Hoge der A en Lage der A
Groningen’s most photographed spot
The old warehouses along the canal reveal the hustle and bustle of days gone by. Ships used to come and go here, and all day long you could hear the clatter of wheels and the clatter of horses’ hooves. As you stroll along the quays, you’ll pass no fewer than 28 national monuments and 11 municipal monuments. It’s as if you’re stepping into a painting.
Tides
In the past, seals would sometimes swim past here. For a long time, the city’s oldest harbour district was directly connected to the sea. Waiting patiently for the water to reach the right level? The enterprising people of Groningen had no time for that. They built a high quay, the Hoge der A, for loading and unloading at high tide. On the other side of the channel, a low quay was built for use at low tide, the Lage der A’. This ensured that trading could continue uninterrupted.
A drink by the water
Trade by water has all but ceased, but the bustling activity remains. On warm days, numerous bars and cafés bring the quays to life with their outdoor terraces. When it rains or the weather is cooler, you can sit indoors and enjoy a stunning view of the moored ships. In the days leading up to Christmas, it’s particularly cosy here. That’s when the Hoge and Lage der A form the backdrop to the hugely popular WinterWelVaart. Illuminated ships, a cosy Christmas market, live performances and mulled wine take over the quays.
