Holland may be a small country in size, but we are big in what we can offer meeting planners. The northern part of Holland is for many visitors new territory. The area covers the beautiful Dutch provinces of Friesland and Groningen. About time I share all my knowledge, facts and tips about this great part of my country with you!
Some facts:
- Two big conference cities: Groningen and Leeuwarden
- Venue spaces up to 2,500 people
- Extensive experience in organising big and small international conventions
- Great diversity of venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and events
- Great diversity of landscapes – in the city, in the woods, in the heath fields, by the lake or on an island.
- Schiphol Airport Amsterdam at 90 minutes from Leeuwarden and 120 minutes from Groningen
- Compared with the big conference cities in the West, the North is 30-35% cheaper
- Both the Wadden Sea and the Woudagemaal are Unesco World Heritage sites
Groningen
Groningen is the largest city in the northern part of the Netherlands. It fulfills a central function in the region and is easily accessible via Groningen Airport Eelde (10 minutes from Groningen and 40 minutes from Leeuwarden). The city of Groningen has had a rich history. Many architectural highlights from the past can still be seen in the centre, such as the old city walls and the ancient harbours surrounded by historic warehouses and authentic freight ships. These ancient facades stand in the city centre side by side with contemporary architecture and buildings. Because Groningen has never been shy about taking on daring projects. The Groninger Museum, designed by a group of different architects and designers, is a work of art in its own right. As the second-oldest university city in the Netherlands, Groningen is home to about 40,000 students, approximately 4,000 of which come from abroad.
You can find over 3,600 beds in and near Groningen. And there are many special venues. Whether you are looking for something modern and grand or small and full of history, Groningen has it. Check my hidden secret page for special venues in and around Groningen.
Leeuwarden
Leeuwarden was elected to be European Capital of Culture 2018. All the more reason to visit! Leeuwarden is the dynamic capital of the beautiful province of Friesland, and functions as the start and finish line for the world famous ‘Eleven cities’ ice-skating tour. The city is surrounded by countryside and water, with lakes and other leisure areas and amenities close at hand. The Frisian capital has a compact and clear city centre. Yet what it offers is as comprehensive as it is diverse. In the centre you can find numerous national monuments, a range of delightful and surprising shops and inviting café terraces. The city is one of modern paradoxes; a city that respects its past, whilst looking to the future by investing in research, development and ICT.
Almost all its conference accommodation, certainly its ‘happening’ nightlife and many of its hotels (around 1,500 beds in and near Leeuwarden) are located within an easy walking two kilometre radius of the city centre. This city will certainly host your conference or event with pride!
Doesn’t that sound great?
Yes, I thought so! MICE Holland North, the joint venture of the MICE organisations from the province of Groningen and Friesland, invite you to join them for a two-day tour in the north of Holland on 30 & 31 January 2015. An excellent idea for meeting planners to get to know the north and learn all about the area, venues, accommodations and activities. You can sign up for the site visit on the website of Holland North.
The programme of the two day site visit:
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Woudagemaal
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Martinitoren
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Groninger museum
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Infoversum
Thursday 29 January in Groningen
17.00 Arrival in Groningen
17.30 Welcome in the Schimmelpenninckhuys
19.00 – 22.00 Dinner in Groningen
Friday 30 January in Groningen & Friesland
09.00 -16.15 A city walk passing by new and inspiring meeting locations in
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Groningen for instance: the Watertoren, the Infoversum, het
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kasteel, Groninger Museum, the Oosterpoort and MartinaPlaza
16.15 Departure by bus to Friesland
17.15 Arrival in Leeuwarden, check-in
17.40 – 18.30 Presentation of the European Capital of Culture 2018 in the
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Cultural Quarter of Leeuwarden
18.30 – 19.30 Time to refresh
19.30 – 22.00 Dinner at Eleve (Michelin star restaurant)
22.15 Drink at the hotelbar or in one of the pubs
Saturday 31 January
09.00 – 12.00 Site program “Meet Friesland”
12.00 – 13.30 Walking lunch at Landgoed Lauswolt
13.30 – 14.00 Sightseeing through the Frisian landscape to Sneek
14.00 – 15.00 Site program “Taste Friesland”
15.00 – 16.30 Bustour to Lemmer
15.30 – 16.30 Visit to the Woudagemaal, Unesco World Heritage
16.30 Say goodbye
Subscribe for this site visit on the website of Holland North or call +31(0)50-3168876 or send a mail to info@micehollandnorth.nl.
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