There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. Every week, UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events in the upcoming week are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: Tea house at the Prinsentuin
I am originally from Groningen, and the Prinsentuin makes me feel all nostalgic. I can still remember my father explaining to me how the sundial in the garden worked. These days, I drop by in between study sessions to relax somewhere other than the Noorderplantsoen.
The tea house is only open when the weather is nice between April 1 and October 1, but when it is, it’s the perfect place to cool down. And when you’ve finished your drink, you can take a walk through the garden. Although many people think it’s part of the expensive Prinsenhof hotel next door – the one where Dua Lipa stayed last winter – the garden is freely accessible to anyone.
There are two entrances to the garden: one on the Turfsingel, which will have you encounter the sundial I mentioned and which makes for a great picture opportunity with the Martinitoren in the background, and one at the Kattenhage.
A few historical facts that I think make the Prinsentuin even more interesting: the garden was built in 1626 for stadtholder Willem Frederik and his wife Albertine Agnes; they lived in the Prinsenhof. However, the current garden is not the original one. That one fell into disrepair and was ultimately converted into a square with stables. The current garden was reconstructed on the basis of a city map from 1634 and opened in 1939.
One more reason to visit the garden: the yearly poetry event Dichters in de Prinsentuin (Poets in the Prinsentuin), where poets recite their works in this beautiful green setting. This year’s event will take place from July 7 to 9.
Tea house Prinsentuin
Martinikerkhof 23
Open April 1 – October 1, Tue-Sun, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where you’ll find me this week:
- USVA: line-dancing workshop
Time: June 20, 8.30 p.m.
Price: 6 euros for students, 9 euros for everyone else
I’ve really only ever seen line dancing in movies, done by people in bad cowboy hats and kicky boots. I’d love to find out how this whole thing works, preferably with Dolly Parton playing in the background.
- Museum aan de A: Vraauwlu – Groningers die je wil kennen
Time: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 – 7 p.m. Open until January 7
Price: 4.50 euros for anyone 21 and under, 8 euros for everyone else
Are you secretly a little sick of hearing about Aletta Jacobs over and over again? Have you never heard of Julia da Lima, but are you already intrigued by her? Then you’ll love this exhibit! It’s about women in Groningen who, while not as well known as Aletta, are just as important.
- Bierfestival 050
Time: June 23, 5 – 10 p.m., June 24, 1 – 10 p.m.
Price: 10 euros (early bird)
This festival, which is being held outside the Graansilo, has seven local breweries from the city and its surroundings. You get a free beer glass, and a lot of great information about beer. Even if you’re not as much into beer as some people are, it’s still a great event to support your local entrepreneurs and with any luck, the weather is nice as you visit this festival in the city centre near the water.
- Het Groninger Landschap: Visitor Centre Reitdiep
Time: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: an optional donation of 2.50 euros
Like I said, I’m originally from Groningen, which means I have a fondness for the Groningen landscape. Some people might call it flat and wet, but that’s exactly what I love about it. It’s a quick trip from the centre to the Reitdiep, where you’ll find the visitor centre. There, you can pick up a cycling or walking route which will easily keep you occupied for an afternoon. It’s a great way to leave the city and explore the surrounding countryside.
- Forum: Rooftop Cinema
Time: every Wednesday around 10 p.m.
Price: 25 euros
During the summer, you can watch a movie in the open air every Wednesday on top of the Forum. I’m personally really looking forward to ‘The Big Lebowski’ (a classic) on July 5, but if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s sure to be something else that takes your fancy.