Noorderplantsoen

Noorderplantsoen is a public urban park in Groningen, Netherlands. It lies northwest of the city center and is a prominent green space within the city’s residential and historic neighborhoods. The park covers a sizable area and is characterized by open lawns, tree-lined paths, and water features. It functions as a green corridor that supports walking, cycling, picnicking, and informal recreation.

The park originated in the early 20th century as part of Groningen’s urban development and has undergone several renovations and improvements by the municipality. It contains several paths that create a network for pedestrians and cyclists, and it hosts seasonal plantings and small-scale landscape features.

Noorderplantsoen is widely used by locals for everyday recreation and by visitors for cultural events. In particular, the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival Groningen is held in the park each year in late summer, presenting a program of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts on multiple stages and venues within the grounds. The festival draws audiences from the city and beyond and is a defining feature of the park’s contemporary identity.

The park is administered by the Municipality of Groningen and is accessible to the public year-round. It is served by local walking and cycling routes and by public transport, making it a reachable destination for residents and visitors alike.