Wanderers : Netherlands 🇳🇱 - Groningen: Netherlands’ Northern Jewel

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands’ north, Groningen is a city that blends youthful energy with historic charm. We thoroughly enjoyed the architectural beauty and culinary surprises we encountered. Bicycles are the mode of transportation and they speed around at like 50 mph! Crossing streets with vehicle traffic wasn't a problem. It was the 'bike' streets that were a concern.

At least these bikes were parked

🏛️ What did we do?

"The Akerk is approximately eight hundred years old. Around 1200, a chapel was built on the east bank of the A river. This quickly grew into a large cruciform basilica, a church building with a cross-shaped floor plan. The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, many of whom lived in this part of the city. The A river was an important waterway for trade. The Akerk wasn't first mentioned in a written document until 1246. In the fifteenth century, extensive work was undertaken to enlarge the church. The work took approximately seventy years. As a result, by around 1495, the Akerk largely assumed the form it still has today."

Canals, Boats, & Swing Bridge

Backlog from bridge opening!

Groninger Museum – A bold, modern building housing contemporary art, fashion, and design. Even if you’re not a museum buff, the architecture alone is worth the visit.

Noorderplantsoen – A lush park perfect for picnics, jogs (if you're into joggoing), or lazy afternoons. Great for an afternoon stroll away from the tourists.

We found a spot to hide from
the rain.

Forum Groningen – A futuristic cultural hub with a rooftop terrace, cinema, library, cafes (that sound beer and wine!) and exhibitions. The views from the top rival Martinitoren. We headed right to the top.

Groningen Town Hall located on the Grote Markt.

Part of their extensive
art collection

Martini Church

The Church from the top of the Forum

We happened upon a concert during our visit.

Martinitoren you must climb the steps of this 15th-century tower for panoramic views of the city. It has burned down, been struck by lightning and nearly collasped (so glad I read that after climbing to the top). It is the city's tallest building (97 meters). The day we visited was National Museum weekend and entrance fees were waived (not planned).

Up we go!

Hey Rob look down

The bells chime with history, and the ascent is a rite of passage.

You can ring my be-e-ell, ring my bell!

We still have higher to go!

A little higher!

You have to come out, we have to go higher.

We made it to 227 steps, but we are not done yet.

We still have higher to go, oh my!

My proof that I made it

Now to make our way back down.

My artistic picture

What a job!

Prinsentuin – A hidden Renaissance garden behind the Prinsenhof. Quiet, symmetrical, and blooming with roses—ideal for a reflective pause.

Rode Weeshuis (Red orphanage) in 1599 it was established as an orphanage. It remained an orphanage until 1956. It is now housing for the elderly.

Vismarkt or the Fish Market during the week the area is filled with vendors selling fruits, meats, cheeses, nuts, breads. On the weekend the area become a flea market and on Monday mornings the area is completely cleared.

Herbs

Potatoes

Breads

Cheeses

Fruits

Crabs

Fish

Eggs

Grains

Meats

An empty market place

A few Random pictures.

All About The beer!

I need to do a blog of Doors around the world.

🍽️ Where did we eat?

Groningen’s food scene surprised us. Here are the standout spots:

Cafe Willem Albert was the restaurant at our hotel. Not only did we do dinner but our breakfast was included every morning. This place had the best croissants I have ever had, hence packing on the pounds.

The tables where we were sitting was a seat on a sofa and a chair on the opposite side. This guy decided he needed to sit next to his wife. Just a little uncomfortable for Rob. It wasn't like they were splitting the coffee and dessert. They each had their own. But that's Europe. They aren't big on personal space.

Breakfast

They had the best Croissants

Gelato

Stracciatella & Caramel
Pistachio & Stracciatella

Phachamama a South American/Japanese-inspired gem just steps from our hotel. We enjoyed a five-course meal with a wine pairing. It was fanstastic! And we weren't too stuffed.

Amuse
Passionfruit Salmon Huacatay

Our first course was paired with a Vermentino 2024 -- a white wine from France.

Japanese Milk Bread, Pita Chimichurri,
Tortilla

Pumpkin Bread, Pimenta, Furikake
Butter, Salsa Criola, Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Our second course was paired with Valmoro -- a white wine from Spain.

Smoked Eel Cashew Thai Basil

Watermelon Ceviche Leche de Tigre
Sweety Drops

Our third course was paired with an interesting orange wine 2000 Leguas from Spain. It gets the name 'orange' because it is made with the juice and grape skin which gives it an orange color.

Chicken Karaage Nikkei Peanut Sauce
Kumquat

Eryngii (Mushroom) Sambaizu
Aji Panca (Peruvian Red Pepper)

Our fourth course was paired with a red wine from Toscana, Italy.


Lamb Quinoa Coriander

Humita Togarashi Corn

Carrot Habanero Smoked Yoghurt

Pre-dessert, Rob thought he was getting a drink.

Pisco Sour

The white foam is the alchol

Our last course was served with a sweet wine from Portugal 🇵🇹. It was good and not overly sweet.

Banana Miso Dulche de Leche

The food was phenominal.

PJ’s – Casual yet elevated, PJ’s serves up comfort food with finesse. From juicy burgers to seasonal specials, it’s the kind of place where locals linger and visitors feel instantly at home.

Smash Burger
Brioche, bacon, cheddar, & onion

Fries

Salad

Carpaccio, truffle mayo, Parmesan

Pork belly, kimchi, red cabbage
pita, Korean BBQ sauce, & yoghurt

Werkman for a beer.

Gustatio – Italian elegance in the heart of Groningen (steps from our hotel). Handmade pasta, velvety sauces, and a wine list that whispers Tuscany. The service was impeccable. This was a Michelin star restaurant up to 2021. Bellissimo.

Spaghetti Alla Vongole

Pappardelle Al Ragu Bianca

🏨 Where did we stay?

Market Hotel – Comfort in the city’s pulse and perfectly positioned on Grote Market. We had a phenomenal view of the square and town hall and the hum of city life just outside our third floor window. The rooms are sleek and spacious, the beds cloud-soft, and the breakfast buffet? Worth waking up for.

What is behind this door

ohhh the sh*tter

Our view

A night picture

🚆 🚌 How did we get here?

We took the DB (Deutsche Bahn) train from Bremen Hbf to Leer (Ostfriesl).

From there, we took a bus to Groningen. Rob hates buses! Our train was delayed by 30 minutes because "there were persons on the track". 🥺 So we missed our bus connection and had an almost two hour wait for the next one.