Groningen, a city in the far north of the Netherlands, lies just 20 miles from the North Sea. This close proximity to the water has had a significant influence on the history of both the city and the province of Groningen.
As a former Hanseatic town, Groningen played a vital role in shipping and trade from its early days, and there are still a few noticeable and enjoyable reminders of its maritime history.
Hanseatic Influences
To pay homage to the traditions of the Hanseatic League, Het Hanze Huis Trading Company, located outside of Der Aa-Kerk, offers a selection of items imported from other Hanseatic cities across Northern Europe, such as:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
- Honey
- Jam
- Wine
For those interested in learning more about Groningen’s Hanseatic past, the local tourist office offers a Hanseatic walking tour that provides a glimpse of what remains from this historical era.
Het Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum
One of the most enjoyable attractions in Groningen is the Northern Maritime Museum, or Het Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum, where visitors can enjoy all things nautical. The museum, located on Brugstraat, is housed in two historical buildings:
- The Gothic House: A 15th-century residential and commercial property
- The Canter House: A 13th-century warehouse and former 15th-century residence of Johan Canter, after whom the house was named
Exhibits and Artifacts
The museum offers visitors a look at the architecture of the buildings, as well as an in-depth and interesting exhibit of maritime artifacts spanning fifteen centuries. Some of the items on display include:
- A collection of about 30 different rope pulleys
- A smithy’s tools
- Nautical flags
- Roerkops (decorative ship’s wheels)
- Numerous beautiful models of ships (including one miniature made of Murano glass)
- Tools, utensils, and navigational instruments
- Sailors’ personal items, some of which are arranged in wooden sea chests decorated with faded images drawn onto the lid
The Engine Hall
The Engine Hall, located on the ground floor, is devoted almost exclusively to various ships’ engines and their components. One engine in the collection is so massive that a section of the flooring has been removed and a pocket about 3 feet deep has been dug out to accommodate the flywheel and lower portion of the engine. This exhibit also includes the Saartje, an intact wooden ‘push boat’ once used for pushing inland ships.
Learning and Research
Along With serving as a museum for artifacts, the Northern Maritime Museum also functions as a learning and research center. The facility provides interactive displays for children, as well as access to a research library and study room for anyone seeking information on northern maritime history, shipyards, ship building, and genealogy.
Temporary Exhibits
At the time of writing, the museum was hosting a temporary exhibit called ‘Nederlanders op de Titanic’ (Dutch on the Titanic), which displayed personal items, photos, and stories of the three Dutch men who perished with the ship:
- Hendrik Bolhuis, a restaurant worker/cook
- Wessel van der Brugge, a fireman/stoker
- Johan George Reuchlin, an executive from Holland-America Line
This temporary exhibit was set to end on February 20, 2013, to be followed by ‘From Sint-Petersburg with Love’, an art exhibit scheduled to run from March 9 – May 5, 2013.
Visiting Groningen
When planning your visit to Groningen, be sure to allow ample time to explore the Northern Maritime Museum. The exhibits offer a fascinating insight into the city’s maritime history and the lives of those who worked on the ships that helped shape Groningen’s past.
As you wander through the museum’s halls, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of the artifacts on display, from the intricate rope pulleys to the beautifully crafted ship models. Imagine the stories behind the sailors’ personal items, and the hardships they faced as they navigated the seas.
After your visit to the museum, take a stroll through Groningen’s charming streets and along the canals. The city’s architecture, with its mix of historical and modern buildings, is a testament to its rich past and vibrant present.
To fully learn about Groningen’s Hanseatic history, consider joining the tourist office’s walking tour. This guided journey through the city’s streets will help you understand the significance of Groningen’s role in the Hanseatic League and how it shaped the city we see today.
