On the run

‘Ah,’ I said to our guests. ‘You’re keen to come and explore the Groningen countryside, aren’t you?’

But the reason for their visit was slightly different. As true Maastricht locals, they had fled the carnival. And they knew from experience that the best thing to do was to get as far away as possible from all the festive temptations. Which meant a different landscape, a different language, a different culture. In this way, they had got to know the Netherlands a little better over the last few years, and they hadn’t been disappointed.

Last year they’d been in Friesland, the year before that in Drenthe, and now – for the first time in their lives, they had to admit – in Groningen. A greater contrast to their homeland was hardly conceivable, they said as they checked out after a few days. The flat countryside, the down-to-earth character of the people – it was nothing like what they were used to.

‘And yet it’s got something about it!’ she said. ‘And how funny that there’s such great diversity in our little country. It’s as if we’re abroad.’

‘Well,’ I said. ‘That’s exactly what we experience when we’re down south!’

Are you curious about the Oldamt region in Groningen? Then this is the perfect base.

Always wanted to know what Groningen’s ‘wierden’ and ‘maren’ are? Then this is the place to be.

Groningen with the Wadden Sea within easy reach? This is the perfect holiday home to stay in.