Groningen canal cruise with audio guide: 30+ historical stops

Glide past centuries of trade and power from the water

A one-hour canal cruise through Groningen with an optional multilingual audio guide (English, German, Dutch) written by a professional historian, covering 30+ points of interest centered on the city's past as a sea harbour. The boat passes the Martinitoren and Groninger Museum; drinks are available on board. Infants sit on an adult's lap; the cruise suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Groningen by canal and landmarks

• Board scenic canal cruise
• Enjoy drink on board
• Use optional multilingual audio guide
• Glide past Martinitoren
• View Groninger Museum architecture
• See Peerd van Ome Loeks statue
• Visit Groningen Central Station facade
• Walk around Oosterhaven harbor

The Experience

The cruise departs from the heart of Groningen and follows the canals that shaped the city's fortune as a trading port. You'll glide past the Martinitoren, the Groninger Museum's striking contemporary pavilions, Groningen Central Station's neo-Gothic facade, and the Oosterhaven with its moored ships both old and new. The route winds through charming bridges and hidden green stretches, letting the water itself tell the story of how Groningen built its wealth and power.

The audio guide is optional and available in English, German, or Dutch—each version written by a professional historian who traces the same 30+ points of interest around the theme of Groningen as a Sea Harbour. You control the pace: pause at any stop to linger on a detail, skip ahead, or listen to the whole narrative without interruption. The guide covers trade routes, merchant families, maritime heritage, and the architecture that still stands as proof of that era. If you prefer to cruise without commentary, you can simply sit back with a drink and let the buildings speak for themselves.

Drinks are served on board starting at €3.40, so you can order a beer, coffee or soft drink and settle in for the hour. The boat accommodates all fitness levels, and infants travel free on an adult's lap. Public transportation stops are nearby if you need to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Admission to the one-hour canal cruise.
• optional multilingual audio guide (English, German, Dutch) written by a professional historian and covering 30+ historical points of interest.
• drinks available for purchase on board starting at €3.40.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bootje Speciaal B.V.

Is this one for you?Choose the audio guide if you want to understand the stories behind the buildings and bridges—the historian's commentary turns a scenic hour into a lesson in Groningen's maritime past. Skip it if you'd rather absorb the city's architecture and waterways at your own pace, without narration.

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Top questions

What is the Groninger Museum building like from the water?

The Groninger Museum is a striking example of contemporary architecture opened in 1994, designed by multiple renowned architects including Alessandro Mendini and Philippe Starck. From the canal, you see its vibrant mix of shapes, colors, and materials—the central pavilion features a golden tower and brightly colored facades, while other sections showcase innovative uses of glass, metal, and concrete. The building stands out visually along the Verbindingskanaal and is one of the key stops on the audio guide's maritime history route.

Can I take the cruise without the audio guide?

Yes, the audio guide is optional. You can cruise the canals and enjoy the views of the Martinitoren, Groninger Museum, and other landmarks without any commentary, or you can choose to activate the guide in English, German, or Dutch at any point during the hour.

What does the audio guide actually cover?

The audio guide covers 30+ points of interest organized around the theme of Groningen as a Sea Harbour, exploring the city's history of trade, power, and water. It is written by a professional historian and available in English, German, and Dutch, so you can follow it in whichever language you're most comfortable with.

How long is the cruise and what's included?

The cruise lasts one hour and includes admission to the boat. Drinks are available for purchase on board starting at €3.40; the audio guide is optional and included in the booking if you choose to use it.

Is there a Peerd van Ome Loeks statue visible from the boat?

Yes, the Peerd van Ome Loeks—a bronze statue of Uncle Loeks' Horse near Groningen Central Station—is one of the landmarks you'll pass. Created by artist Jan de Baat and unveiled in 1959, it's a beloved local symbol and part of the city's folklore that the audio guide can help you understand.

Who can take this cruise?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants travel free and must sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation is available nearby to reach the departure point.