Experience a weekend where you can combine the vibrant city life of Groningen with the serene rust of the Wadden Sea coast. Discover the energy of a young city, sleep under the starry sky in the peaceful countryside and enjoy everything that the nature and culture of the Waddenland have to offer. ‘From City to Wad’ is the perfect way to experience two worlds in a single trip.
Day 1
Start your weekend in the city of Groningen. Park your car at a P+R and catch the bus to the city centre. Stap off at the Hoofdstation and admire the beautiful station hall. Start your adventure in Groningen with a touch of art and culture. The iconic Groninger Museum, a true eye-catcher with its colourful and modern architecture, is the place to start your day. Inside, you'll find changing exhibitions and surprising art collections that immediately put you in the quirky moods of the city. After this inspiring start, it's time to discover the city for yourself. From the museum, walk down Folkingestraat, one of Groningen's most beautiful shopping streets. Here you will find small boutiques and artisan shops.
Your route takes you to the lively Vismarkt, where there is a lively crowd on summer days. Here you can soak up the atmosphere of the city while market vendors tout their products. Stalls full of fresh vegetables, flowers and local produce create an atmospheric setting. Take time to look around and perhaps pick up a fresh piece of fruit or a local cheese board. For lunch, there is plenty of choice. Find a sunny terrace, for example Het Pomphuis or the Cigar located on the Hoge der A, where you look out over the water and the historic warehouses. Enjoy a fresh salad, a locally brewed beer or an ice-cold iced tea while taking in the vibrant city life around you.
After lunch, it's time to explore the city further. Stroll through the streets and discover the many unusual shops and cosy coffee shops. Walk across the Grote Markt and admire the pride of the city: the Martinitoren. In the past 500 years, the tower burned down, lightning struck and it almost collapsed. Wars were won and lost on its doorstep. The tower stood its ground and, at 97 metres, is still the city's tallest building. Climb up for a piece of tangible history and a fantastic view. Next to Martinitoren Tower is one of the city's newest buildings, the Forum. A meeting place for everyone curious about today's world and tomorrow's possibilities. Among other things, you will find Storyworld, 5 movie theatres, the Smartlab, restaurants, the city library and Groningen's highest roof terrace with phenomenal views and a rooftop cinema.
Need a little peace and quiet in the bustle? Then take a look in one of the courtyards. Small oases of peace in the middle of the city centre. For a touch of green, take a look in the Prinsentuin, or walk a little further to the Noorderplantsoen. Find a spot on the grass or under a shady tree. A picnic blanket, treats from the Vismarkt and the gentle sound of the pond make this the place to unwind. Here you can soak up the summer sun while the parkland comes alive around you with children playing, joggers and students enjoying the day.
When night falls, a culinary adventure awaits. There are so many restaurants in the city that there is something for everyone. Those who want to eat something truly Groningen cannot leave the city without tasting the eierbal. In fact, this snack is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and a favourite of many a student and city dweller. Those who want to stay a little longer can immerse themselves in live music and theatre, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Worn out in the city? Then leave the hustle and bustle behind and drive to Noordpolderzijl, the smallest tidal harbour in the Netherlands. Here you will stay in a charming cottage on the dike, where you can admire the vast Wadden landscape. The absolute silence and dark nights make for a magical experience.
Day 2
The day starts early in Noordpolderzijl, where you wake up at the edge of the mudflats. The silence is broken by the soft sound of birds. Here you experience what it means to go completely offline for a while. After a cup of coffee overlooking the vast landscape, you are ready to start the day. A short drive will take you to the beautiful Menkemaborg in Uithuizen. This stately borg exudes history and charm. Stroll through the impressive rooms with their authentic 18th-century furnishings and imagine how the nobility once lived here. It is as if you can hear the sound of horses' hooves on the gravel path at any moment. After your visit to the borg, wander through the ornate gardens. The rose tunnel and the maze in the fruit garden complete the experience. Time to treat yourself to a delicious lunch. 't Schathoes, located in the former treasure house of the borg, is the perfect place. In this historic setting, you will enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes. Think homemade soup, a richly filled sandwich or a fresh salad with local ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and views of the borg's gardens make this a lunch to remember.
With renewed energy, you return to Noordpolderzijl, where it is time for a real Wadden experience: a mudflat walk. Together with an experienced guide, you go on an adventure on the bottom of the Wadden Sea. This three-hour trip takes you through the unique nature reserve, where you experience the forces of ebb and flow up close. Along the way, you will see the fascinating life of the mud flats and there is even a chance of spotting seals. After your adventurous mudflat walk, there is no better way to relax and recharge than at Restaurant de Molenaar in Onderdendam. Here, you are welcomed in a unique setting: the atmospheric old mill from 1855. Enjoy a refined dinner where creativity and craftsmanship come together. Choose the surprising 7-course menu or a shorter version, vegetarian options are also available. While enjoying the culinary delights and peaceful surroundings, you can reminisce about your day. After a day full of history, delicious food and adventure, you return to your wadden cottage. As the sun sets and the landscape shades golden.
