Groningen: Canal Cruise - open boat (optional) Audio Guide
- 1 hour
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 3 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover Groningen's hidden past from the water on a scenic canal cruise that brings the city's rich history to life. Glide past the Martinitoren and the Groninger Museum while enjoying a drink on board. Dive deeper into the city's maritime heritage with an optional multilingual audio guide, written by a professional historian. The audio tour covers 30+ points of interest around the theme of Groningen as a Sea Harbour — a story of trade, power, and water. Navigate charming bridges and hidden green stretches while uncovering centuries of history at your own pace. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing way to explore the city with friends or family, this cruise offers something truly special. - Audio guide available in multiple languages - Enjoy a drink on board, ️- 30+ historical points of interest
Inclusions
What's included
- Admission fee
What's not
- Drinks start at €4.20 for a Heineken beer. The age limit is 18 and up.
- Drinks start at €3.40 euro
Itinerary
The Groningen Museum building is a striking example of contemporary architecture, renowned for its bold and unconventional design. Opened in 1994, the museum's architecture is the result of a collaboration between several renowned architects, including Alessandro Mendini, Philippe Starck, and Coop Himmelb(l)au. The building's exterior is a vibrant mix of shapes, colors, and materials, creating a visually captivating structure that stands out along the Verbindingskanaal. The museum is composed of several interconnected pavilions, each with its own unique design and character. The central pavilion, designed by Mendini, features a golden tower and brightly colored facades, while other sections incorporate innovative uses of glass, metal, and concrete. The diverse architectural styles reflect the eclectic nature of the museum's art collections.
The "Peerd van Ome Loeks" is a well-known statue located near the Groningen Central Station, serving as a beloved landmark and a symbol of local folklore. The statue, which translates to "Uncle Loeks' Horse" in English, depicts a life-sized horse and is a tribute to a famous local story about a man named Loeks and his faithful steed. The sculpture captures the essence of the tale, with the horse standing proudly, evoking a sense of loyalty and strength. Created by artist Jan de Baat and unveiled in 1959, the statue has become an iconic piece of public art in Groningen. It is made of bronze, giving it a timeless and enduring quality.
Groningen Central Station, known as "Hoofdstation Groningen," is a significant transportation hub and architectural landmark in the city of Groningen. Opened in 1896, this historic station is renowned for its stunning architecture, blending neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival styles. A visit to Groningen Central Station offers an opportunity to appreciate its beautiful facade, featuring ornate details, turrets, and large windows. Inside, the grandeur continues with a spacious and elaborately decorated main hall, adorned with stained glass windows and intricate tile work. The station is not only a key transportation node, connecting Groningen with other major cities in the Netherlands and beyond, but also a cultural and historical landmark. It serves as a gateway to the city, welcoming visitors with its striking architectural beauty.
The Oosterhaven in Groningen is a charming harbor that plays a significant role in the maritime history of the city. Located on the edge of the city center, the Oosterhaven offers picturesque views with moored ships, both historical and modern, contributing to the area's unique charm.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 58
- 41
- 30
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- 10
Ratings come from 9 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The easiest way to find the boarding location of Terrasje Speciaal is by searching for "Terrasje Speciaal" on Google Maps. Look out for the Bootje Speciaal beach flag at the meeting point, it's up whenever we're operating.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 40 travellers
- Operated by
- Bootje Speciaal B.V.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Groningen
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 21 experiences we list in Groningen.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 9 of 21.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Groningen
Groningen is the main city of the northern Netherlands, a university town of canals, bicycles and a tall church tower, close to the Wadden Sea.
Groningen has been a trading town since the Middle Ages, and the Martinitoren, a tower almost a hundred metres high, rises over the Grote Markt, the main square. The university, founded in 1614, means that a large share of the population is young, and bicycles seem to outnumber cars on the narrow streets. The Groninger Museum, in a bright, angular building on a canal, mixes art, design and local history.
Top-ranked sights in Groningen: Groninger Museum.






