Midden-Groningen

Midden-Groningen (Dutch for Central Groningen) is a municipality in the province of Groningen (province) | Groningen and the Netherlands. The region consists of more than 20 towns and villages, of which the largest is Hoogezand. Midden-Groningen is located centrally in the province, bordered by the Groningen|city of Groningen to the west and the Oldambt region to the east.

Midden-Groningen Halal Explorer

Slochteren Gasmolecule 02 - Sculpture of a gas molecule in Midden-Groningen, to show the significance of the Groningen gas field to the region.

In 2018 and the region has become one municipality under the name 'Midden-Groningen' (before it consisted of the three municipalities Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Slochteren, and Menterwolde). It is a mainly rural area. The largest town by far is Hoogezand, which has grown together with Sappemeer (together a population of about 30,000). Some of the other main villages (with more than 2,000 inhabitants) in the region include Slochteren, Siddeburen, Muntendam, and Zuidbroek.

The largest natural gas field in Europe and the Groningen gas field, is in Midden-Groningen, near Slochteren. As a result of the extraction of natural gas, earthquakes have been induced in the region, and in the Netherlands this region is therefore commonly called 'the earthquake area'. The heaviest earthquake measured is a 3.6 Richter magnitude earthquake in 2012. The 'human-induced' earthquakes have resulted in public concern about safety, damage to houses, and decreasing house prices.

Tourist information

There is only one tourist information centre in Midden-Groningen, in the village of Slochteren, with limited opening hours. There is no longer a tourist information centre in the largest town, Hoogezand. The central tourist information office for Groningen province, on the Grote Markt square in Groningen|Groningen city, has much wider opening hours.

VVV Midden-Groningen VVV Slochteren Noorderweg 1, Slochteren GPS 53.21755,6.80257 ☎ +31 598 422 873 - Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-15:00 -

Travel to Midden-Groningen

Spurt 308 in Kropswolde - Kropswolde train station in Midden-Groningen

Rent a Car or Limousine in Midden-Groningen

The southern part of Midden-Groningen is traversed by the east-west A7 motorway. From the western side, from the city of Groningen, it takes about 10 minutes to reach Hoogezand, while from the nearest airport ( Groningen Airport Eelde]) it takes 20 minutes. From Amsterdam the drive takes 2 hours. On the eastern side and the A7 motorway leads to Oldambt|Winschoten (20 minutes) and the border crossing with Germany (Leer 35 minutes, Oldenburg 1 hour).

The eastern part of Midden-Groningen is traversed by the north-south N33 expressway. This road leads from Assen via Veendam to Midden-Groningen (the villages of Muntendam, Zuidbroek, and Siddeburen), and then further north to Appingedam/Delfzijl.

Travel by train to Midden-Groningen

Midden-Groningen is along the railway from Groningen|Groningen city to Leer|Leer (Ostfriesland) in Germany. There are five train stations along this line within Midden-Groningen, from west to east: Kropswolde, Martenshoek, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Sappemeer Oost, and Zuidbroek. All of these stations are served four times per hour in both directions. All westbound trains terminate at the main station of Groningen city, while the eastbound trains terminate in Oldambt|Bad Nieuweschans (1x/hour) or Oldambt|Winschoten (1x/hour), or turn south to Veendam (2x/hour). The train terminating in Bad Nieuweschans used to continue to Leer in Germany, but because of damage to a bridge the route has temporarily been shortened.

The trains are operated by Arriva. Travel durations to Hoogezand-Sappemeer station are roughly 15 minutes from Groningen city (€3.50 one-way), 2hr 30min from Amsterdam Central Station (2 transfers, €25.70) and 2hr 30mim from Schiphol Airport (1 transfer, €26). From Leer (Ostfriesland) in Germany and the travel duration is longer than usual because of the damaged bridge. Including the replacement bus service the trip takes 1hr 20min (€13).

By bus

It is easiest to get to (the southern part of) Midden-Groningen by train. However, from some destinations in the region (Groningen (province) | Groningen and Drenthe provinces), regional bus routes operated by Qbuzz can be used. To the more northern parts of the region (e.g. Slochteren and Siddeburen), bus routes 78 and 178 are the easiest way in from Groningen city.

Bus route 13 (1x per hour) from Oldambt|Winschoten via Heiligerlee, Westerlee and Midden-Groningen (Meeden, Muntendam) to Veendam.
Bus route 73 (1-2x per hour) from Groningen city via Midden-Groningen (Foxhol, Hoogezand, Kiel-Windeweer) and Stadskanaal, Musselkanaal, Ter Apel and Nieuw Weerdinge to Emmen.
Bus route 78/178 (1x per hour) from Groningen city via Midden-Groningen (Harkstede, Scharmer, Kolham, Froombosch, Slochteren, Schildwolde, Hellum, Siddeburen, Steendam) to Appingedam.
Bus route 174 (1x per hour) from Veendam to Midden-Groningen (Muntendam, Zuidbroek station).

Get Around

GPS 53.20192|6.78281|height=400||align=right Midden-Groningen}}

The quickest way to get around in Midden-Groningen is by car. There is an extensive road network, with the key roads being the east-west connection A7 motorway and the north-south N33 expressway, and the N387 trunk road connecting Hoogezand and Siddeburen via Slochteren. However and the best way to get around is arguably by bicycle. The main towns and villages are clearly signposted with dedicated signposts for cyclists, and in many cases separate cycle paths are available.

The railway connects the five stations within Midden-Groningen, and the train is therefore a convenient option to travel from e.g. Hoogezand to Zuidbroek. Also the bus routes as mentioned above are useful to get around within the region. In addition and there is the so-called 'small-scale public transportation network', connecting several of the villages in the region with shuttle vanes. However and there is no convenient public transport option from the towns and villages in the south along the railway line (e.g. Hoogezand) to the villages in the north of the region (e.g. Slochteren and Siddeburen). In that case, you should take a train to Groningen city, and then transfer to bus route 78/178.

What to see in Midden-Groningen

Fraeylemaborg - Slochteren 21 - Fraeylemaborg in Slochteren, Midden-Groningen

Museums and monuments

Fraeylemaborg Museum Landgoed Fraeylemaborg Hoofdweg 30, Slochteren GPS 53.21547,6.80952 ☎ +31 598 421 568 - Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday Sunday 11:00-17:00 - Adults €7. A manor house and carriage house, with historic house museum and large gardens. The original stronghold originated from the 13th century, and most of the current building was built in the 16th century. The gardens behind the manor house have been mostly created in the 19th century, in English landscape style. Veenborg Welgelegen De Vosholen 60, Sappemeer GPS 53.15361,6.79222 ☎ +31 598 393 546 - Hours: Garden: daily 10:00-17:00. A villa ('borg') that was built by a prominent and wealthy citizen who was active in the business of peat ('veen') extraction in the 17th century. The villa cannot be visited (only rented for parties), but the garden is open for visitors.

National Bus Museum Produktieweg 13, Hoogezand GPS 53.16527,6.72944 ☎ +31 598 383 004 - Hours: West Saturday Sunday 13:00-17:00 - Adults €5. Museum on buses and bus-related objects from the Netherlands, such as old uniforms, tickets, schedules, travel guides, and scale models.
North Netherlands Train & Tram Museum Stationsstraat 5, Zuidbroek GPS 53.15916,6.86722 in Zuidbroek train station ☎ +31 598 450518 - Hours: Sat/Sun 10:00-17:00 - Adults €5. In the oldest train station building in Groningen province, built in 1865 and the museum shows the history of railways in the Northern Netherlands, showing historic uniforms, scale models, pictures, tools, etc.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Midden-Groningen

Schildmeer vanaf fietspad (2) - Schildmeer lake in Midden-Groningen

Outdoor recreation and waters sports

Schildmeer and Zuidlaardermeer lakes: At the Schildmeer lake in the north of Midden-Groningen, and the Zuidlaardermeer in the south at the border with Drenthe province (municipality of Tynaarlo), you can swim or sail. There is boat rental available by various companies at both lakes, see below, and also further down under 'Holiday parks and campsites'.
Watersportbedrijf De Rietzoom Meerweg 60, Kropswolde GPS 53.14103,6.70856 ☎ +31 598 322 520 - Hours: During high season 10:00-23:00 daily - e.g. motorboat €20 per hour. Boat rental Zuidlaardermeer lake. There is also a café/restaurant.

Attractions

Break Out Grunopark Hoofdweg 163, Harkstede GPS 53.21206,6.66292 ☎ +31 50 541 1706 - Hours: Daily from 9:00. Recreation park with '100 activities', including paintball, water skiing, wakeboarding, climbing, banana boat, highland games, escape rooms, and archery. There are also two restaurants in the park. Ballorig Hoogezand indoor play centre Kees de Haanstraat 71, Hoogezand GPS 53.16059,6.77568 ☎ +31 598 390 969 - Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00, Saturday Sunday 10:00-18:00 - Children €7.50, parents free. Indoor playground for children up to 12 years old.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Midden-Groningen

De Hooge Meren Town centre Hoogezand Gorecht-Oost, Hoogezand GPS 53.15518,6.75701. There is a wide variety of about 100 shops in the town centre of Hoogezand, mostly in the indoor shopping centre 'De Hooge Meren'.}} There are smaller selections of shops in Martenshoek, Sappemeer, and Siddeburen. In some of the other villages there are a few shops, mainly supermarkets. General opening hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 to 18:00, and Saturday 09:00 to 17:00. In Hoogezand, shops are open late on Friday evenings, until 21:00. Generally, shops are closed on Sundays, but several times per year in Hoogezand Sunday afternoon shopping is organised. Supermarkets have wider opening hours, with most supermarkets open Monday to Saturday 08:00 to 20:00. On Sundays only some supermarkets are open.

Halal Food

In almost all of the villages in Midden-Groningen there are one or more local restaurants (for example a bistro, steakhouse, or pizzeria). In Hoogezand and Sappemeer there is a much wider selection of restaurants, with amongst others Chinese, French, Dutch, Moroccan, and Italian cuisine. Below is a list of some of the recommended restaurants. Restaurant De Gouden Zon Noorderstraat 323, Sappemeer GPS 53.16482,6.80673 ☎ +31 598 392 475 - Hours: W-Su from 16:00 - Four-course dinner menu €28.50. Dutch-style restaurant with a range of Meat and fish dishes. Pizzeria Ristorante Mamma Mia Gorecht-Oost 72, Hoogezand GPS 53.15484,6.75589 ☎ +31 598 323 624 - Hours: Daily from 16:00 - Pizzas €7-15; Main courses €15-25. Popular Italian restaurant with Pizzas and Pasta. but also Italian Meat and fish dishes. Paviljoen Boei 12 Roegeweg 3, Steendam GPS 53.26760,6.83646 ☎ +31 598 431 348 - Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11:00 - Main courses about €15-20. Along the shores of the Schildmeer lake. Sandwiches, soups, and Snacks for lunch. Meat and fish dishes for dinner. De Vier Jaargetijden Hoofdweg 126, Siddeburen GPS 53.24741,6.86512 ☎ +31 598 431 962 - Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:45-21:00; Sunday 15:00-21:00 - Main courses €10-25. A variety of Meat dishes. The specialty is satay (Indonesian-style Beef, Chicken, and fish skewers).}} In most of the villages there is at least a local café or bar that opens until late on weekends. For more serious nightlife you will have to go to the city of Groningen. Café De Wigwam Sluiskade 12, Hoogezand GPS 53.16401,6.74119 ☎ +31 6 5341 9379 - Hours: Sunday - Thursday 12:00-01:00; Friday Saturday 12:00-03:00 -

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Midden-Groningen

Midden-Groningen - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Midden-Groningen, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Midden-Groningen. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Midden-Groningen and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Midden-Groningen. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Midden-Groningen. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMidden-Groningen: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Midden-Groningen.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Midden-Groningen: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Midden-Groningen, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Midden-Groningen.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Midden-Groningen, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Midden-Groningen, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Midden-Groningen and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Midden-Groningen, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Midden-Groningen, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Midden-Groningen without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Midden-Groningen is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Midden-Groningen.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Midden-Groningen is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Midden-Groningen, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Midden-Groningen Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotels

Hotel Faber Meint Veningastraat 123, Hoogezand GPS 53.163941,6.75536 ☎ +31 598 393 336 From €98 per day for a double room.2022-00-00
Hotel Martenshoek Meint Veningastraat 10, Hoogezand GPS 53.16294,6.741921 ☎ +31 598 393 466 From €65 per day for a double room

Van der Valk Hotel Groningen - Zuidbroek A7 Burgemeester Omtaweg 4, Zuidbroek GPS 53.17031,6.85328 along the A7 motorway, exit 43 Zuidbroek ☎ +31 598 453 787 From €72 per day for a double room

Hotel Hulsebos Stationsstraat 4, Zuidbroek GPS 53.15977,6.86753 opposite Zuidbroek train station ☎ +31 598 451 559 From €65 per day for a double room
Hotel de Boer Korte Groningerweg 47, Foxhol GPS 53.16952,6.72702 ☎ +31 598 393 066 €74 per day for a double room

Holiday parks and campsites

Villapark Schildmeer Roegeweg 1, Steendam GPS 53.26717,6.83824 ☎ +31 900 2002 002. Holiday homes in a park along the shores of the Schildmeer lake. De Otter campsite & cottages Roegeweg 9, Steendam GPS 53.26663,6.83431 next to Villapark Schildmeer ☎ +31 598 431 543. Campsite along the shores of the Schildmeer lake. Also caravan and cottage rental. There is a marina and rental of sailing boats, motorboats, canoes, and kayaks. Camping Meerwijck campsite & marina Strandweg 2, Kropswolde GPS 53.14980,6.69256 ☎ +31 598 323 659. Campsite, also with rental caravans and cottages, along the shores of the Zuidlaardermeer lake. There is an indoor swimming pool, a marina, and canoe/kayak rental.

Telecommunications in Midden-Groningen

News & References Midden-Groningen

Travel Next

Oldambt — the region to the east of Midden-Groningen, known for its yellow rapeseed fields, 'windmill city' Winschoten, and spa town Bad Nieuweschans.
Groningen — the provincial capital and the economic and cultural centre of the Northern Netherlands.
Appingedam — just north of the Schildmeer lake, this town has a charming medieval town centre.

Midden-Groningen

From Halal Explorer

Contents