Complete Guide to Northern Netherlands (2025)

Visiting Groningen, located in the Northern Netherlands, offers a vibrant blend of youthful energy and rich cultural life. The city is known for its lively student population, which infuses the streets with a dynamic and creative atmosphere. Groningen’s compact city centre is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, with a mix of historic architecture, modern shops, and bustling cafés lining the canals and squares.

Groningen boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres. The Groninger Museum, with its striking contemporary design, showcases a diverse range of art and exhibitions that appeal to all tastes. Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals celebrating music, film, and local culture, making it an engaging destination for visitors who enjoy creative events and nightlife.

Beyond the urban charm, Groningen is surrounded by picturesque countryside featuring flat landscapes, traditional farms, and quaint villages. The nearby Wadden Sea coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unique nature experiences including mudflat hiking and birdwatching. Whether you’re drawn to city life or nature, Groningen provides a well-rounded visit in the heart of the Northern Netherlands.

Visiting Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of Friesland in the Northern Netherlands, offers a charming blend of culture, creativity, and picturesque canals. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, where you’ll find lively markets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés lining historic streets. Leeuwarden is known for its welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of local identity, enriched by Frisian language and traditions.

Art and culture thrive in Leeuwarden, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing everything from contemporary works to traditional Frisian crafts. The city frequently hosts festivals, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate its unique heritage and modern creativity. Visitors can enjoy walking tours that highlight striking street art and impressive architecture, including its iconic leaning tower.

Beyond the city limits, Leeuwarden serves as a gateway to Friesland’s scenic landscapes, including lakes, waterways, and nature reserves. Whether you’re interested in urban exploration or outdoor adventures, Leeuwarden offers a balanced experience. Its friendly vibe and cultural richness make it an engaging destination within the Northern Netherlands region.

Assen, located in the northern Dutch province of Drenthe, offers a calm and green escape for visitors looking to explore both culture and nature. The city is best known for its scenic surroundings and laid-back atmosphere, making it a favourite for those who enjoy relaxed urban experiences with easy access to countryside walks and cycling trails. With well-maintained streets, public parks, and charming cafés, Assen is a lovely place to unwind while still enjoying the amenities of a modern Dutch city.

One of the main draws in Assen is the renowned Drents Museum, which houses impressive archaeological finds and rotating art exhibitions. Its standout architecture and engaging displays make it one of the top museums in the country. The city centre itself is compact and easy to explore on foot, with pleasant streets lined with shops, historic buildings, and canals. Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or staying longer, it’s an accessible city with a friendly local vibe.

Beyond the city centre, Assen is also a gateway to the surrounding nature reserves of Drenthe. The nearby Asserbos forest offers walking and cycling paths through ancient woodland, while a short drive or bike ride will bring you to peaceful heathlands and prehistoric sites like hunebedden (megalithic tombs). Whether you’re interested in culture, outdoor activities, or simply taking it slow, Assen is a rewarding destination in the northern Netherlands.

Dokkum, located in the province of Friesland in the Northern Netherlands, is one of the region’s most charming small cities. With its picturesque canals, drawbridges, and gabled houses, it’s a delight for those seeking a slower pace and authentic Dutch atmosphere. The compact centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot, and every corner reveals a new postcard-worthy scene. The city has a friendly, laid-back vibe and makes a lovely stop whether you’re on a regional road trip or spending a few days in Friesland.

Dokkum’s vibrant yet cosy town centre is dotted with boutiques, cafés, and bakeries that invite you to linger. The layout, still influenced by its old fortifications, gives the city a unique star-shaped footprint, which is best appreciated from a walk along the canal ring. Small independent museums, art galleries, and local artisan shops add to the experience. It’s also a good place to sample Frisian food and drink, especially in one of the traditional brown cafés or newer farm-to-table spots.

For those who enjoy being outdoors, Dokkum is surrounded by classic Frisian landscapes of flat meadows, wide skies, and water routes. It’s popular with cyclists and boaters alike. Nature reserves and small lakes lie just beyond the town, offering peaceful day trip options. The nearby Lauwersmeer National Park is an easy detour for birdwatching, hiking, or stargazing, making Dokkum not just a cultural gem, but a gateway to nature too.

Sneek, nestled in the Friesland region of the Northern Netherlands, is a vibrant town known for its rich maritime atmosphere and charming canals. The town’s compact centre is perfect for leisurely strolls along historic waterways, where traditional Dutch boats and lively harbours create a picturesque setting. Sneek’s mix of quaint shops, lively markets, and inviting cafés makes it an ideal destination for those looking to soak up authentic Frisian culture in a welcoming small-city environment.

One of the highlights of visiting Sneek is its active boating culture, with the town serving as a gateway to the famous Frisian Lakes. Visitors can easily rent boats or join guided tours to explore the surrounding waterways, offering a unique perspective on Friesland’s natural beauty. Sneek’s water sports scene and events, especially during the summer, add a dynamic and festive vibe to the town, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Beyond the canals and boats, Sneek offers a range of cultural experiences including galleries, local artisan shops, and traditional festivals that celebrate the region’s heritage. Walking through its historic streets, visitors can discover charming squares and hidden courtyards that often host seasonal markets and performances. With a balance of lively energy and relaxing charm, Sneek offers a memorable visit for those exploring Friesland’s northern landscapes.

Emmen, located in the province of Drenthe in the Northern Netherlands, is a lively town known for its blend of natural beauty and modern attractions. It serves as a gateway to some of the region’s most remarkable landscapes, including expansive heathlands, forests, and nature reserves. Visitors to Emmen can enjoy a refreshing combination of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it an excellent base for exploring Drenthe’s unique environment.

One of Emmen’s standout features is its focus on family-friendly attractions and entertainment. The town is home to a renowned wildlife park that offers immersive experiences with animals from around the world, making it a favourite destination for visitors of all ages. Beyond the park, Emmen also hosts various events and markets throughout the year that celebrate local crafts, food, and culture, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Emmen’s compact centre provides a variety of shopping, dining, and leisure options, with a mixture of modern stores and traditional cafés. The town’s urban design incorporates green spaces and walking paths, encouraging visitors to explore on foot or by bike. Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or family fun, Emmen offers a well-rounded visit in the heart of Drenthe.

Hoogeveen, situated in the province of Drenthe in the northeastern Netherlands, offers visitors a welcoming blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The town is known for its spacious parks, shopping districts, and vibrant cultural scene, making it an enjoyable destination for both relaxation and exploration. Its location provides easy access to the natural beauty of Drenthe, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The town centre of Hoogeveen features a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants where visitors can experience local flavors and hospitality. The weekly markets and seasonal events create a lively atmosphere, while galleries and theatres add to the cultural offerings. With well-maintained cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly streets, exploring Hoogeveen on foot or by bike is both convenient and pleasant.

For those interested in nature, Hoogeveen serves as a gateway to surrounding heathlands, forests, and nature reserves. The nearby Drents-Friese Wold National Park is easily reachable and offers extensive trails for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Whether you’re seeking urban comforts or access to tranquil landscapes, Hoogeveen provides a balanced and inviting experience in the heart of Drenthe.