Almost Each 'Hanzesteden' Has A Tower Overlooking The City

Most city start around a road or water. The first thing that was built in new cities back in the middle ages besides houses was a church. In the golden age of the 'Hanzesteden' the church and the city wall both got towers. The towers of the church where there to show the richness of the city and the towers of the city wall were there to protect the inhabitants.

Groningen Has The Martini Tower

The Martini tower in Groningen is the highest building of Groningen and surroundings. Luckily it can still be climbed to oversee the beauty of the surroundings and the city of Groningen. Some condition is needed because there is no elevator. On the way to the highest look out there are some stops:

• After 65 steps, it is possible to take a short brake

• After 129 steps, there are the bells as an excuse to pause

• After 174 steps, there is a platform to oversee Groningen

• After 178 steps, there is a movie about the history of Martini tower with chairs

• After 227 steps, there are flags which can be an excuse to take a break again

• After 261 steps, the highest point of the tower is reached a platform with chairs to oversee Groningen and surroundings. Not only the chairs are interesting, but also the view. 

There is a small entrance fee to climb the Martini tower. It is more than worth the money according to me. The tickets can be bought at the VVV in Forum or digitally. When buying note that there are timeslots, choose wise to have Sunset, Sunrise, or a market, etc. to lookout for at the lookout points. One other interesting thing is that in the Martini tower the Carillion can be played by visitors. It is special because no other tower I have climbed till now has this possibility. By playing the Carillion the whole town center can enjoy the music talent of the visitor.

More towers will follow!