10x Reasons for the Perfect Work Trip in Groningen in 2026

Feb 25, 2026 • 11 minutes reading time

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10x Reasons for the Perfect Work Trip in Groningen in 2026

The Ultimate Guide to a Productive Workation in Groningen (2026 Edition)

In 2026, the traditional open-plan office has definitively made way for the 'workation'. Why limit yourself to four walls in the Randstad or your own kitchen table, when the most vibrant city in the North can inspire you? Groningen, the city with the youngest average population in the Netherlands, breathes innovation, energy, and focus. In this extensive guide, we explain why the City of Talent is the place to be for digital nomads, freelancers, and professionals who want to combine work with an unforgettable city trip, whether alone or with the whole team. Thanks to lightning-fast connections and an ecosystem fully designed for talent, Groningen is your ideal temporary office this year.

The Market Hotel

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Why Groningen in 2026?

Over the past few years, Groningen has transformed into a European 'Tech Hub'. In 2026, you can see this reflected in the facilities: from high-speed fiber-optic internet on almost every street corner to hotels that resemble luxury co-working spaces. But it’s primarily the vibe that does it. In Groningen, everything is within walking or cycling distance, allowing you to work efficiently and stand in a historic courtyard or on a bustling terrace within five minutes of your last call. The city also teems with students, which creates a focused yet playful atmosphere throughout the city.

In this list, we have something for everyone: The Social worker (1. The Social Hub), The Athlete (1. The Social Hub) & The Foodie professional (3. Hotel Prinsenhof & 7. The Vismarkt). But also for the Nature lover (8. Noorderplantsoen) & The Coffee lover (5. Coffee in the City Center).

Work & Stay at The Social Hub: The Community Experience
For the modern professional, The Social Hub (located in the dynamic Ebbingekwartier) is much more than a hotel. It is an ecosystem where students, entrepreneurs, and travelers meet. In 2026, their workation packages are more extensive than ever. You have access to specially designed flexible workspaces where the coffee is always fresh and the Wi-Fi never falters. After your workday, dive into the in-house gym or join one of the community events. It’s the perfect place for those traveling alone who still seek the social dynamics of an office. They also offer high-quality hotel rooms and suites for an ideal overnight stay after a day of work. Book your stay here for the ultimate workation!
The Forum: Working in the Heart of a Groningen World Wonder
In 2026, Forum Groningen remains the beating heart of the city. For a digital nomad, this is a dream location. Here you will find numerous free workspaces spread across different floors, each with its own atmosphere. Find silence in the library sections, where you can find all the books you need, or choose a spot near the massive windows for a panoramic view of the Grote Markt. The combination of culture, technology, and hospitality (such as the rooftop terrace at 45 meters height) makes this the most inspiring 'office garden' in the Netherlands. Tip: plan your toughest tasks for the morning and reward yourself with a film in the in-house cinema when the laptop closes. Check our event page for all events and films in the Forum. A tip from us: Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet has been playing since this week!
Luxury and Deep Focus for the High-End Professional at Hotel Prinsenhof
Sometimes a project demands absolute silence and an environment that exudes class. Hotel Prinsenhof, located in a monumental building dating back to the 15th century, offers exactly that. For the 'high-end' nomad, the rooms here are designed as oases of peace. Between calls, you can walk in the Prinsentuin, one of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in the Netherlands. The hotel also offers an amazing dinner at the Nassau restaurant, highly praised by the culinary guide Gault&Millau and Stay in Groningen approved. It is the ideal place for strategic sessions or writing that one important report, where world-class service ensures you lack nothing. They also offer various meeting rooms for your entire team. Want to impress your team? Or enjoy a great dinner after a day of work? Book your stay here!
The 'Third Spaces': Lobby culture with our Partners
The trend of 2026 is the 'Third Space': a place that is not your home and not your office, but where you can perform optimally. Many of our partner hotels have designed their lobbies for this purpose. The Market Hotel is a beautiful example. With an interior that radiates warmth and tables equipped with plenty of power outlets, this is a favorite spot for local entrepreneurs and visitors. Café Willem Albert offers the perfect informal workspace right in the city center. Additionally, they have various sizes of meeting rooms where coffee is always served. The Market Hotel is also one of our personal favorites. Schimmelpenninck Huys also offers a unique, historical setting in their courtyard where you can peacefully clear your inbox while enjoying artisanal pastries from their own bakery. Furthermore, the previously mentioned The Social Hub fits perfectly into this list.
Coffee-shop Hopping through the Historic City Center
Groningen is bursting with specialty shops where coffee is prepared as an art form. For a workation, variety is essential. Start your day at Black & Bloom, where owner Gerben can tell you everything about the origin of the beans. Move in the afternoon to Fernweh on the Wouter van Doeverenplein, where there is always fresh coffee & tea available. The Zwanestraat, repeatedly voted the nicest shopping street in the Netherlands, offers numerous coffee spots where you can sit undisturbed with your laptop or make phone calls.
Weekday Advantages: Travel Smarter
A smart workation traveler books during the week. In 2026, our hotel partners respond to this with special packages. Because the city is often busy with tourists on weekends, hotels offer extra peace and more competitive rates from Monday to Thursday. Think of free upgrades to rooms with a larger desk, a late check-out so you can still do that afternoon meeting comfortably in your room, or a 'breakfast-to-go' for when you want to get an early start or explore the city. Current prices and availability for The Market Hotel, Schimmelpenninck Huys & The Happy Traveler can be found on our site!
Brain-food from the Vismarkt
A healthy mind requires healthy food. During your lunch break, a walk across the Vismarkt is a sensory-stimulating experience. In 2026, the focus is more than ever on local, organic products. Grab a fresh herring for the omega-3s, or score locally produced cheese and fruit from the Groningen farmers. It is the perfect way to step away from your screen for a moment and literally taste the local culture.
Walking Meetings in the Noorderplantsoen
In 2026, the Noorderplantsoen is the backyard of working Groningen. Have a call where you don't need to type? Put in your earbuds and take a lap through this English landscape-style park. The fresh air and green surroundings stimulate creativity in a way that no air conditioning can match. After your walk, you can plug right back in at one of the nearby lunchrooms.
Accessibility: The Hub Strategy
In 2026, Groningen is more accessible than ever. The new fast train connections and optimized P+R sites (the Hubs) ensure that your journey to the city begins in a relaxed manner. No hassle with parking in the tight city center; you park your car outside the center and are at your hotel within 10 minutes by electric bus. On our website, we have a clear overview of all parking spaces in Groningen where you can park for free. Many digital nomads from Germany and the Randstad choose Groningen for exactly this reason: it is a world-class city on a human scale.
The Perfect Ending: Inspiring Events
A workation isn't complete without the 'ation' (recreation). Combine your work week with the energy of the city. Visit an innovative event like KEMISTRY for an evening of international house vibes, or plan your stay around the 10th edition of the Urban Trail. Nothing recharges your battery faster than a weekend full of adrenaline and culture after completing a productive work week. On our Instagram account, we keep you up-to-date with the best events!

Ready to pack your suitcase (and laptop)?

A successful workation starts with the right accommodation. The following partners of Stay in Groningen have been personally selected by us based on their facilities for the modern worker:

The Social Hub Groningen: For the nomad looking for community, a private gym, and a lively workspace.
The Market Hotel Groningen: For the professional who loves luxury, a central location on the Grote Markt, and an inspiring lobby. Located opposite the Forum for a great combination.
Schimmelpenninck Huys: For the lover of history and a quiet, authentic workspace in the heart of the city.
Hotel Prinsenhof & Nassau: Even more history in the city center. For workers who also enjoy a great bite to eat after work.

Groningen is waiting for you. Boost your productivity, broaden your horizons, and discover why we are called the City of Talent.

Want to know more about the best workspaces or looking for a specific hotel that fits your work style? View our full overview on Stay in Groningen.

The Social Hub

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Discover all Hotels on StayinGroningen.com

Wednesday, 25 February 2026 | Written by: Dean Strijbosch

📍 Fernweh 📍 Black & Bloom 📍 Forum Groningen 📍 Vismarkt 📍 Noorderplantsoen 📍 The Social Hub Groningen

🗓️ KEMISTRY x Eelke Kleijn 🗓️ Urban Trail Run 2026