Netherlands Guide
The north and the Frisian Islands
Groningen
The most exciting city in the north Netherlands, GRONINGEN comes as something of a surprise in the midst of the province's quiet, rural surroundings. Hip, streetwise fashions, a cosmopolitan feel and thriving student life imbue the city with vigour. Competitively priced restaurants dish up exotic curries and fresh falafel alongside the standard Dutch staples, and the arts scene is vibrant, particularly during the academic year. Virtually destroyed during the Allied liberation in 1945, Groningen is now a jumble of arts and architectures: from traditional canal-side townhouses to colourful Art Deco tile work parading along the upper facades of the shopping streets. Groningen's canal forms a moat encircling the compact city centre, making all the main sights in easy walking distance from each other.
Wadlopen
Address: Dijkstras Wadlopencentrum, Hoofdstraat 118, Pieterburen
Telephone: 0595/528 345
Website: www.wadloop-dijkstra.nl
Price: €15–25 per person
Wadlopen, or mud-flat walking, is a popular and strenuous Dutch pastime, and the stretch of coast on the northern edge of the provinces of Friesland and Groningen is one of the best places to do it: twice daily, the receding tide uncovers vast expanses of mud flat beneath the Waddenzee. It is, however, a sport to be taken seriously, and far too dangerous to do without an experienced guide: the depth of the mud is variable and the tides inconsistent. In any case, channels of deep water are left even when the tide has receded, and the currents can be perilous. The timing of treks depends on weather and tidal conditions, but most start between 6am and 10am. It's important to be properly equipped; recommended gear includes shorts or a bathing suit, a sweater, wind jacket, knee-high socks, high-top trainers and a complete change of clothes stashed in a watertight pack. In recent years, wadlopen has become extremely popular, and as excursions are infrequent, between May and August it's advisable to book a place at least a month in advance.
Prices include the cost of a return ferry crossing; the VVVs in Leeuwarden, Dokkum and Groningen can provide details, or you could contact one of the wadlopen organizations direct.
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