Along Groningen’s Wadden Sea coast, vast panoramas, sturdy dikes and species-rich salt marshes shape the landscape. The coastline is constantly changing with the tides. Historic sites and museums also invite you to follow different traces of the past: from a fortress where you can experience the year 1742 to exhibitions about regional history and everyday life around 1900.

Tides, dikes and a changing landscape

You can explore the landscape in Lauwersmeer National Park on foot, by bicycle or by boat. Its history, too, tells of change: the area now covered by the national park was once openly connected to the Wadden Sea. Fearing floods, a dam was built in 1969; a new landscape developed as a result. Along the Wadden Sea coast, meanwhile, the tides shape the changing scenery. When the tidal flats are exposed, it is possible to walk on the seabed. Plan your walk around the tides and safety conditions.

If you are interested in a longer route connecting natural areas, the LF Kustroute links the Lauwersmeer and Dollard natural areas in Groningen. For cycling trips, the Groningen cycling network includes hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths across the province. Check the current route and signage when planning a specific trip.

Fortresses, manors and garden details

At Vesting Bourtange, you can experience the historic year 1742 in an authentic way. The fortress includes a defensive structure built on the orders of Willem van Oranje. An interactive AR tour offers another way to explore the site. Accessibility is also relevant for wheelchair users: much of the historic buildings and ramparts is accessible.

The centuries-old Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren houses a museum and is part of an estate with a unique park. You can visit the museum and stroll through the park. It is open all year from sunrise to sunset, except on event days. Check whether your visit coincides with an event day when planning your trip.

Menkemaborg was built in the 14th century and opened as a museum in 1927. A distinctive feature of the grounds lies behind the Schathuis, the former farm next to Menkemaborg: a formal kitchen garden with beds for vegetables and herbs. Here, the history of the buildings and a clearly structured garden stand side by side as distinct features.

History from different perspectives

Museum Borg Verhildersum presents the history of Groningen on the Wadden Sea coast from the perspectives of the nobility, farmers and agricultural workers. Openluchtmuseum Het Hoogeland focuses on something different: through historic buildings, most of which still stand in their original locations, it gives visitors a glimpse of everyday life around 1900. Bringing these themes together raises different questions about the past: who tells regional history, and what was everyday life like?

Nature to observe and experience

At the WEC field station, visitors can collect data, conduct experiments and study organisms themselves. They can also follow coastal birds there. The WEC is an interactive experience for all ages. This takes the nature experience from outdoor observation to hands-on exploration of organisms and data.

Practical information

From Groningen, you can reach Menkemaborg by taking the train towards Roodeschool to Uithuizen station; from there, it is a ten-minute walk. Check the timetable before travelling. Choose what to see in Groningen according to your interests: coastal landscapes and tides, trails through the national park, historic buildings or museums offering different perspectives.

Discover more destinations

Bellingwedde, De Marne, Pekela, Oldambt, Grootegast, Appingedam, Bedum, Delfzijl, Eemsmond, Groningen, Haren, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Leek, Loppersum, Marum, Menterwolde, Slochteren, Stadskanaal, Ten Boer, Veendam, Vlagtwedde, Winsum, Zuidhorn.

For the main travel overview: Netherlands.