The Quirky Eccentric

Start your day at Stoet & Ainvoud in Pieterburen. In an old circus wagon, organic bread is baked in a wood-fired oven here on Thursdays and Fridays. The smell of currant buns and sourdough bread lures you inside. With a stuffed pokkel, you can belch out during a confession to Father Hugo in Warfhuizen's church. He is the only hermit living in seclusion in the Netherlands. The small church is decorated with statues and silver and bronze hearts with red ribbons.

Then on to the Tin Drum and Antiquities Museum in Niezijl. What started as a hobby grew into a museum full of thousands of tins, old tools, crockery and children's toys. You will be welcomed with coffee and cake, but don't forget to call before your visit. In need of reinforcement? Lunch at Tante Til in Enumatil. In a living room full of lace rugs and porcelain cups, you can enjoy delicious dikdakken (Groningen for feast) of poffert, tea from De Theefabriek and coffee from Koffiebranderij TIK TAK. Pure nostalgia with a nod to kitsch. From there, you walk straight into nature reserve Lettelberterpetten. A winding 250-metre-long boardwalk takes you right through the swamp forest. Take your time to immerse yourself in Groningen's nature.

End your day at Kult. In the café bistro, the bright pink and green walls immediately catch the eye. Here you eat and drink organic, sustainable and affordable. The crockery is second-hand and with the tea you just get a whole tin of biscuits. Still got energy left? Have a drink at Warhol in the colourful Papengang. The café is known for alternative rock and pop and regularly hosts live music by up-and-coming artists. Head home or camp at Camping de Kleine Wereld just outside the city.