Groningen

Groningen is the largest, or as its inhabitants say, the

capital of the northern part of Holland. It fulfills a central function in the region, and is easily accessible via Groningen Airport Eelde and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The Hanseatic city of Groningen has enjoyed a rich history. Many architectural highlights from the past can still be seen in the city centre, such as the old city walls and the ancient harbours surrounded by historic warehouses and authentic freight ships. Ancient facades in the city centre stand side by side with contemporary Italian architecture and buildings such as the striking head office of the Gasunie gas company, a landmark structure designed by architects Alberts en van de Huut.

The second-oldest university city in Holland, Groningen is home to about 40,000 students, approximately 4,000 of whom are from abroad. The mix of students and locals gives the city a very young sense. The average age of the Groningen population is a mere 34 years! Groningen has so much to offer, from the Noorderslag Festival - a major music festival attracting over 150,000 visitors annually - to exciting exhibitions in the Groninger Museum, or a relaxing bike ride through the city and its lush surroundings. Groningen welcomes you to experience a taste of the north; there is no place like Groningen. And did you know the tower that leans the most in Europe is not in the city you’d expect, but in the small village of Bedum.

Facts & Figures

Inhabitants Groningen city 196,000

Inhabitants Groningen province 582,000

Highest building Martini Tower , 96.8 meter

Harbours Eemshaven / Delfshaven

Students 50,000

Hotel rooms in Groningen 1,130

Hotel rooms in Groningen area 2,096

Number of rooms in 3* hotels 505

Number of rooms in 4* hotels 488

Largest hotel

Hotel Mercure Groningen

Martiniplaza

Conference Centres Martiniplaza, Oosterpoort

Conference capacity 2,500 pax

UNESCO Heritage Groningen Wadden Coast

Conference feature Free public transport for

international conference

delegates

Accessibility

The city and province have a first-rate public transport network. It is also easy to reach Groningen by car, bike or boat, and even by plane. Make use of the many ways to get around and be surprised by the beauty of Groningen.

By air – Groningen Airport Eelde The nearness of the airport, its excellent accessibility, the favourable departure times and the short check-in times make Groningen Airport Eelde an attractive airport to the entire north. This is exactly why an ever increasing number of holidaymakers and business travellers prefer Groningen Airport Eelde over the busy Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. With nearly 209.000 passenger movements in 2012 the airport’s importance is increasing year over year. Flights are offered to many destinations in Southern Europe and the UK. By train Travelling by train is always easy in Holland. Groningen is connected via the fast Intercity railway network, with a high frequency of trains between Groningen and Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. By car Via the A7 or A1/A6 highways, Groningen is easy to reach from anywhere in the country, only just over 1.5 hours from Amsterdam. Once in the city, parking is no problem and the many P+R City Bus sites on the outskirts of the city offer parking and public transport to the city and back. Located in the North-East of Holland, Groningen is an ideal cross-border location for German meeting organisers.

Venues

Groningen offers a great alternative to the major Dutch cities, continuously improving accessibility, a price level approximately 30% lower in comparison to Holland’s other cities, and a wide range of historic and modern, small and large venues. The city is home to many international meetings, thanks to the excellent reputation of the University of Groningen, The Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University Medical Center Groningen.

The MartiniPlaza exhibition hall has a exhibition space upward of 15.000 m² and has a 30(!) meter high ceiling. The MartiniPlaza complex is the largest conference -, exhibition and event center in the city and the atmospheric theater hall can facilitate both small meetings and large conventions up to 2000 delegates.

Groningen offers many noteworthy venues and hotels, ranging from the eight centuries old former Der Aa church - now a spectacular setting for meetings and dinners – to Het Kasteel (The Castle) - the neo-Gothic monumental former faculty of the Groningen University. Modern facilities, such as the Groninger Museum and the architectural marvel The Wall House, make great meeting venues. Alternatively, enjoy the theatrical atmosphere of the 1883 neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg, a spectacular setting for larger meetings, while the intimate Kruithuis is a great theatre setting for smaller groups. The city is also home to a wealth of exclusive venues for smaller meeting groups. Whether you are looking for a boardroom for ten, a creative environment for your next brainstorm session, or the classic grandeur of a historical venue, Groningen offers it all.

Hidden Secrets

Five centuries of history at Prinsenhof Groningen Friars and princes went before you in the Prinsenhof, a beautifully restored early 15th-century residence of dignitaries. Its historic grandeur has been restored, and with its modern conveniences it is a gem in the heart of the city of Groningen. The staff are eager to ensure the success of your business meeting, from 10 to 300 people, or your private dinner. The hotel offers 34 unique rooms in the historical building. www.prinsenhof-groningen.nl Sleeping on a ship As various canals run through Groningen, numerous ships are docked here. These ships offer your guests an opportunity to experience Groningen in a unique way. Several boats are in fact hotels, and offer special and affordable accommodation. Many of the ships may be rented exclusively for your group. One of numerous options is the ‘Mars’ sailing ship, which offers 13 comfortable cabins. http://en.slaapschepen.nl Apartment-style accommodation at Miss Blanche’s Do you wish your participants to experience something other than a hotel while staying in Groningen? Miss Blanche’s Short Stay Suites & Apartments are an interesting alternative in the city. Enjoy the creature comforts of a high-end hotel, in this stately monument next to one of the canals. Twelve luxurious and tastefully decorated suites offer a high level of privacy. An excellent espresso bar which serves Fair Trade products only, is located downstairs. One of the few waterfront terraces in Groningen is at Café De Sigaar (The Cigar). www.missblanche.nl

Hidden Secrets

Raadhuis van Berlage The former city hall of Usquert is an architectonic monument, designed by the famous Dutch designer Berlage. The remarkable balance between interior and exterior demonstrates the Berlage style, keeping building materials visible to the eye. Until the 1990s the building was in use as Usquert’s city hall, and nowadays it is open for meeting and event groups of up to 54 people. www.blgroningen.nl Asgard Hotel This stylish boutique hotel in the museum district of Groningen offers environmentally conscious accommodation and a trendy interior, decorated with natural elements. The hotel combines the use of ecological materials with the exposition of modern art to create a unique hotel concept. The hotel is situated in a characteristic building, dating back to 1935, and blends its original, architectural features with contemporary design. Two meeting rooms for 20 people are also available. www.asgardhotel.nl Het Paleis Hotel The former chemical laboratory of the University of Groningen was built between 1910 and 1912. Since 2005 the complex has been a creative breeding place. Now known as Het Paleis (The Palace) it is a cultural residential and working complex, where artists, entrepreneurs and culture enthusiasts can meet and inspire, can live and work together. The place in which new ideas and initiatives are developed with various activities for a broad target audience. The complex offers a ten-room hotel. Each room was created by a local designer, and several meeting rooms. The largest, the former lecture hall, seats 150 pax. www.hetpaleisgroningen.nl

After your meeting in Groningen

Pieterburen is known for its seal sanctuary in which seals washed ashore are looked after. In the visitors’ centre, the treatment and care of seals can be seen from up close. The village is also the starting point for a walk across the mud flats, at low tide, the perfect way to explore the Wadden area. But be sure to keep track of the tide, as the rising water will wash away your fresh footsteps. The longest walking route in Holland – the 464-km-long Pieterpad trail – starts here as well. The Groninger Museum is well-known for its exceptional and colourful building and its fascinating exhibitions and intriguing collection. It is a place dedicated to both study and relaxation, bursting with artistic energy. Another very visible monument is the over 500-year-old Martinitoren church tower. Locals affectionately call it ‘d'Olle Grieze’ (the Old Grey). With its 96.8 meters it majestically towers above the city, it offers visitors - who undertake a climb to the first tier - a great view of the city and surroundings. Many historical areas are worth discovering, preferably by foot and with or without a guide. The A-quarter features many galleries, studios and bookshops. Discover little known places and alleys and many historical sites. Another must-see neighbourhood is the Ebbinge Quarter, transformed from industrial area into a thriving area of creativity, culture and hospitality. The Lauwersmeer National Park with its four marinas is ideal for water sports fans. Sailing, canoeing, kite surfing; anything is possible in this untouched area with plenty of space for everyone. If you have time, do take the ferry to the island of Schiermonnikoog that departs from Lauwersoog. The greater part of this Wadden Island is a National Park, so this is where you find true tranquillity and lots of space, ideal for hiking and biking.

After your meeting in Groningen

Next to nothing beats Groningen Let yourself be carried away by the wind to an unknown destination. View earthly life from a distance, and you will realize, once you are back on solid ground, that you have just undergone a unique experience. An experience your participants will never forget. A perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, reward people, or give a boost to the planning of your strategic goals. www.dreamflights.nl Natural Beauty at the Groninger Museum The Groninger Museum describes the 'Natural Beauty‘ exhibition as a 'feast for the eyes‘. It runs until the end of May 2014. The exhibition presents impressive landscapes and still-lifes from the collection of the German tropical physician and art collector Gustav Rau (1922-2002). He is considered one of the most extraordinary collectors of this time. He brought together a unique collection of some 800 paintings and sculptures, providing an overview of five centuries of European art history. www.groningermuseum.nl Abbey Golf For a really special treat, you will have to travel to the southernmost tip of the province of Groningen. Here you can visit a beautiful 16th-century monastery, located in a wooded area, and get an insight into the secrets of monastic life. You can experience the estate through a round of 'monastery golf'! No slick greens here, just use what nature provides, and no lessons required. The reward awaits you after the final hole, a heavenly monastery beer, brewed in accordance with ancient tradition! http://www.groningenevents.nl/arrangement/38/kloostergolf.html

Restaurants in Groningen

Louis XV ‘After us the deluge’ is a famous saying, inextricably linked to the court of the French king Louis XV (1710-1774). Loosely translated it means ‘Enjoy the moment, we will see what happens tomorrow’. The restaurant and wine bar are very welcoming. The decor is best described as Neo-Baroque. Louis XV is contemporary, with beautiful classical elements. louisxv.nl Proud as a Peacock Less than a minute’s walk from Grote Markt lies Restaurant De Pauw (The Peacock). It is housed in a historical building, one of many in the heart of Groningen. The atmospheric, almost romantic feel, gives the restaurant a chic look. Classic craftsmanship and culinary adventure go hand in hand in the kitchen, and is reflected in the dishes on the menu. The wine list has some very special and off-the-beaten-track wines, some of which are more than half a century old. www.depauw.nl PS! Coffee, art & chocolate Not really a restaurant, but a must for coffee lovers and people looking for surprising gifts. PS! is a contemporary and colourful specialty coffee bar and gift shop in Groningen, playfully decorated with curves inspired by Gaudi's Parc Guell. You can enjoy the delicious coffees prepared with passion and love. Treat yourself to some of the homemade delicacies, such as apple pie, carrot cake, cheesecake, banana bread, and brownies. While enjoying all the goodies, be inspired by the colourful and narrative paintings by Toyist art movement followers from around the world. www.mijnps.nl

Restaurants in Groningen

De Biechtstoel Cafe Restaurant De Biechtstoel (The Confessional) is the ultimate nostalgic place for food and drinks, adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary and many other religious references to the digestive system, Ascension and 'forgiveness after confession’. A truly remarkable place in which all sinners can be blessed with good food and drink! www.debiechtstoel.com Muller Groningen’s best restaurant and its highly acclaimed Patron Jean-Michel Hengge made a rigorous choice. In September 2011 he transformed his Michelin-star restaurant into a private dining concept. Making sure to pursue his dream before he would lose the pleasure in his work, Hengge now serves a single daily menu to the eight to ten people who are lucky to secure a place in his cosy and elegant restaurant. www.restaurantmuller.nl Bistro 't Gerecht Awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, this is one of the top restaurants in Groningen. Seasonal products are a main feature on the menu, with elegant salads, fresh fish, and the best steak & fries in town. The decor puts you in a Parisian mood, a perfect setting for a great evening of dining and conversation. Group dinners and private business dinners may be arranged. As NH Hotel De Ville is next door, you haven’t far to go after dinner. www.bistrohetgerecht.nl

Dining with Groups

Hotel Schimmelpennick Huys Hotel Schimmelpennick Huys is a 60-room 3-star hotel in the city center of Groningen, situated in a monumental former patrician house. Walk inside and discover the splendor of yesteryear. In addition to great accommodation, the hotel has magnificent rooms in Empire, Baroque and Art Nouveau style, the perfect setting for private dinners, for small groups to up to 100 people. www.charmehotels.eu/nl/groningen Het Goudkantoor An unusual property at an unusual location. The monumental 'Goudkantoor' (Gold Office) is nearly 400 years old. This bar cum restaurant is ensuring a friendly drink and food experience. It offers a perfect view of the Martini Tower. A beautiful, classically furnished private room, with wonderful views over the city, is located on the first floor. It is very suitable for private dinners for 20-45. Het Goudkantoor dates from 1635. Originally, it was the tax collector’s office, and, in later centuries, accommodated many other occupants, including museums and the local tourist office. http://www.goudkantoor.nl/ De Piloersema Some occasions just call for a trip outside the city, to explore new treasures in the countryside. Just outside Groningen lies and old borg, a local style of farmhouse, that dates back to 1633. The borg is now home to De Piloersema Restaurant. This is the only remaining farmhouse of its kind, and its cultural heritage is well preserved. De Piloersema offers a unique setting for a private dinner or small meeting, from 10 to 80 people. The owners previously ran a Michelin-star restaurant, and strive to offer a top culinary experience for each guest. www.piloersema.nl

Contact

Groningen Convention Bureau Ubbo Emmiussingel 37B 9711 BC Groningen the Netherlands Phone +31 (0)50-3168877 Fax +31 (0)50-3126047 E-mail info@gcb.nl Website www.gcb.nl