Groningen

Groningen is a city and municipality in the northern Netherlands and the capital of the province of Groningen. It is a major university city with a long history dating to the Middle Ages. The city has a population of about 230,000, with a large student community that contributes to its lively cultural scene.

Key historic features include the Martinitoren, a medieval church tower rising above the city center, the nearby Oldehove tower, and the canal-lined inner city with squares such as the Vismarkt and the Grote Markt. The Groninger Museum, opened in 1994 after a major redevelopment, houses contemporary art, design and textiles. The historic center is compact and bike-friendly, reflecting Groningen’s reputation as a highly bicycle-oriented city.

Education and research are central to Groningen's economy. The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, is one of the oldest in the Netherlands and is renowned for its research output. The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and the associated hospitals are among the country’s largest medical complexes. The city is also home to the Hanze University of Applied Sciences and a growing science and technology sector.

Groningen is known for its extensive cycling network, student life, and festivals such as Eurosonic Noorderslag and Noorderzon. The Noorderplantsoen park is a popular recreation area, and the city hosts a range of cultural venues, theaters, and music spaces.

The city is a major transport hub in the north, with Groningen railway station offering frequent connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other Dutch cities. It is also served by regional bus lines and has good road connections to the rest of the country.