The Martinitoren in Groningen

Groningen is the city of the north, a student town a long way from the rest of the country, and its landmark is the brick tower of the Martinikerk standing on the corner of the main square. It went up in stages through the fifteenth century after earlier towers failed, and it is close to a hundred metres, which in this landscape means the whole province lays itself out below: farmland, village spires on their low mounds, and harbour cranes at the edge of sight. The climb is by internal stair with landings, one of them at the carillon bells. The church underneath keeps medieval wall and vault painting in the choir.

What you actually see

• The tower climb - the stair up to the gallery, past the bell chamber on the way.
• The carillon - the bells hung in the tower, played on set days of the week.
• The Martinikerk - the church below, with painted vaults and choir walls.
• The Grote Markt - the square at its foot, rebuilt in modern style and busy at most hours.

When to go

Climbs run through the year with reduced winter hours, and clear weather is the whole point, since the view is the reason to go up. Term time fills the square with students and gives the city its character, while summer is quieter and flatter in mood. Book a slot in advance on holiday weekends.

Honest expectations

Over two hundred steps on a narrow stair with two-way traffic at busy times, and no lift. The view is of extremely flat country, which underwhelms people expecting drama. The square below was rebuilt in a plain modern manner that does the tower no favours. Groningen is a long train ride from the rest of the country.

Nearby

The canal ring around the old centre and the Prinsenhof gardens are a few minutes away.