Top 10 Facts about Groningen, Netherlands

Old warehouses along the Hoge der Aa canal in the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. Photo by Wenkbrauwalbatros on Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about Groningen, Netherlands

Groningen is the main municipality and the capital city of Groningen province in the Netherlands. This is the largest city located in the North of the Netherlands.

Groningen had 235,287 inhabitants by December 2021. This city has a total land area of 168.93 km², and a total of 180.21 km² including the water bodies. The population density of Groningen is one thousand three hundred and sixty-seven per km².

Groningen was merged with the municipalities of Ten Boer and Haren on 1st January 2019. University students comprise an estimated twenty-five per cent of the total population.

The city was established 950 years ago and was a semi-independent city-state and a member of the dominant regional power in the North of the Netherlands. Groningen has a deep history which is clear through the monuments and important landscapes.

It is believed that Groningen was an important trade centre which made the inhabitants build a city wall around it. It is currently a huge city centre where every social, economic and political life is centred.

Here are the top 10 Facts about Groningen, Netherlands:

1. There was a City Wall Built Around Groningen to Protect their Interests

Groningen was an influential city since the early centuries. Various legends have different stories about this city.

Groningen was an important trading centre in the 13th century which attracted the interest of various dynasties. With all this interest, the only way to protect themselves was to build a wall.

The inhabitants of Groningen in the 13th century opted to build a city wall to underline its independent authority. With their great influence, the neighbouring lands also adopted Gronings’ dialect.

2. Martinitoren, the City’s Most Significant Landmark

Grote Markt and Martinitoren Groningen NL. Photo by Wutsje on Wikimedia

There are several landmarks in Groningen city. However, the most important landmark of Groningen is the Martinitoren.

Martinitoren or St Martin’s Tower is the tallest church steeple associated with the bell tower of the Martinikerk. The tower is located in the northeastern corner of the main market square.

It has a brick spiral staircase that contains 260 steps and th3 carillon with the town has sixty-two bells. The tower is one of the major tourist attractions sites of Groningen.

It offers a serene view of the city and its surroundings. The front part has three pictures of the blind poet, Saint Martinus and Rudolf Agricola above the entrance.

3. Majority of Groningen’s Population is Made up of University Students

Groningen is also an education centre in the Netherlands. There are several universities in the city with the major one being the University of Groningen.

University students make up 25 per cent of the total population of Groningen. The University of Groningen was founded in 1614.

Initially, the university offered courses like law, medicine, theology and philosophy but this broadened later on. Other top universities are also found inningen the city.

4. There is a Local Football Club that Performs in the Dutch League

A sign for FC Groningen at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadion football stadion, which is located in the Groninger capital city of Groningen, Gorecht. Photo by Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia

Groningen has its local football club known as FC Groningen. The club was founded in 1971 and has been participating in the Dutch top league, Eredivisie.

The FC Groningen were the winners of the KNVB Cup during the 2014-2015 season. FC Groningen recorded their best league results during the 1990-91 season when they finished third.

The stadium of FC Groningen was officially opened in January 2006 and has a capacity of 22,525. This is one of the most supported clubs in the Dutch league with some top players.

5. The Nightlife of Groningen is Vibrant and Depends on Student Population

Groningen is one of the best cities to visit while in the Netherlands. The student population has more influence on some of the fun activities and experiences.

The nightlife of Groningen largely depends on its student population. It is usually regarded as vibrant and remarkable considering the size of the city.

The four popular spots include the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, the Poelestraat and the Peperstraat. They are the most crowded bars every night.

Groningen’s nightlife earned it the status of being the best city centre in the Netherlands between 2005 to 2007. It is also regarded as a red-light district.

6. Groningen has a Huge City Theatre called the Stadsschouwburg

The Stadsschouwburg theatre on Leidseplein square in Amsterdam. Photo by Jvhertum on Wikimedia

Other than the nightlife of Groningen, the city also boasts a lively theatre and music activities. There is a city theatre in Groningen that is known as the Stadsschouwburg located on the Turfsingel.

This is an international theatre where several international and renowned artists have performed in. The theatre is massive and can be used as a landmark in Groningen.

Groningen city also promotes music and other performances. There are various platforms for promoting this industry.

7. Several Historic and Magnificent Museums can be Found in Groningen

Groningen is home to several remarkable and renowned museums in the Netherlands. There is the Groninger museum whose new building was designed by Alessandro Mendini in 1994.

Groninger museum clearly shows the Italian post-modern concepts with a futuristic and colourful style. Other significant museums in Groningen include the maritime museum, the University museum, the comics museum and the graphics museum.

8. The City has Hosted Several Major International Sporting Activities

Tro Bro Leon 2009. Photo by Ludovic on Wikimedia

Groningen is a notable city in the Netherlands that has important facilities that accommodate various sporting activities. Several major international sporting activities have been held in Groningen.

Groningen has been hosting the international cycling film festival since 2016. This event takes place in the art house cinema of the old Roman Catholic Hospital.

Another major international event to be held in Groningen is the first major international chess tournament after World War II. This was a significant tournament that involved various countries across the world.

9. The Transport System in Groningen is One of the Best

Transport and Infrastructure have been put into consideration. Groningen is known as the World Cycling City because 57 per cent of the residents use bicycles to commute within the city.

An extensive network of bike paths is in Groningen making it easier to cycle around. Other than cycling, the roads of Groningen are the best in all aspects.

Residents of Groningen can use public transport or their vehicles in their daily schedules. There is also an effective railway line that connects the city to other parts of the Netherlands.

The Groningen Airport Eelde is the notable International Airport for Groningen. Groningen is among the best cities in the world with an effective transport system.

10. Political Structure of Groningen is Democratic

Building the public entrance of the temporary Dutch Parliament, 11 July 2019. Photo by OlafJanssen on Wikimedia

The Groningen Municipality Council has forty-five members. The political structure of the city is democratic.

GroenLinks is the largest party with 11 seats, followed by the PvdA with 6 seats, D66, Socialists Party, VVD, and the rest.

Groningen is one of the best tourist destinations for anyone who wants to explore and tour the Netherlands. The experience within Groningen city is one of the best.