At the spritely young age of 955, Groningen (approx. 2hrs. northeast of Amsterdam) on the northern coast of Holland, shows a brash flamboyancyihat has attracted bold and beautiful young people from all over Holland. Principally a college, with a city built around it, Groningen is home to all the bars, bistros, and bookstores that one would expect from a college town.
Because of the German bombing of the city, most of the old buildings are now just part of the ground you're walking on, but one that survives is the Martinitoren, a 97m high tower that weathered everything from German bombs to a victory celebration that got out of hand (open Easter Oct. noon4:30pm; f2.50). Groningen's newest building, however, is certainly its most decadent. A pastel assemblage of squares cylinders, and slag metal is the quirky palace that is the new Groninger Museum, scheduled to open in November 1994. The art that it holds (from ancient Chinese to cutting edge modem) will have quite a challenge competing with the building itself. (No times available yet; call (050) 18 33 43 for more info.) Groningen is also within easy biking distance from many lakes and forests. Rent a bike at the station (f8 per day), buy a map at the WV (f7), and have at it. Also, the island of Shiermonnikoog (where cars are forbidden) can be reached by bus 65 (leaving at 6:20, 9:20, and 11:20am; 1:20, 5:20 and 7:20pm). A pass purchased at the WV for f32.25 will pay for bus and ferry fares.
The VVY is at Ged. Kattendiep 6; just turn right out of the station and follow the signs (open. 9am 5:30pm). The city's vitality is reflected in the perky Simplon Youth Hotel, Boteidiep, 73 (tel. 050 15 52 21). Bestowed with funky ceiling art, this youth hotel has many other things to offer, such as laundry facilities and a weight room. Sadly, the coin op showers could leave you all lathered up with no place to go. This student's city is well endowed with a selection of nightlife that would do for a city twice its size. The best areas for action are Poelstr. and Peperstr. (off the Groete Markt) and Zwanestr. (by the University).
There, you'll find crowds of students and even impromptu volleyball games. Grab a bite to eat at the mellow cafe Ugly Duck, on Zwanestr., where a meal (with soup and quackers) will only set you back fl 2 15 (open I lam 2am). Or try the more stylish double decker grand cafe De Opera. Chow your delicious meal with other beautiful people till the fat lady sings for only f14.75 for daily dagschotel, and from f19 for vegetarian meals. Aria having a good time? Enjoy a can of Campbell's soup and dance till the sun comes up at Warhol, Peperstr. 7 (open Sun. Wed. midnight 5am, Thurs. Sat. 11:30pm 6arn). Enjoy some live jazz with other local funksters at Jazzcaf6 De Spieghel, just down the street on Peperstr., with live jazz Thurs. Sat. at about 10:30 11 pm. Most have no cover. (Open 9am late.)
