So far, I had travelled to seven cities within three days in Netherland back then. On day one, I visited Keukehoff Tulips Garden in Lisse, Haarlem, and Leiden. Day two was exploration of the city of Amsterdam, and on Day three I visited Broek in Waterland, Hoorn, as well as Enkhuizen. On Day four, my journey continued to Northeast towards Zwolle, Giethoorn, and Groningen. Though I visited another three cities in Northeast Netherland, I only visited one or two places of interest in each city that had been on my bucket list.
I had never heard about Zwolle and Groningen before planning the Netherland Trip. I had heard about Giethoorn though, the idyllic Dutch village surrounded by canals and punting into its river. However, during the research I found out that Zwolle has this unique architecture of Museum, and Groningen has an instagrammable spots of its own. So, here’s the detail about my trip to those three cities in one day.
Zwolle
Here’s how i plannned my trip. I listed places of interest through Lonely Planet and punch them in Google image one by one. If the place is unique or beautiful, I would definitely put it on my list. When it was Zwolle turns, I typed Museum de Fundatie and I was attracted by the weird-looking museum building. The building is so unique as if alien spacecraft has landed on top the museum building and refused to go home. And that, was how I came to Zwolle, the capital city of Overijssel Province.
Hanseatic City Zwolle is a municipality with only 120,000 inhabitants with lots of medieval buildings. The name Zwolle came from the hill around which the city was built at year 800. Nowadays, the city strive from iron working factory, animal and fish markets and some others. Some famous spots for tourism in Zwolle are Sassenpoort, Museum de Fundatie, Grote or Sint Michaelskerk from the 15th century which famous for its Gothic architecture.
I took NS Sprinter train and made a transfer once at Amersfoot Central Station. It took about 1,5 hours ride. However, there are faster train (only an hour ride), but it departs every 30 minutes. The entrance fee to the museum was 14 EUR and opens from 11 am to 5 pm. You may want to visit its official website for updated information.
When I arrived at Museum de Fundatie, it was closed! So much for travelling 1,5 hour from Amsterdam. However, I got a chance to walk around the city and took a nice picture in front of the unique-looking museum I had been wanting to see.
Giethoorn
This city is straight out of kid’s book and Hobbit movie. The idyllic pretty house, surrounded by beautiful and best arranged garden, with the stream of water on the front yard/backyard. Visitors got to experience and sightsee by taking boat ride on its narrow canal. For this reason, it is called as Dutch Venice.
In the old part of the village, there were no roads and the only main of transportation was through the water. As of now, it is one of popular tourists destination in Netherland and there are some wooden bridges and pedestrian that connects canal, making it easier for tourist to enjoy the village. We can take Giethoorn Walking route (4,3 km and 15 km) to see the characteristic wooden bridges, canals and thatched-roof farmhouses make for a picturesque setting along the route (source: Holland.com)
It takes about 2 hours train ride from Amsterdaam Central and and two transfer to reach Giethoorn. You may want to check Netherland Journey Planner to get to Giethoorn.
When I arrived, it was already drizzling. So, I could not enjoy the village by walking. I bought a boat ride on the spot for about 7 EUR and enjoy 30 minutes ride along the canal. Though I had wished the weather to be nicer, it was one of unique experience in Netherland. I heard that during the peak season it could be flooded by tourist. But at that time, it wasn’t that crowded, and I enjoy the village so much.
Groningen
If there’s one thing I regret from that day, it is for not spending more time in Groningen. My plan in Groningen was to visit two places only, which was Groninger Museum, and housing complex area Reitdiephaven. The later famous for its colourful array of house by the canal. As for Groninger Museum, I just couldn’t miss the colourful palate and its unique-looking building. Groningen is the largest city in North Netherland with over 230,000 inhabitants, in which a quarter of them are students.
It takes about 2 hours train trip with two transfer from Amsterdaam Central to Groningen. When I arrived, it was pouring so hard. Thankfully, the Groninger Museum is just right in front of Groningen Station. Before I realized, I was already inside the Museum admiring its contemporary art exhibitions. From the building shape and colour, interior, the exhibitions display, Groninger museum really made me sensory overload. I love the bright coloured spiral stair. It costs 18 EUR for adult entrance fee, and it opens from 10 am to 5pm daily, except on Monday when it’s closed. You can visit Groninger Museum official website for updated visitor information.
After I finished visiting Groningen, the rain had already stopped. So, I went to the next destination, which was Reitdiephaven. It takes about half an hour bus ride from the central station. What attracted me was the colourful houses on the canal which I saw in Instagram several times. The area happened to be a private neighbourhood, and therefore it was quite hard to take picture of the house array. However, in a certain spot we can get a great view of the house.
My journey to Groningen finished and I continued my train ride to Rotterdam. See you on Day-5 Rotterdam!
