Day trips from Groningen

12 hidden towns and nature spots within 150 km of Groningen, picked by Europe Revealed. Sorted from nearest to furthest.

See them on the map Groningen guide

40 km01 · Nature spotSchiermonnikoog

A car-free Wadden island with one of Europe's widest beaches.

The ferry from Lauwersoog takes about 45 minutes. Buses run from Groningen and Leeuwarden to the ferry.

65 km02 · Popular townGiethoorn

A car-free village of thatched farmhouses linked by canals and footbridges.

Giethoorn is best reached by car. By public transport, take the train to Steenwijk and a bus from there.

85 km03 · Hidden townKampen

A skyline of towers and city gates along the river IJssel.

Trains from Zwolle take about 10 minutes. The old town is walkable.

100 km04 · Nature spotVlieland

A car-free Wadden island of dunes, forest and empty beaches.

Ferries from Harlingen take about 1.5 hours, or 45 minutes by fast ferry.

105 km05 · Hidden townEnkhuizen

A quiet harbour town at the end of the line, with an open-air museum village.

Trains from Amsterdam take about an hour; Enkhuizen is the end of the line.

110 km06 · Hidden townDeventer

A medieval Hanseatic town on the river IJssel, full of bookshops.

Trains run from Amsterdam and Zwolle.

120 km07 · Nature spotTexel

The largest Wadden island, with dunes, wide beaches and seals.

Trains run to Den Helder, then the ferry takes about 20 minutes.

120 km08 · Hidden townHoorn

A Golden Age harbour town with a round defence tower on the water.

Trains from Amsterdam take about 35 minutes.

130 km09 · Hidden townEdam & Volendam

A sleepy cheese town next to a colourful fishing harbour.

Buses run from Amsterdam Centraal, about 30 minutes.

135 km10 · Nature spotHoge Veluwe

Heathland, forest and drifting sand dunes, with free white bikes to ride.

Buses run from Arnhem and Ede-Wageningen stations.

140 km11 · Hidden townNaarden

A star-shaped fortress town ringed by double moats.

Trains run to Naarden-Bussum, then a short bus or walk.

145 km12 · Popular townZaanse Schans

Working windmills and green wooden houses along the river Zaan.

Trains from Amsterdam take about 20 minutes to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then a short walk.

Questions

Day trips from Groningen: good to know

What are the best day trips from Groningen?

Our favourite hidden places near Groningen are Schiermonnikoog (40 km), Giethoorn (65 km), Kampen (85 km) and Vlieland (100 km). All 12 are on this page, sorted by distance.

How far are these places from Groningen?

All of them are within about 150 km of Groningen in a straight line, close enough for a day trip by car, and many by train or bus too. Check each place for how to get there.

Our Groningen guide: day plan & local tips