Gardens, parks and beaches
If you’re a student seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life or a nature enthusiast looking for serene spots to relax and unwind, you’ve come to the right place. Down here, we will take you on a journey through the lush greenery, vibrant gardens, charming parks, and refreshing beaches that Groningen has to offer. Discover the perfect places to study, socialize, or simply enjoy the outdoors while dipping yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Groningen.
Prinsenhof Gardens
Prinsentuin is a garden built in renaissance style that is located in Groningen, behind the Prinsenhof. The garden is in the city center of Groningen. It is very small but beautiful, consisting of labyrinths, roses and herb plants. There is a café in the garden which makes this location the most quiet and beautiful spot to have a coffee in Groningen.
Martinikerkhof park
Martinikerkhof is the park behind the Martini Tower. It is very small and quiet. It is perfect for sunny studying.
Pioenpark
Pioenpark is a small park located a bit further away from the city center. It has a small garden and a public, free of charge tennis court. It is a park between neighborhoods.
Noorderplantsoen
Noorderplantsoen is the biggest park located this close to the city center. It is one of the best locations to hang out with friends when the sun is out. You will see thousands of people lying on the grass and catching sunrays. Many people bring barbecues (this is allowed in certain BBQspots) and enjoy the weather. The park has basketball and volleyball pitches. Moreover, at the end of August, the park becomes a cultural area with the festival Noorderzon.
Stadspark
Stadspark literally translates to city park. This is the biggest city park and it is located in the south of Groningen. It has big walking areas, a restaurant, canals and small forests. It is picturesque with the big, old trees around. In this park, there is also a children’s zoo park. In the small zoo park (free entry), you can see and pet some chickens, goats, rabbits and cats.
Wijkpark/Kardinge
Wijkpark/Kardinge is located in the East side of Groningen (neighborhood Lewenborg). This park is 6 km away from the city center. It is a very natural park with cows, sheep, horses, birds and turtles. You can have an off road run and walk in the meadows. The park is fairly big and very different from the park described above.
Hoornsemeer
Hoornsemeer is not a park but it has a beach. It is the “sea” of Groningen. During the summer time, it is full of people swimming, laying around and doing water sports. It has some green areas with a few trees and grass. The beach is also located near an old windmill which makes the place overall impressive. Groningen also has a city beach which is located near the Student Hotel, this is a top location to be during the hot days.
Hortus Botanicus Haren
Vosbergen Eelde
Vosbergen Eelde will be the ultimate challenge to go to by bike. It is 14km away fromGroningen, which is 40 minutes by bike. The road passes through Hoornsemeer and is full of many small, beautiful bike roads. In the park the Music Museum Vosbergen is located which is small and yet very diverse with musical instruments. The park feels like a forest and you can bike in it. The open spaces are impressive, and you can just lay there in the park and not meet anybody for hours.
