Appingedam Travel Guide
City City in Groningen, Netherlands
Appingedam’s canals and famous hanging kitchens reward slow walks; cyclists use the town as a base to explore Groningen’s polderland, windmills and seafood at waterside cafés.
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Why Visit Appingedam? #
This Groningen town stands out for its medieval center and the famous ‘hanging kitchens’ that project over the Damsterdiep canal. Historic churches, narrow streets and quirky waterfront architecture give Appingedam a storybook quality, while annual festivals and cozy cafés make it a pleasant stop on a northern Netherlands itinerary. It’s especially rewarding for fans of unusual architecture and canal-side charm.
Top Things to Do in Appingedam
All Attractions ›
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- Hanging kitchens of Appingedam - See Appingedam's famous hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep canal and quay.
- Old town hall and market square - Visit the old town hall and market square for traditional architecture and weekly markets.
- Waaggebouw (Weigh House) - Discover the historic Waaggebouw with exhibits on local trade and weighing practices.
- Canal-side pancake cafés - Sample Dutch pancakes at a family-run café overlooking the canal.
- Cycle routes through countryside - Rent a bike and explore flat cycling routes through dykes and farmland.
- Groningen - Short train ride to Groningen for the Groninger Museum, shops, and lively cafés.
- Lauwersmeer National Park - Visit Lauwersmeer National Park for birdwatching, dunes, and coastal wetlands.
Best Time to Visit Appingedam #
Appingedam is nicest in summer when mild temperatures suit biking, canal walks and outdoor cafés. Winters are cool and damp; spring and autumn offer quieter, atmospheric visits.
Best Time to Visit Appingedam #
Appingedam's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (787 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Appingedam
Appingedam in Groningen province is well connected by regional rail to Groningen city, and the closest airport is Groningen Eelde (GRQ). Trains provide the simplest way into town from the region or from longer rail journeys arriving via Schiphol.
Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ): GRQ is the closest airport for Appingedam, about 25-40 km away. From the airport you can get to Groningen city and then take a regional train to Appingedam; total travel time is usually under an hour. Airport shuttle and taxi services connect to Groningen station; taxi fares to Appingedam vary but are commonly in the €40-€70 range.
Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS): Schiphol provides the most international connections; take a direct train from Schiphol to Groningen (about 2.5-3 hours) and then a short regional train to Appingedam (20-30 minutes). Total journey time is typically 3-4 hours and fares depend on booking choices (NS and connections).
Train: Appingedam has its own railway station (Appingedam) on the Groningen-Roodeschool line served by Arriva/NS regional trains. Trains from Groningen take about 20-30 minutes; fares are modest (usually a few euros).
Bus: Local buses serve routes between Appingedam and surrounding villages; use buses for destinations not directly on the rail line. Regional schedules are coordinated with train services in many cases.
How to Get Around Appingedam #
Appingedam’s historic centre is very walkable; the main sights lie close together along the canals. The town has its own railway station with regional services and bus links to Groningen and Delfzijl. Cycling is widespread and often the easiest way to explore the surrounding area. Regional train and bus fares are reasonable; check local timetables for off-peak connections and seasonal service changes.
Where to Stay in Appingedam #
- Appingedam guesthouses (local listings) - Small B&Bs and economy rooms
- Van der Valk Hotel Groningen-Hoogkerk - Budget to mid-range outside city centre
- Van der Valk Hotel Groningen-Hoogkerk - Reliable mid-range with good facilities
- Hotel Prinsenhof Groningen - Boutique comfortable stay in Groningen
- Van der Valk Hotel Groningen-Hoogkerk (superior rooms) - Upscale rooms and dining available
- Hotel Prinsenhof Groningen (boutique) - High-comfort boutique option in city centre
Where to Eat in Appingedam #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Appingedam's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Appingedam #
Nightlife in Appingedam is limited and low-key. Evenings are typically spent in cafes or small bars, with occasional cultural events and performances drawing the most lively crowds. There is no substantial club scene; larger-nightlife options require travel to Groningen.
Shopping in Appingedam #
Shopping in Appingedam focuses on small independent shops, local bakeries and periodic markets. The town offers basic retail and a few specialty stores, but for major shopping trips you’ll want to visit nearby Groningen. The centre’s character is more about historic charm than large-scale retail therapy.
