Waterways and Nature

Explore the diverse landscapes of Groningen, from the historic quays and bridges of the provincial capital to the expansive wetlands of the Dollard and the Wadden Sea. This selection includes architectural landmarks like the Pieter Smitbrug, Europe’s longest bicycle bridge, and the Cold War-era air watch tower in Warfhuizen. Discover heritage structures, birdwatching hides, and panoramic viewpoints such as Noordkaap, the northernmost point of the Dutch mainland.

Lampje / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

Martini Tower

The Martinitoren is the tallest church steeple in the city of Groningen, Netherlands, and the bell tower of the Martinikerk.The tower is…

Hoge en Lage der Aa

Historic quays in Groningen city center lined with 17th and 18th-century warehouses and traditional flat-bottomed sailing ships.

Verdel / CC BY-SA 4.0

Pieter Smitbrug

The Pieter Smitbrug is a series of bridges in Groningen, Netherlands, which completed in February 2021.

Hardscarf / CC BY-SA 3.0

Luchtwachttoren 7O1

A reinforced concrete air watch tower built in 1953 during the Cold War to detect low-flying aircraft that could not be seen by radar.

Hardscarf / CC BY-SA 4.0

A-brug

A historic swing bridge in the center of Groningen crossing the A river, forming part of the city's old defensive moat system.

Alchemist-hp / CC BY-SA 3.0

Geise

A vast tidal mudflat area in the Ems estuary, serving as a vital habitat within the Wadden Sea ecosystem near the Emden harbor.

Noordkaap

The northernmost point of the Dutch mainland, marked by the 'Poort naar het Wad' art installation and offering views over the Wadden Sea.

Witte Brug

A heritage-listed white bridge located in the rural polder landscape near Ten Boer.

Marcel Stijkel / CC-BY-SA

uitkijktoren Blauwestad

A modern wooden observation tower providing panoramic views over the Oldambtmeer lake and the surrounding Blauwestad landscape.

Oude Riet - Uitkijktoren

An observation tower designed for birdwatching, overlooking the marshes and reed beds of the Oude Riet nature reserve.

Oostfriesche Plaat / Ostfriesische Platte

A significant wetland and mudflat area located in the Dollard estuary, known for its diverse bird populations and tidal dynamics.

Kerk van Hornhuizen

A historic church featuring a distinctive brightly colored tower that once served as a navigational beacon for sailors on the Wadden Sea.

Nieuwe Friese Brug

A historic sluice and bridge in Munnekezijl, functioning as a water management structure between the provinces of Groningen and Friesland.

Hardscarf / CC0

Abelstokstertil

A bridge crossing the Kromme Raken waterway in the Hogeland region, situated near a popular recreational forest and canoeing route.

Vogelkijkscherm Piccardthofplas

A sheltered birdwatching screen on the edge of the Piccardthofplas, offering views of local waterfowl and migratory species.