10 Municipalities of Groningen Province in a Nutshell
10 Municipalities of Groningen Province in a Nutshell
Discover the quaint villages, natural landscapes, traditional windmills and other noteworthy attractions in the 10 municipalities of Groningen.
Groningen, located in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, is primarily known for its agricultural landscape. Its capital city shares the same name and is the main urban centre in the region. Despite its seemingly flat terrain, Groningen has a rich heritage and distinctive scenery. This area has a long history of human intervention to manage water levels and reshape the landscape, evident through features like ditches, terps, and pastures. Visitors can explore picturesque villages, historic estates, and enjoy the relaxed countryside lifestyle in this northern Dutch province.
The province of Groningen is divided into 10 different municipalities, and this article aims to give a brief overview of each area, with a few recommendations on places to visit.
1. Groningen city
As the largest city in the Northern Netherlands and the provincial capital, Groningen offers a unique atmosphere blending historical charm with modern architecture. With a wide range of activities to offer: from museums, shopping districts, and lively nightlife, it's a top destination in the region. But you already know the places to visit in the city, so we are quickly moving on to other areas.
2. Westerkwartier
The Westerkwartier, situated in the western part of Groningen province, Netherlands, is a diverse region with rich historical and natural heritage. Its northern area, encompassing the town of Zuidhorn, features a marsh landscape dotted with wierden (artificial dwelling mounds), known as Middag-Humsterland, designated as a 'National Landscape'. In contrast, the southern part, centred around Leek, offers a bocage landscape.
This historical region, bordering Friesland to the west and Drenthe to the south, was consolidated into a single municipality in 2019, previously comprising four municipalities: Leek, Zuidhorn, Grootegast, and Marum. The Westerkwartier is home to numerous towns, villages, and hamlets, with larger towns like Leek, Zuidhorn, Marum, and Tolbert serving as commuter hubs for Groningen city. Additional notable villages include Grootegast, Grijpskerk, Aduard, and Zevenhuizen.
See: Wierdenland Museum, LEGiO Museum, Blôde Fuottenpaad
3. Midden-Groningen
Midden-Groningen, nestled in Groningen province's heart, offers serene landscapes of lakes, marshlands, and woodlands, dotted with charming villages. Despite its rural tranquillity, it's just a short drive from the city. Since 2018, it has formed a single municipality, comprising the former Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Slochteren, and Menterwolde regions. Hoogezand, the largest town, hosts a thriving population, while other villages like Slochteren and Muntendam also thrive. Midden-Groningen was also the location of the Groningen gas field, which was excavated for its resources, causing earthquakes and raising safety concerns. Recently, a decision has been made to stop mining the gas fields and switch to more sustainable methods of heating and energy.
See: St. Willibrordus Church, Sappemeer; Schildmeer and Zuidlaardermeer lakes, Fraeylemaborg.
4. Het Hogeland
The Hogeland region in Groningen, Netherlands, offers a picturesque landscape characterised by grasslands, winding dikes, and historic residential mounds. In 2019, Het Hogeland municipality was formed, encompassing areas north of Groningen city. With a population of 48,000, the region is renowned for its large farms, stately castles, and well-preserved mound villages like Ezinge and Garnwerd. Cycling or walking through the Hogeland offers an opportunity to explore its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, with meandering waterways adding to its charm.
See: Borg Nienoord, Church of Midwolde, Westerkwartierpluspad.
5. Eemsdelta
Eemsdelta, a newly formed Dutch municipality in Groningen province since January 2021, resulted from the merger of Appingedam, Delfzijl, and Loppersum municipalities. With a population of 45,098 inhabitants as of January 1, 2024, it encompasses the COROP region of "Delfzijl and surroundings." Not to be confused with the former municipality of Eemsmond, which merged into Het Hogeland in 2019, Eemsdelta boasts historic landmarks like the hanging kitchens of Appingedam and the vibrant seaport town of Delfzijl. Nestled near the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage, it offers picturesque villages with medieval churches atop ancient dwelling hills, creating a blend of space and vitality.
See: Wadden Sea, Appingdam hanging kitchens, Museum Møhlmann.
6. Oldambt
Oldambt, located in the eastern part of Groningen province, Netherlands, was historically known as the granary of the Netherlands. Today, it is famous for its rapeseed fields, canals, lakes, and the Dollard Bay coast. Winschoten serves as the main town, renowned for its traditional windmills. Other notable villages include Scheemda and the spa town Bad Nieuweschans. Despite its agricultural heritage, Oldambt now faces economic challenges, with a declining and ageing population. Efforts to revitalise the region include projects like Blauwestad, aimed at boosting tourism and attracting residents. In 2010, several municipalities merged to form the Oldambt municipality, which covers part of the historical region.
See: Windmills, Fontana Resort Bad Nieuweschans, Pieter Dekker Rondvaarten.
7. Stadskanaal
Stadskanaal, a town and municipality in Groningen province, Netherlands, has a population of 32,715. Named after the canal Stadskanaal, it thrived from 1800 to 1900 as a hub for peat mining, with the canal transporting peat to Groningen, the provincial capital. Locally known as "Knoal" in the Gronings dialect, Stadskanaal retains its historical charm, offering visitors a glimpse into its past through its well-preserved centre. Stadskanaal is sometimes also considered to be part of the region of Westerwolde to the east.
See: De Poststraatkerk, Musselkanaal, Onstwedde.
8. Veendam
Veendam, located in the province of Groningen in the Northern Netherlands, is a municipality with 27,517 inhabitants as of January 1, 2024. With an area of 78.7 km², it received its current boundaries in 1969, incorporating part of the former municipality of Wildervank. Veendam's history is intertwined with the Groningen Veenkoloniën peat district, flourishing as a significant industrial centre. Today, its streets are lined with monuments and listed buildings, reflecting its rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy exploring numerous events and attractions, making it an ideal destination for a pleasant trip.
See: Wildervank, Veendam city, Veenkoloniaal museum.
9. Westerwolde
Westerwolde, located in the southeastern part of Groningen province, Netherlands, is known for its rural charm and historic fortified villages, including Oudeschans and the renowned Bourtange. The region comprises the municipalities of Vlagtwedde and Bellingwedde, set to merge in 2018 as the municipality of Westerwolde. With approximately 30 villages and hamlets, Ter Apel serves as the largest village, alongside Vlagtwedde, Sellingen, Bellingwolde, and Blijham. Tourists flock to Bourtange, famed for its star-shaped fort. While some definitions include Stadskanaal municipality in Westerwolde, it is also associated with the Veenkoloniën.
See: Fort Bourtange, Ter Apel Monastery, Oudeschans.
10. Pekela
Pekela is a municipality in Groningen province, Netherlands, formed in 1990 through the merge of Oude Pekela and Nieuwe Pekela. The Pekel Aa river runs through the municipality from north to south. Key population centres include Boven Pekela (Upper Pekela), Nieuwe Pekela (New Pekela), and Oude Pekela (Old Pekela), along with parts of Alteveer village and the hamlets of Bronsveen and Hoetmansmeer. Pekela is currently the smallest municipality on the mainland of the Northern Netherlands in terms of population.
See: Kapiteinshuis Pekela, Villa Elsa, Pekelder Windmill.