Groningen, Eelderwolde

Welcome to Groningen, where architectural history and modernity go hand in hand. Get on your bike in the green splendour of the Stadspark and prepare for a route along the rich architectural treasures of this vibrant city, where we selected the most striking architectural gems for you.

Through the city's watery south, you cycle towards the first gem: Wall House #2. This modern building designed by John Hedjuk was built as a holiday home, but is now managed by the Groninger Museum. From the outside, it is already a pleasure to look at, and on weekends it is also open to visitors.

From modern architecture, cycle straight on to Groningen's beautiful historic Station Building, designed by Izaak Gosschalk. Perhaps this station, built in Renaissance style, is the most beautiful in all of the Netherlands. Don't miss the beautiful inside of this station either. Next, cross the city canal and you will find another special building: the Groninger Museum. Designed by the colourful Italian architect Alessandro Mendini, this building breathes art both inside and out.

Via the museum, you cycle into the city centre. Here again, we selected some special buildings for you. In the unique Waagcomplex, the connection between historic and modern is quite literal; the sixteenth-century Goudkantoor is connected to the modern complex from the previous century by a glass roof.

You will also find buildings in neoclassical style (the City Hall) and postmodern, such as the DOT and the Forum. Several architectural styles come together in the Synagogue, and if you venture into the city's smaller streets, you will find buildings from the Amersterdam School. Visit the Art-Deco-style Grand Theatre, for example.

Through the green Noorderplantsoen you cycle towards the modern north of the city. Then be sure to cycle past the Zernike complex, where the extraordinary university buildings are a feast for the eyes. And of course past Reitdiephaven, the Groningen neighbourhood that won third prize at the Day of Architecture in 2009.

In short, Groningen is a feast for every architecture lover! Feast your eyes and experience the architectural wonder from your own bicycle.


This Premium route was compiled by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen.