Groningen Canal Cruise: Historical Sights & Drinks Included

Groningen’s canals by boat with drinks and local tales

You’ll board in Groningen’s marina for an hour-long canal cruise with unlimited drinks and a local skipper sharing stories as you pass sights like the Groninger Museum, old trading warehouses, Martinitoren, and royal gardens. Expect laughter, little surprises along the water’s edge, and that feeling of seeing a city from its quietest side.

What’s included

Your hour-long Groningen canal cruise includes unlimited soft drinks (Coke, Fanta—even zero sugar options), bottled water plus beer or white/rosé wine if you want it. You’ll have a local skipper sharing stories as you pass major sights—all starting at Oosterhaven marina with easy access by public transport or on foot.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Groningen canal cruise and sights

• Pass by Oosterhaven marina
• See Pancake Ship
• Pass by Groningen Central Station
• View Groninger Museum
• Pass warehouses Hoge and Lage der A
• Pass Noorderhaven houseboats
• Pass Royal Garden
• Enjoy canal cruise with skipper's story
• Drink unlimited free drinks

The Experience

You step onto the boat at Oosterhaven and it’s quieter than I expected—just the soft clink of bottles and that cold, watery smell you only get near Dutch marinas. Our skipper, Jan (he had this easy way of talking), passed around chilled bottles—beer, Fanta, whatever you wanted—and pointed out the Pancake Ship floating nearby. I still regret not grabbing a pancake before we left. The sky kept threatening rain but never really followed through, just that low northern light on the water.

We drifted past the Groninger Museum—honestly, it looks like something from another planet with those colors and shapes. Jan told us stories about how traders used to fill these warehouses along Hoge der A and Lage der A back in the Golden Age. Some of them are all fixed up now, others look like they’re holding their breath waiting for something to happen. There was this moment when a couple on a houseboat waved at us; their dog barked once and then just stared as we floated by. I didn’t expect to feel so nosy peeking into people’s floating homes, but it’s hard not to.

The AA Church bells rang as we rounded a corner—louder than you’d think from the water—and someone up front asked about Martinitoren. Jan grinned and said if you can pronounce it right on your first try, you get a free beer (nobody did). We passed De Prinsenhof’s gardens too; even from the boat you could smell something green and sharp drifting over the walls. The whole hour felt both slow and weirdly short at once. I kept thinking about how many lives have moved along these canals before us—traders, students, families—and now here we were with our plastic cups and borrowed stories.

Top questions

How long is the Groningen canal tour?

The canal tour lasts about one hour.

Are drinks included on the Groningen canal cruise?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine (white or rosé), soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Where does the Groningen canal cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Oosterhaven marina in Groningen.

What landmarks will I see during the canal tour?

You’ll see Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, AA Church, De Prinsenhof gardens, historic warehouses along Hoge der A & Lage der A, Noorderhaven marina.

Is there a guide or commentary during the cruise?

Yes, your skipper shares stories about Groningen’s history and sights throughout the tour.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meal is included; only drinks are provided onboard.

Are children allowed on this boat tour?

Yes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes; service animals are allowed on board.