The Netherlands · GRONINGEN TOURS
Good groningen tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join family-run Rondvaartbedrijf Kool beside Groningen station for a one-hour canal cruise. You will pass Martinitoren, the Groninger Museum, Tasman Tower, medieval houses, and handsome bridges while an audio and text guide explains the city’s maritime past. Drinks and snacks are sold aboard.
“Lovely tour in miserable cold weather. A great way to enjoy an afternoon.”
Climb more than 250 steps inside Groningen’s Martinitoren, known as the d’Olle Grieze, with no lift to soften the work. Along the way, see old ornaments, heavy bells, a 39-metre gallery, clock dials, and a short history film before reaching the view over the Grote Markt and surrounding city.
“very good activity. A lot of information of the tower included & also some interactive exhibits inside the tower itself.”
Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on Groningen’s first floating terrace, cruising from the main station with a bar, drinks, snacks, soft seats, and a roof that opens in sun or closes in rain. This is a relaxed boat outing, not a historical tour with a guide.
“Absolut unterirdisch. Das Boot kam 30 min zu spät, keine Message, Anbieter nicht erreichbar. Die Fahrt von 1.5h wurde auf weniger als 60 min verkürzt, damit die nächste Gruppe rechtzeitig abfahren konnte. Absolut nicht empfehlenswert.”
You’ll cruise Groningen with an English-speaking skipper such as Jan, Dheis, or Paulina, passing the Martinitoren, Noorderhaven, AA-church, and canal warehouses. The open boat offers close views and unlimited drinks, but it has no cover, requires a step aboard, and is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.
“Captain Paulina was great fun and very knowledgeable. Loads of drinks on the boat included.”
Start at Forum Groningen and walk 1.5 kilometers through the old center with a local guide. See the Martini Tower, Grote Markt, Folkingestraat, A-church, old harbor, and historic buildings. Guides may lead in Dutch, German, or English, though booking details list Dutch and German.
Spend an easy hour on Groningen’s canals aboard the spacious electric Pronkjewail. You’ll see sights including the Martini Tower, Groninger Museum, and old waterways while enjoying one included drink. Dutch, English, and German audio commentary explains the city’s past.
Set out from Schuitendiep 82 for a one-hour canal tour through Groningen. In English, a skipper guides you past Oosterhaven, Central Station, the Groninger Museum, old trading warehouses, Noorderhaven houseboats, and the 1594 Royal Garden. The boat holds up to 25 people.
“A leisurely boat trip made very interesting by information about the canal and city. Well done Captain”
Explore Groningen by standard bike with a local guide in English, German, or Dutch. In 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll ride from Pims Fietsen past the Groninger Museum, Martini Tower, Grote Markt, university, Oosterpark, and Noorderplantsoen. E-bikes cost €10 extra when available.
“Bert-Jan var en fornøjelse at være på tur med”
Spend one evening hour on Groningen’s canals with an English-speaking guide, wine, and a cheese platter. You’ll pass Central Station, Hoge en Lage der Aa, and the houseboats of Noorderhaven. Guides such as Huib and Jelle bring local stories, while the small group keeps the ride calm and personal.
“Het was een erg leuke rondvaart. De gids vertelde vol passie over de stad Groningen en wij vonden het erg leuk en leerzaam! De kaas en wijn was ook top! Wij zouden het zeker aanraden en wij willen Jelle enorm bedanken voor deze leuke ervaring!”
Spend about an hour on Groningen’s floating terrace, cruising past Oosterhaven, Central Station, Peerd van Ome Loeks, and the Groninger Museum. Order beer, wine, soft drinks, or hot snacks from the onboard bar. The roof folds back in sun and closes quickly in rain.
“Great experience, cozy ship and atmosphere while doing a little bit of sight seeing! If you want something else then the standard terrace, this is the way to go!”
Join Borrelvloot at Schuitendiep 1022 for a cozy Groningen canal cruise with Dutch or English commentary, music, and unlimited drinks. You’ll pass historic city sights, hear local tales, and return near Poelestraat after 1 to 1.5 hours. Optional snacks, barbecue, and beer tasting can be added.
Spend 90 minutes on Groningen’s first floating terrace, with a bar serving beer, wine, soft drinks, and hot vegetarian snacks. The boat passes Oosterhaven, Central Station, Peerd van Ome Loeks, and the Groningen Museum. A roof, heating, toilet, WiFi, and mobile ticket keep the ride comfortable.
“It was an hour with a boat that sailed in the most boring canal outside the city center, until a point, then did a U turn and came back... no guide, no interesting sights, loud music, a stolen hour that costs a lot... the team however were nice”
Discover Groningen through a self-guided app game for two to six people. Follow GPS clues, answer questions, and complete search tasks at 16 city sights, including the Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, Vismarkt, and Prinsentuin. Start, pause, and finish on your own schedule.
“The organization in advance was very bumpy. The access codes came only on demand and not automatically as advertised. The game itself is very well received!Auto-translated”
Take a self-guided Outside Escape game through Groningen, using your phone to solve puzzles tied to the Groninger Museum, Folkingestraat, Der Aa Church, the university quarter, and Waagplein. The 1 to 2-hour route suits groups of up to six people aged 15 and older.
“Speel het spel met meerdere mobieltjes. Of laat een van de groepsleden foto's maken van de omgeving.”
Meet a local guide in Groningen for a private, customized walk lasting two to six hours. Start at your hotel, Airbnb, or a central meeting point, then focus on food, transport, local life, events, or places beyond the usual sightseeing route. English guide, public transport extra.
“It was amazing and would do it again for sure!”
Pick a boat, a windmill or a gallery.
