange.nl D Muzeeaquarium Delfzijl Zeebadweg 7a 9933 AV Delfzijl +31 (0)596 632277 www.muzeeaquarium.nl E Museum Vosbergen Vosbergerlaan 35 9761 TJ Eelde +31 (0)50 3081291 www.museumvosbergen.nl

Martinitoren Grote Markt 29 (adreskaartverkoop) 9712 HS Groningen 0900 2023050 (€ 0,15 p.m.) www.toerisme.groningen.nl Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum Brugstraat 24 9711 HZ Groningen +31 (0)50 3122202 www.noordelijkscheepvaartmuseum.nl Het Nederlands Stripmuseum Groningen Westerhaven 71 9718 AC Groningen +31 (0)50 3178470 www.nederlandsstripmuseum.nl Universiteitsmuseum Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat 7A 9712 EA Groningen +31 (0)50 3635083 www.rug.nl/museum H Hortus Haren Kerklaan 34 9751 NN Haren +31 (0)50 5370053 www.hortusharen.nl Museum Slag bij Heiligerlee Provincialeweg 55 9677 PB Heiligerlee +31 (0)597 418199 www.slagbijheiligerlee.nl Klokkengieterijmuseum Provincialeweg 46 9677 PD Heiligerlee +31 (0)597 418199 www.klokkengieterijmuseum.nl Nationaal Bus Museum Produktieweg 13 9601 MA Hoogezand +31(0)598 383004 www.nationaalbusmuseum.nl

Abrahams Mosterdmakerij Molenstraat 5 9967 SL Eenrum +31 (0)595 491600 www.abrahamsmosterdmakerij.nl

De Theefabriek Hoofdstraat 15-25 9973 PD Houwerzijl +31 (0)595 572053 www.theefabriek.nl

Museum Wierdenland Van Swinderenweg 10 9891 AD Ezinge +31 (0)594 621524 www.wierdenland.nl

L Familiepark Nienoord Nienoord 20 9351 AC Leek +31 (0)594 512230 www.familieparknienoord.nl

G St. Museum Canadian Allied Forces 1940 -1945 Ulgersmaweg 51 9731 BL Groningen +31 (0)50 5494197 www.canadianalliedforces.com GRID Grafisch Museum Sint Jansstraat 2 9712JN Groningen +31 (0)50 5256497 www.gridgroningen.nl Groninger Museum Museumeiland 1 9711 ME Groningen +31 (0)50 3666555 www.groningermuseum.nl

Museum het Joodse Schooltje Samuel Leviestraat 10 9351 BM Leek +31 (0)594 513319 www.museumjoodsschooltje.nl Museum Nienoord Nienoord 1 9351 AC Leek +31 (0)594 512260 www.museumnienoord.nl DoeZoo Wierde 17 9965 PG Leens +31 (0)595 572659 www.doezoo.nl

Landgoed Verhildersum Wierde 40 9965 TB Leens +31 (0)595 571430 www.verhildersum.nl Abel Tasman Kabinet Kompasstraat 1 9866 AP Lutjegast +31(0)594 613 576 www.abeltasman.org M Museum Bakkerij Mendels Kerkstraat 3 9991 BL Middelstum +31 (0)599 551248 Galerie Maya Wildevuur/ Ennemaborg Hoofdweg 100 9681 AJ Midwolda +31 (0)597 552950 www.mayawildevuur.nl N Vestingmuseum Nieuweschans 1e kannonierstraat 2 9693 EB Nieuweschans +31 (0)597 542249 Het Kinderwagen Museum Hoofdweg West 25 9944 EA Nieuwolda +31 (0)596 541941 www.kinderwagenmuseum.nl Kapiteinshuis Pekela Ds. Sicco Tjadensstraat C 95/96 9663 RD Nieuwe Pekela +31 (0)598 364224 / (0)597 645905 www.kapiteinshuis.nl Kostuummuseum/ Galerie de Gouden Leeuw Langestraat 48 9804 PL Noordhorn +31 (0)594 503804 www.degoudenleeuw.nu ’t Rieuw (Coendersborg) Oudeweg 15b 9364 PP Nuis +31 (0)594 641479 O Vestingmuseum Oudeschans Molenweg 6 9696 XN Oudeschans +31 (0)597 655371 www.vesting-oudeschans.nl Radio- en Speelgoedmuseum Boslaan 3A, 9591 BG Onstwedde +31 (0)599 333320 www.radioenspeelgoedmuseum.nl P Zeehondencrèche Pieterburen Hoofdstraat 94-a 9968 AG Pieterburen +31 (0)595 526526 www.zeehondencreche.nl S Landgoed Fraeylemaborg Hoofdweg 30 9621 AL Slochteren +31 (0)598 421568 www.fraeylemaborg.nl

Politiepettenmuseum Zuiderweg 3 9621 BK Slochteren +31 (0)598 422970 Boerderijmuseum Duurswold Hoofdweg 271 9621 AK Slochteren +31 (0)598 421573 www.duurswold.nl Museum Musica Scheepswerfkade 34-35 9503 PB Stadskanaal +31 (0)599 648756 www.museum-musica.nl S.T.A.R. Stationsstraat 3 9503 AD Stadskanaal +31 (0)599 651890 www.stadskanaalrail.nl Streekhistorisch Centrum Ceresstraat 2 9502 EA Stadskanaal +31 (0)599 612649 www.streekhistorischcentrum.nl T Klooster Ter Apel Boslaan 3-5 9561 LH Ter Apel +31 (0)599 581370 www.kloosterterapel.nl Wonderwereld Ruiten A Kanaal Noord 1 9561 TE Ter Apel +31 (0)599 587990 www.wonderwereld.nl Museumgemaal Cremer Mello Coendersbuurt 1 9948 PL Termunterzijl www.museumgemaalcremer.nl

Gevangenismuseum Oude Gracht 1 9341 AA Veenhuizen +31 (0)592 388264 www.gevangenismuseum.nl W Openluchtmuseum Het Hoogeland Schoolstraat 4 9989 AG Warffum +31 (0)595 422233 www.hethoogeland.com Museum De Burcht te Wedde Hoofdweg 7 9698 AA Wedde +31 (0)597 563070 www.burchtwedde.nl Museum Stoomgemaal Oostereinde 4 9672 TC Winschoten +31 (0)597 425070 www.stoomgemaalwinschoten.nl Historische Werkplaats Molenmaker Wiertsema Nassaustraat 65 9675 EN Winschoten +31 (0)597 414269 Bezichtiging op afspraak St. Kinderboek Cultuurbezit Hoofdstraat 4 W 9951 AB Winsum +31 (0)595 443663 www.kinderboekcultuurbezit.nl Z Rijwiel- en bromfietsmuseum Schoolstraat 2 9974 RL Zoutkamp +31 (0)595 401320

Smederij Museum Smidshouk Kapelstraat 16 9797 PJ Thesinge +31 (0)50 3021856/ 3022331

Visserijmuseum Zoutkamp Reitdiepskade 11 9974 PJ Zoutkamp +31 (0)595 401957 www.visserijmuseum.com

U Museum Eddy Roos Emmaweg 50 9981 VC Uithuizen +31 (0)595 431067 www.eddyroos.nl

Noord-Nederlands Trein & Tram Museum Stationsstraat 5 9636 BA Zuidbroek +31 (0)598 450518 www.nnttm.nl

Menkemaborg Menkemaweg 2 9981 CV Uithuizen +31 (0)595 431970 www.menkemaborg.nl

Museum de Verzamelaar Oostergast 19 9801 AK Zuidhorn +31 (0)594 503998 www.museumdeverzamelaar.nl

Minimuseum Het Behouden Blik Hoofdstraat 99 9982 AC Uithuizermeeden +31 (0)595 413999 www.hetbehoudenblik.nl

Sprookjeshof Groningerstraat 10 9471 AR Zuidlaren +31 (0)50 4091212 www.sprookjeshof.nl

Stichting Oudheidkamer Stationsstraat 18 9982 HA Uithuizermeeden +31 (0)595 412178 V Veenkoloniaal Museum Museumplein 5 9641 AD Veendam +31 (0)598 364224 www.veenkoloniaalmuseum.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

VVV

VVV-NL SHOPS, SERVICE SHOPS, AGENCIES AND TOURIST INFORMATION POINTS IN THE PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN VVV-NL SHOP VVV Groningen Grote Markt 29, 9712 HS T +31 (0)50 313 97 41 F +31(0)50 311 38 55 E info@vvvgroningen.nl www.toerisme.groningen.nl/vvv

AGENCIES VVV Appingedam Oude Kerkstraat 1, 9901 JB T +31 (0)596 620 300 vvvappingedam@topvangroningen.nl www.eemdelta.groningen.nl

VVV Bedum Kapelstraat 3, 9781 GK T +31(0)50 301 51 11 E info@vvvbedum.nl www.vvvbedum.nl

VVV Oldambt/Winschoten Cultuurhuis De Klinker, Mr. D.U. Stikkerlaan 251, 9675 DG Winschoten T +31 (0)597 700 270 E info@vvvoldambt.nl

VVV Delfzijl Schoolstraat 6, 9934 CD T +31 (0)596 618 104 E vvvdelfzijl@topvangroningen.nl

Ten Boer Koopmansplein 9, 9791 MD T +31 (0)50 3025043 E tenboer@mijneigenbibliotheek.nl

www.eemdelta.groningen.nl

www.toerisme.groningen.nl

VVV Loppersum Stationslaan 1, 9919 AB T +31 (0)596 573 153 E vvvloppersum@topvangroningen.nl

Uithuizen (Boekhandel Venema) Blink 9, 9981 AJ T +31 (0)595 43 31 71 E info@topvangroningen.nl

www.eemdelta.groningen.nl

www.eemsdelta.groningen.nl

VVV infopunt Middelstum (Drogisterij Marja) Grachtstraat 17, 9991 BA T +31 (0)595 55 27 49 E info@topvangroningen.nl

Veendam/Veenkoloniën Museumplein 5, 9641 AD T +31 (0)598 36 42 24 E info@promotieveenkolonien.nl www.veenkoloniën.groningen.nl

www.eemsdelta.groningen.nl

Slochteren Noorderweg 1, 9621 BM T +31 (0)598 42 29 70 E info@vvvslochteren.nl

Warffum (Museum het Hoogeland) Schoolstraat 4, 9989 AG T +31 (0)595 42 23 33 E info@topvangroningen.nl www.eemsdelta.groningen.nl

www.vvvslochteren.nl

www.vvvoldambt.nl

TOURIST INFORMATION POINTS Tourist Information Westerkwartier www.westerkwartier.groningen.nl

Leek (Infocentrum Nienoord) Nienoord 20, T +31 (0)594 512 230 Marum (Kruisweg Marum) Kruisweg 1, T +31 (0)594 641 202 Zuidhorn (Best Western Hotel Restaurant Aduard) Friessestraatweg 13, Aduard, T +31(0)50 403 14 00 T ourist Information Westerwolde www.westerwolde.groningen.nl

Bourtange Willem Lodewijkstraat 33, T +31 (0)599 354 600 Bellingwolde (Museum de Oude Wolden) Hoofdweg 161, T +31 (0)597 531 509 Bellingwolde (M&M Interieurs) Hoofdweg 247, T +31 (0)597 530 575 Blijham (Drogisterij Perton) Raadhuisstraat 8, T +31 (0)597 562 255 Mussel (cafe “De Mussel”) Musselweg 41, T +31 (0)599 454 150 Oudeschans (Vestingmuseum Oudeschans) Molenweg 6, T +31 (0)597 655 371

Onstwedde (De Meelschuur) Ter Wuppingerweg 3, T +31 (0)599 650 039 Sellingen Dorpsstraat 3, T +31 (0)599 322 727 Stadskanaal Navolaan 11-15, T +31 (0)599 650 039 Ter Apel Markt 29, T +31(0)599 581 277 Veelerveen (Dorpshuis) Scheidingsweg 20, T +31 (0)597 541 488 Vlagtwedde Dr. P. Rinsemastraat 7b, T +31 (0)599 312 118 Vriescheloo (Stee & Stoetje: Molen de Korenbloem) Wedderweg 25, T +31 (0)597 541 860 Wedde (Camping Wedderbergen) Molenweg 2, T +31 (0)597 561 673 Wedde (Villapark Weddermeer) Paviljoenweg 2, T +31 (0)597 561 567 Wedde (Eetcafé De Leeuw) Hoofdweg 35, T +31 (0)597 522 295 Tourist Information Waddenland www.waddenland.groningen.nl

Ezinge (Museum Wierdenland) Van Swinderenweg 10, T +31 (0)594 621 524

Lauwersoog (Het Informatie Paviljoen) Haven 6, T +31(0)519 349 070 Pieterburen (Buitenplaats Noordkust) Hoofdstraat 83, T +31 (0)595 528 522 Winsum (Bibliotheek) Regnerus Praediniusstraat 2, T +31 (0)595 441 577 Zoutkamp (Visserijmuseum) Reitdiepskade 11, T +31 (0)595 401957 Tourist Information Oldambt www.oldambt.groningen.nl

Blauwestad (Havenkwartier Blauwestad) Redersplein 6 Midwolda (Camping De Bouwte) Hoofdweg 20A Nieuwolda (Eetcafe De Brug) B.K. Bosmaplein 2 Oostwold (Pitch & Putt Huninga’s Heem) Huningaweg 7 Scheemda (Roggeveld Fietsen) Stationsstraat 20, Scheemda Westerlee (Hotel Resort Landgoed Westerlee) Hoofdweg 67 Winschoten (Restaurant In den Stallen) Oosteinde 10

EVENTS

2016

EVENTS CALENDAR REGIONAL MARKETS

UNCOMMONLY BEAUTIFUL MARKET

OMMELANDER MARKET

28 MARCH, 3 JULY AND 6 NOVEMBER » VISMARKT,

9 JAN, 13 FEB, 12 MARCH, 9 APR, 14 MAY, 11 JUNE,

GRONINGEN

9 JULY, 13 AUG, 10 SEPT, 8 OCT, 12 NOV AND

In addition to delightful, original and handmade products, this special market also provides opportunities for inspiration, creation and demonstration, such as creative recycling, and vintage and retro items.

ANNUAL FLOWER MARKET

> www.zeldzaammooievents.com

25 MARCH » GROTE MARKT, VISMARKT, OUDE

10 DEC » HARMONIEPLEIN – GRONINGEN

Enjoy local, delicious and fair products at the Ommelander market. See and taste the pure products brought to you by enthusiastic local farmers and entrepreneurs. > www.ommelandermarkt.nl

EBBINGESTRAAT AND THE A-KERKHOF, GRONINGEN

MARKET

EVENTS MARCH

Every year, on Good Friday the city centre is transformed into the largest flower and plant market in the north of the Netherlands.

16 JAN, 20 FEB, 19 MARCH, 16 APR, 21 MAY, 18

THEATRE TAPAS FESTIVAL

> www.bloemenjaarmarkt.nl

JUNE, 16 JULY, 20 AUG, 17 SEPT, 15 OCT, 19 NOV

4 THROUGH 6 MARCH » EBBINGEKWARTIER,

AND 17 DEC » VERHILDERSUM GRONINGEN ESTATE

GRONINGEN

FANTASTIC CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL

HOUSE MUSEUM FARM – LEENS

This small-scale cultural festival provides a varied programme with various delicacies and theatre at special locations.

26 THROUGH 28 MARCH » GRONINGER FORUM (HERE-

VERHILDERSUM REGIONAL PRODUCT

Go to the Verhildersum Streekmarkt regional market for fresh, regional and seasonal products. Each third Saturday of the month, numerous delicacies and boutique products are sold here. > www.verhildersum.nl

PLEIN), GRONINGEN

www.theatertapas.nl

Annual film festival for children aged 2 to 9. This year’s theme is travelling, under the title of ‘Meandering and wandering’.

ST. MATTHEW PASSION

> www.groningerforum.nl

15 AND 23 MARCH » MARTINI CHURCH, GRONINGEN NIENOORD REGIONAL PRODUCT MARKET 5 FEB, 5 MARCH, 2 APR, 7 MAY, 4 JUNE, 2 JULY, 6 AUG, 3 SEPT, 1 OCT, 5 NOV AND 3 DEC » OOSTERHEERDT FARM – LEEK

The annual St. Matthew Passion is firmly embedded in Dutch culture. Find out for yourself during one of these days how a live performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion can move you.

Regional food means seasonal food. Every first Saturday of the month, special and delicious products from Leek and surroundings are available at the stands of the Streekproductenmarkt Nienoord.

> www.martinikerk.nl

> www.streekproductenmarktnienoord.nl

NORTH NETHERLANDS WHISKY FESTIVAL

APRIL GRONINGEN BEER FESTIVAL 7 THROUGH 9 APRIL » EBBINGEKWARTIER, GRONINGEN

The largest tasting of special beers in the Netherlands, surrounded by related activities such as dinners, contests and master classes. > www.bierfestivalgroningen.nl

18 THROUGH 20 MARCH » DER AA CHURCH, GRON-

THE GREEN FISH

EWSUM REGIONAL PRODUCT MARKET

INGEN

11 APRIL THROUGH 24 SEPTEMBER

23 APR, 28 MAY, 25 JUNE, 23 JULY, 27 AUG AND

Sample hundreds of different varieties of whiskies and meet the professionals of the international whisky industry. Alternatively, visit the whisky dinner for which a regional star chef will prepare a top-notch dinner with accompanying whiskies.

Each Friday and Saturday, the fishermen of ‘de Groene Vis’ bring their sustainably caught fish to shore at the Lauwersoog harbour, after which it is immediately sold at the ultimate fresh fish market of the North of the Netherlands: De Groene Vis (The Green Fish).

24 SEPT » EWSUM GRONINGEN ESTATE HOUSE GROUNDS – MIDDELSTUM

Enjoy delicious and traditionally produced Groningen products at the Ewsum regional produce market. > www.streekproductenmarktewsum.nl

> www.wfnn.nl

> www.degroenevis.nl EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

WALK FOR LIFE

NIGHT OF GRONINGEN

EAST GRONINGEN THREE-DAY CYCLE EVENT

23 APRIL » KAAPSE BAAN, GRONINGEN

5 MAY » CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

24 THROUGH 26 MAY » WESTERWOLDE, GRONINGEN

Walk for Life, the best walking and running event of the year, takes place around and near the magnificent Paterswoldsemeer scenic area. Run for the cause of research into cancer among young adults for the benefit of the UMCG Cancer Research Fund. Whether you walk or run, it is all about having fun, standing strong together, being optimistic and proactive.

The Night of Groningen is traditionally held on Ascension Thursday with a track through the city centre and the Noorderplantsoen park.

EENRUM ASCENSION THURSDAY MARKET

Over the last 30 years, the east Groningen three-day cycling event has been very successful and takes participants through the magnificent Westerwolde hedgerow county. A 40-kilometre route has been set out for each day, so come along and enjoy!

5 MAY » EENRUM, GRONINGEN

> www.rijwieldriedaagse.realsite.nl

> www.walkforlifegroningen.nl

> www.hemelvaartsmarkteenrum.nl

> www.nachtvangroningen.nl

A market with 120 stands, guided tours, music, etc.

JUNE

GRONINGEN 2016 LIBERATION FESTIVAL 5 MAY » STADSPARK, GRONINGEN

In 2016, it will be exactly 71 years since the Netherlands was liberated from its German occupiers, which will be celebrated with a festive musical programme at various stages, featuring international, national and local acts. > www.bevrijdingsfestivalgroningen.nl THE NIGHT OF ORANGE AND KING’S DAY

THE NIGHT OF ART & SCIENCE 4 JUNE » VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN GRONINGEN CITY

26 AND 27 APRIL » CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN MAY FUN FAIR

CENTRE

The Night of Orange and King’s Day will exuberantly celebrated, and activities will take place all over Groningen city centre and at numerous locations.

12 THROUGH 22 MAY » GROTE MARKT, VISMARKT,

Spectacular attractions for youth are alternated with nostalgic ones.

A festival that combines art and science in a surprising way. The programme includes theatre, performances, art, workshops, music and experiments.

> www.kermisingroningen.nl

> www.denachtvankunstenwetenschap.nl

RHYTHM & BLUES NIGHT

WHITSUNTIDE FEASTS AND THE DAY BEFORE

RAPALJE SUMMER FOLK FESTIVAL

30 APRIL » DE OOSTERPOORT, GRONINGEN

THE DUTCH HERRING FLEET PUTS OUT TO

4 AND 5 JUNE » STADSPARK, GRONINGEN

Traditionals, gospel and (later) jazz fused into songs that would conquer the world and laid the foundation for the origins of rock-’n-roll. All of the music is featured on six stages during a musical history lesson, from undiluted traditional blues to modern variants and anything in between.

SEA

Enjoy Celtic atmospheres with national and international bands, an extensive market and various activities, where delicious ham, spareribs and drinks from earthenware mugs are served.

> www.oranjegroningen.nl

OSSENMARKT, GRONINGEN

13 THROUGH 16 MAY » ZOUTKAMP, GRONINGEN

People can see about 25 shrimp fishing vessels all decked on one of the few days that the entire Zoutkamp fleet is home.

> www.rapaljefestival.nl

> www.pinksteren-zoutkamp.nl

> www.rhythmbluesnight.nl BORGERSWOLD SPRING DAYS BOURTANGE SPRING MARKET

15 & 16 MAY » BORGERSWOLD RECREATION PARK,

30 APRIL AND 1 MAY » BOURTANGE, GRONINGEN

VEENDAM

On 30 April and 1 May, the Bourtange fortress will be all about the Spring market, when various stands selling spring articles will be set up on the square in the centre of this fortified town.

During Easter, the area surrounding the Borgerswoldhoeve farm will be the backdrop for the spring days; a market/show/fair for young and old. > www.lentedagen.nl

> www.bourtange.nl

BATTLE OF BOURTANGE 4 AND 5 JUNE » BOURTANGE, GRONINGEN

On 4 and 5 June, the Bourtange fortress will be overrun by mercenaries and merchants from all over Europe. Enjoy the excitement, action and entertainment! The Spanish against the State troops; experience the fights and life of those days.

MAY SNIKKEWEEK MUSSELKANAAL – FOR THE 25TH TIME 3 THROUGH 8 MAY » MUSSELKANAAL, GRONINGEN

Music, song, dance, a pedal boat race, angling contest for the young and a captain’s dinner; this event is for anyone who has affinity with shipping. In addition, in 2016 the event will feature extras to celebrate the 25th anniversary.

‘BACK TO THE BEGINNING’ CULTURAL

EIGENWIJZE GARDEN & ART WEEKS

FESTIVAL

10 THROUGH 26 JUNE » PEAT DISTRICT

21 MAY » APPINGEDAM AND SURROUNDINGS,

> www.snikkeweek.nl

GRONINGEN

During the EigenWijze (OwnWay) Garden & Art Weeks, enjoy the variety of the gardens and the art the peat district has to offer.

> www.bourtange.nl

Intimate performances take place in the oldest churches in the Netherlands, featuring music, theatre, poetry and a touch of science. > www.terugnaarhetbegin.nl

> www.veenkolonien.groningen.nl

EVENTS

GASTERRA LADIESRUN

WESTERWOLDE HIKING WEEKEND

MONTMARTRE ARTIST’S FESTIVAL

12 JUNE » GROTE MARKT, GRONINGEN

25 AND 26 JUNE » WESTERWOLDE SURROUNDINGS,

9 JULY » DE BRINK, SELLINGEN

A running event for women that starts and finishes at the Grote Markt. There are three distances: 2.5 km, 5 or 10 km. The 2,5 km is for mothers and daughters (six years and up). A Business Run is also held for women from the business community.

GRONINGEN

A painting and art festival where visitors are introduced to (amateur) art such as three-dimensional art, painting, stage art and street theatre in a French ambiance.

> www.ladiesrungroningen.nl

> www.westerwolde.groningen.nl

SWINGIN’ GRONINGEN

DELFSAIL

16 THROUGH 18 JUNE » CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

29 JUNE THROUGH 3 JULY » DELFZIJL

A festival all about jazz, soul and jazzdance.

> Large-scale maritime summer event.

The Westerwolde Hiking Weekend is the ultimate hiking event through one of the most magnificent hiking areas in the Netherlands. Explore the special scenic areas, beautiful countryside, historic villages, ancient commons and more.

> www.schildersfestival.nl

> www.swingingroningen.nl

JULY THREADING WESTERWOLDE

XPEDITION BLAUWESTAD

17 THROUGH 26 JUNE » WESTERWOLDE, GRONINGEN

JULY » HARBOUR DISTRICT, BLAUWESTAD

POETS IN THE PRINSENTUIN GARDEN

Visit over twenty special gardens in Westerwolde, from sumptuously laid-out gardens to small and intimate ones, usually combined with an art exhibition. Fortress, monastery, convent and museum gardens are also open.

Xpedition Blauwestad is a temporary city that is all about living. People can camp out at free lots n Blauwestad with their tent, caravan or selfdesigned construction. Xpedition is also a cheerful event with music, theatre and activities.

22 THROUGH 24 JULY, PRINSENTUIN, GRONINGEN

> www.westerwolderijgt.nl

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl

BLAUWESTAD WATER WEEKEND

SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

22 THROUGH 24 JULY » HUNGRY WOLF WOLF,

18 AND 19 JUNE » IN AND AROUND THE OLDAMBT-

JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER » HARBOUR DISTRICT,

GRONINGEN

MEER LAKE

BLAUWESTAD

The Blauwestad Water Weekend is the ultimate Groningen water sports event, featuring artists, canoe demonstrations, sailing demonstrations, dragon boat races, free performances, children’s activities, etc. The activities take place in five harbours in and around the Oldambtmeer.

Giant sand sculptures in beautiful surroundings are a great draw for tourists, both from home and abroad and will put Blauwestad right on the map. The event guarantees a wonderful excursion for the entire family.

Bands, art, dance, theatre, DJs, good food: find all this and more at the Hungry Wolf Festival. In 2016, for the 6th time and for three days the Groningen village of Hongerige Wolf will be the backdrop for special concerts on a sheep field, theatre performances in barns and dance parties in a silo.

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl

> www.festivalhongerigewolf.nl

In the Prinsentuin and at other special venues throughout the city, enjoy recitations by poets from the Netherlands and Belgium. > www.dichtersindeprinsentuin.nl HUNGRY WOLF FESTIVAL

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl NIGHT OF WINSCHOTEN

ART CARNIVALE

OP ROAKELDAIS FESTIVAL

JULY » CENTRE, WINSCHOTEN

22 THROUGH 24 JULY » SCHILDMEER, STEENDAM

23 THROUGH 26 JUNE » WARFFUM, GRONINGEN

A lively centre, charming stands, good music, great attractions on the fair and a Deutscher Treff: these ingredients ensure that the centre of Winschoten is the place to be during the Night of Winschoten.

The Art Carnivale family festival is a treat for both young and old. The festival owes its reputation to the relaxed atmosphere and variety of music, art, theatre, street theatre, fire shows and children’s activities.

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl

> www.artcarnivale.nl

Op Roakeldais is a four-day international festival with magnificent dance performances, wonderful music, interesting workshops and dance parties. There is lots to experience and dance for young and old, in short: ‘Dance with the world!’ > www.oproakeldais.nl

CELTIC MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL 1 THROUGH 3 JULY » DE OUDE REMISE, BAD NIEUWESCHANS

Go back to the days when the Celts and other peoples roamed the earth in harmony with the seasons and nature. With a mediaeval market and music, entertainment and theatre and special food and drinks. > www.oldambt.groningen.nl

PETER THE GREAT FESTIVAL

ZOMERWELVAART

27 JULY THROUGH 6 AUGUST » GRONINGEN

24 THROUGH 26 JUNE » VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN

NIGHT OF THE GUITARS

GRONINGEN CITY CENTRE

9 JULY » VEENDAM

A large number of ships heading for DelfSail will moor in the city of Groningen. The Northern Nautical Museum will host various activities around and on the ships.

Every year, a large group of musicians from Veendam and its immediate surroundings dive into their record and CD collections to pick their two favourite guitar songs and play them in various strengths.

The Peter the Great festival is the main chamber music festival in the north of the Netherlands, which every summer features about 50 concerts at special and characteristic locations. Concerts are framed with cultural-historical packages, and a Summer Academy for young pianists, strings and singers is linked to the concert series.

> www.nightoftheguitars.com

> www.peterdegrotefestival.nl

> www.zomerwelvaart.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

AUGUST

BALLOON FIËSTA GRONINGEN

MEDIAEVAL TER APEL

COOPLUYDENMARKT

26 THROUGH 28 AUGUST » STADSPARK TROTTING

3 AND 4 SEPTEMBER » CROSIER MONASTERY,

5 AUGUST » CENTRE, APPINGEDAM

COURSE, GRONINGEN

TER APEL

The historic centre of Appingedam is located at the once very famous water of the Damsterdiep and is the perfect location for a goods market in a mediaeval ambiance with music and street acts.

The Balloon Fiesta is a free hot air balloon event featuring round passenger balloons as well as special shapes. The complementary programme includes various balloon-related activities.

The largest and most authentic 15th-century mediaeval event in the Netherlands, with the magnificent Crosier Monastery as the backdrop against which you go back in time.

> www.coopluydenmarkt.nl

> www.ballonfiestagroningen.nl

> www.middeleeuws-terapel.org

PARADIGM FESTIVAL

GRONINGEN’S RELIEF

TELLERLIKKER FESTIVAL

13 AND 14 AUGUST » FORMER SUIKERUNIE GROUNDS,

28 AUGUST » VARIOUS LOCATIONS, GRONINGEN

3 AND 4 SEPTEMBER » DE KLINKER CULTURAL

GRONINGEN

Groningen’s historic relief of 28 August 1672 is commemorated in the city centre with numerous activities, such as a horse inspection, show music and Peerdespul (equestrian programme). The day is concluded with wonderful fireworks.

CENTRE, WINSCHOTEN

This festival provides room for people to share their enthusiasm for high-quality electronic music. > www.paradigm050.com SPECTACULUM FORTRESS

> www.feestinstad.nl

13 AND 14 AUGUST » BOURTANGE, GRONINGEN

During the Tellerlikker Festival, enjoy a preview of the Klinker programme and presentations by amateur clubs, such as orchestras, drama clubs and bands. In addition, the Winschoten catering industry will hold a fair at which all of the cultural attractions for the coming year are advertised, accompanied by tastings, regional products and other culinary specialities from home and abroad.

Dozens of traders will sell their items from former days and all sorts of people will populate the fortress to perform their tricks. Musicians and dancers exhibit their skills and entertain visitors from far and near.

Various activities will be held on and around the canals: live music, a sloop parade, boat contest, fishing event and more.

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl

> www.bourtange.nl

> www.grachtenfestijn.nl

10 SEPTEMBER » RODE HAAN, GRONINGEN

GRONINGEN CANAL FESTIVAL 28 AUGUST 2016 » CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

LATE SUMMER FESTIVAL

This festival is all about house, deephouse, techno and cross-over.

VERHILDERSUM HISTORIC DAYS 13 AND 14 AUGUST » VERHILDERSUMGRONINGEN

SEPTEMBER

ESTATE HOUSE, LEENS

PURA VIDA OPEN-AIR CONCERT

The daily life of former days takes centre stage during this event, with mowing, hay-making, threshing and ploughing demonstrations using horses, historic tractors, etc.

SEPTEMBER » HARBOUR DISTRICT, BLAUWESTAD

FIVELSTAD TOUR

Pura Vida is an annual classic open-air concert on the banks of the Oldambtmeer lake in Blauwestad. The concert is performed by the North Netherlands symphony orchestra (NNO), and visitors can enjoy it from the water or main land.

10 SEPTEMBER » CENTRE, APPINGEDAM

> www.verhildersum.nl STUDENT ORIENTATION WEEK

> www.nazomerenfestival.nl

On 10 September 2016, the third historic cultural walking tour will be held in the Fivelingo area, with distances of 5-15-25 and 40 kilometres. > www.fivelstadtocht.nl

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl

15 THROUGH 19 AUGUST » VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN

WINSCHOTEN FASHION EVENT

THE CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

17 SEPTEMBER » CENTRE, WINSCHOTEN

During this general introductory week, first-year students become acquainted with their new university city.

During this event, Winschoten city centre will be all about fashion, beauty and design. The Israëlplein will feature an elevated catwalk on which models will show the latest collections from the city centre shops.

> www.stichting.keiweek.nl

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl TASTING IN GRONINGEN 2 THROUGH 4 SEPTEMBER » HARMONIEPLEIN, GRONINGEN

During this culinary event, learn about the variety of dishes prepared by top restaurants from the north of the Netherlands. NOORDERZON

> www.proeveningroningen.nl

18 THROUGH 28 AUGUST » NOORDERPLANTSOEN AND CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

PRUIVERIJ VEENDAM

NIGHT OF FASHION

An exceptional combination of a cutting-edge international art festival with exciting contemporary performing art from all parts of the world... and a wonderful summer event in an idyllic park.

3 AND 4 SEPTEMBER » VEENDAM

24 AND 25 SEPTEMBER » VARIOUS LOCATIONS,

A tasting organised by the Veendam catering industry, featuring a street musician festival, the fair at which all of the cultural attractions for the coming year are advertised, and an art market.

CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

> www.noorderzon.nl

> www.bogdike.nl

During the Night of Fashion, Groningen fashion shopping city will be in the limelight, and many fashion shops will be open until 10 pm. After-parties and a vintage market conclude the event. > www.nachtvandemode.nl

EVENTS

BOURTANGE AUTUMN MARKET

NOVEMBER

24 AND 25 SEPTEMBER » MARKET SQUARE, BOUR-

THE MAIN HAPPENING

TANGE

7 NOVEMBER » GRONINGER FORUM (OUDE BOTER-

Bourtange version. Find the real Christmas mood at one of the most popular Christmas markets in the north of the Netherlands.

Pumpkins naturally feature this annual autumn market, in addition to anything that fits right in with the theme, from decoration to garden sculptures, antiques, collectibles, jams and chutneys, clothing and much more.

INGESTRAAT), GRONINGEN

> www.bourtange.nl

The best festival for readers and writers, with the selection of the Best Groningen Book and performances by many renowned authors. > www.hetgrotegebeuren.nl

> www.bourtange.nl ADRILLEN JOURNEY AROUND THE NORTH

2 NOVEMBER » CENTRE, WINSCHOTEN

24 AND 25 SEPTEMBER » DE HUNZE, ZUIDLAREN TO

Traditionally, the Adrillen and Lutje Adrillen take place on the first and second Monday of November, when over one hundred stands will be set up on the Venne and the Burg. Schönfeldplein. In addition to the Adrillen market, there will be a hobby market, street theatre, music and a fun fair.

ZOUTKAMP

Hikers walk from Drenthe to the Wadden Sea (from Zuidlaren to Zoutkamp), literally passing through churches, museums, houses and mills.

GOOD VOYAGES CONNECT 16 THROUGH 18 DECEMBER » KLEINE DER AA, HOGE DER AA AND LAGE DER AA, GRONINGEN

28 SEPTEMBER THROUGH 1 OCTOBER » DAMSTER-

VEENDAM BALTIC SEA DAYS

PLEIN, GRONINGEN

18 NOVEMBER THROUGH 18 DECEMBER »

The free WinterWelVaart Verbindt (Good Voyages Connect) connects people in a powerful, friendly and special event. Enjoy music, theatre and art programmes on board of historic ships, and visit the charming Christmas market on the quay.

During the Holland Webweek, the city of Groningen will be the epicentre of on-line developments, trends, visions, innovations and insights.

VEENKOLONIAAL MUSEUM, VEENDAM

> www.winterwelvaart.nl

> www.tochtomdenoord.nl

> www.oldambt.groningen.nl HOLLAND WEBWEEK GRONINGEN

OCTOBER

Learn about the wonderful history of the Peat District. In conjunction with various entrepreneurs, cultural institutions and others, every year the Veenkoloniaal Museum provides a wide range of activities around the Baltic sea trade.

OCTOBER IS CHILDREN’S MONTH

> www.veenkoloniaalmuseum.nl

> www.thwwg.nl

OCTOBER » VERHILDERSUM GRONINGEN ESTATE HOUSE, LEENS

In October, various fun children’s activities will be held at the Verhildersum Groningen estate house.

SANTA RUN GRONINGEN 17 DECEMBER » CITY CENTRE, GRONINGEN

Fun, entertainment, a friendly Christmas atmosphere, good music and over 2000 male and female Santas: this year, everyone can run five kilometres through Groningen city centre in their Santa outfits, followed by a smashing Christmas party after the finish at the Grote Markt. > www.santarun-groningen.nl

> www.verhildersum.nl CHRISTMAS MARKET/MOONLIGHT SHOPPING 4 MILES OF GRONINGEN

17 & 18 DECEMBER » CENTRE, VEENDAM

9 OCTOBER » HAREN AND GRONINGEN CITY CENTRE

This will be the 30th time the 4 Miles of Groningen takes place. In recent years, this main running event in the north of the Netherlands has developed into a national festival for the city of Groningen and the entire region. > www.4mijl.nl CINEKID GRONINGEN

YOUNG HEARTS THEATRE FESTIVAL 18 THROUGH 26 NOVEMBER » VARIOUS THEATRES, GRONINGEN

The ultimate theatre festival for young theatre lovers with various of the very best international performances, exciting shows, plenty of new talents and much, much more. > www.grandtheatregroningen.nl

(HEREPLEIN), GRONINGEN

IDFA IN GRONINGEN

Groningen version of the famous children’s film and media festival with workshops, media installations and the latest children’s films.

LATE NOVEMBER » GRONINGER FORUM (HEREPLEIN), GRONINGEN

MAGIC SAMHAIN

Mini satellite edition of the famous Amsterdam documentary festival. Enjoy all of the public favourites and some of the documentaries shown in Amsterdam.

29 AND 30 OCTOBER » BOURTANGE, GRONINGEN

> www.groningerforum.nl

Elves, witches, druids, ghosts and demons from all kinds of dimensions will take over the fortified town. Bourtange will be all about ‘Magic Samhain’, the Celtic New Year celebration. There will be a magical market and exciting things are scheduled to happen. > www.bourtange.nl

> www.veenkolonien.groningen.nl DICKENS DAY BEERTA 18 DECEMBER » CENTRE, BEERTA

15 THROUGH 21 OCTOBER » GRONINGER FORUM

> www.groningerforum.nl

Enjoy traditional and special products at the wonderful Christmas market, in addition to music performances, the nostalgic Wildervank tram and children’s activities. The Moonlight Shopping event will take place on Saturday.

Every year in December, for one day the centre of the Oldambt village of Beerta is transformed into the magical world of Charles Dickens. The wonderful Christmas market has developed into a special and charming Christmas event with about 100 exhibitors. > www.oldambt.groningen.nl WINTER FIRE 19 DECEMBER THROUGH 2 JANUARY 2017 » STADSSCHOUWBURG, GRAND THEATRE, GRONINGEN

DECEMBER BOURTANGE CHRISTMAS MARKET 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 AND 18 DECEMBER » BOURTANGE, GRONINGEN

An appealing Christmas market is the perfect outing for Christmas lovers, so be sure to visit the

During the Christmas holidays, the Stadsschouwburg city theatre and Grand Theatre will be transformed into a real children’s theatre paradise, and great events will be held for children, parents, and grandparents almost every day. > www.de-oosterpoort.nl

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY AND PROVINCE OF GRONINGEN

IMPRINT

IMPRINT GRONINGEN MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION BY MARKETING GRONINGEN Authors: Annemarie Bergfeld, Marieke Bos, Cecile Bol, Bert Nijmeijer, Marije Sietsma, Kim Veenman, Cora Westerink, Els Zwerver Illustrations: Kim Veenman Editors: Marketing Groningen en Pijper Media Design: Jelske Banga, Popke Bolt, Mieke van de Wetering Photography: Marketing Groningen, Marcel Kerkhof, Bas Meelker, Peter-Jack Hiddema, W. van Vliet Translation: Vertaalbureau Noorderlicht BV Publisher and printing: Pijper Media Advertisements: Joke Sihasale-Schokker, tel. 050 – 544 58 33, j.schokker@pijpermedia.nl If you have any questions or comments, please send an e-mail to: redactie@marketinggroningen.nl © No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the publisher’s explicit written permission. Marketing Groningen is not responsible for any inaccuracies in this publication.

Out and about in Drenthe There are so many exciting things to do in Drenthe! Whether you enjoy cycling, fun events, or wild animals. Drenthe is the ultimate cycling destination and has justifiably been awarded the title of 5-star cycling province. You can also go walking or horseback riding for hours in three National Parks in Drenthe. Drenthe is a paradise for active and outdoorsy types; go all out on one of the challenging mountain bike routes. Surrounded by culture In Drenthe, you are simply surrounded by culture. You will find mysterious dolmens and prehistoric burial mounds in beautiful natural surroundings. Westerbork Memorial Centre, Unesco Geopark De Hondsrug and the former Veenhuizen labour camp are outstanding cultural attractions. The biggest playground in the country The Drenthe countryside is one big playground. It offers woodlands and large sand pits. Meet gnomes, wild animals and television characters in the wonderful theme parks! The WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen will be opening its doors on 25 March 2016, where you can go on a global expedition through the jungle, the Arctic and the savannah. Download the Drenthe app for more tips!

Drenthe really does something to you

GRONINGEN’S HARVEST

Calendar Ommelander market

2016

Multi-culinary food festival

9 Jan, 13 Feb, 12 March, 9 Apr, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 Aug, 10 Sept, 8 Oct, 12 Nov and 10 Dec – Harmonieplein – Groningen Enjoy local, delicious and fair products at the Ommelander market. See and taste the pure products brought to you by enthusiastic local farmers and entrepreneurs. — www.ommelandermarkt.nl

14-16 May 2016 – Bernouilleplein – Groningen Culinary event for young and old where a many food trucks and street food chefs present their highlights. — www.multiculinairfestival.nl

16 Jan, 20 Feb, 19 March, 16 Apr, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July, 20 Aug, 17 Sept, 15 Oct, 19 Nov and 17 Dec – Verhildersum Groningen estate house museum farm – Leens Go to the Verhildersum Streekmarkt regional market for fresh, regional and seasonal products. Each third Saturday of the month, numerous delicacies and boutique products are sold here. — www.verhildersum.nl

4-5 June 2016 – Ebbinge grounds – Groningen This is a culinary event in Groningen during which various kitchens and food trucks present their specialities to the public. — www.deculinaireverleiding.nl

De Culinaire Verleiding Verhildersum regional product market (The Culinary Temptation)

Nienoord regional product market 5 Feb, 5 March, 2 Apr, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 Aug, 3 Sept, 1 Oct, 5 Nov and 3 Dec – Oosterheerdt farm – Leek Regional food means seasonal food. Every first Saturday of the month, special and delicious products from Leek and surroundings are available at the stands of the Streekproductenmarkt Nienoord. — www.streekproductenmarktnienoord.nl

Ewsum regional product market

1-3 July – around the Nieuwe Kerk – Groningen Cultural food festival for young and old, where various senses are stimulated. — www.lepeltje-lepeltje.com

Rrrollend Groningen (Rrrolling Groningen) 16-18 September 2016 – Ossenmarkt – Groningen An open-air restaurant with drinks, snacks, entertainment, theatre and conviviality. — www.facebook.com/rrrollendfoodtruckfestivals

This is just a selection of the entire schedule. Groningen has wonderful products to offer from the sea and the land: hand-picked oysters, fresh asparagus, juice strawberries and special cheeses. All of these tastes are fused in this lively city, where the food is prepared in a proper manner: sustainably, organically and through fair trade. Groningen’s Harvest is golden! Come and sample it during one of the many wonderful events. More information and the entire schedule: tourism.groningen.nl Dates are subject to change

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23 Apr, 28 May, 25 June, 23 July, 27 Aug and 24 Sept – Ewsum Groningen estate house grounds – Middelstum Enjoy delicious and traditionally produced Groningen products at the Ewsum regional produce market. — www.streekproductenmarktewsum.nl

Lepeltje Lepeltje (Spoon)

MGRO OvG adv 200x268mm EN.indd 1

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