Groningen: Climb the Martinitower

Climbing the Martinitoren changes how you see Groningen. This 97-metre tower isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a vertical walk through centuries of survival, from fire and lightning to wartime grit, all while you look down on the Grote Markt.

I also like that the climb comes with real stops along the way, including galleries and a small cinema inside the tower. The experience feels interactive without turning into a theme park.

One thing to plan for: there are no lifts and the stairways are narrow, so it’s not the right choice if you’re nervous about tight spaces or have heart issues.

Key highlights to know before you go

• 250-plus steps, no lift: expect a steady climb rather than an elevator ride with views at the top
• First-gallery walk at 39 metres: step outside partway up for a different feel of height
• Small cinema on the first floor: watch a short film about Groningen’s history through the tower’s perspective
• Ring the bells: a simple hands-on moment that breaks up the climb
• Grote Markt views from above: see where the city’s center sits as you ascend and descend
• Last entry is 1 hour before closing: plan your timing so you’re not rushing at the end

First stop: exchanging your voucher at Forum Groningen

To get into the Martinitoren, you’ll exchange your voucher at the Groningen Store inside Forum Groningen. It’s a practical setup: you book ahead, then pick up access when you arrive.

If you’re building a day around Groningen, this is also a handy starting point. Forum Groningen is a central reference point, and the tower is close enough that you won’t lose your whole morning to transport.

Entering the climb: the tower, the effort, and why it’s worth it

The Martinitower—also called the Martini-toren / Martinitoren—has stood for centuries at 97 metres, even after fire and lightning and after times when it nearly collapsed. That context matters because you’re not just climbing a modern attraction. You’re climbing a structure that has taken hits, weathered storms, and kept going.

The climb itself is simple but serious: there’s no lift, and you’ll tackle over 250 steps. Most people take about an hour, which feels fast until you’re actually on those tight stair segments. I’d think of it as an hour of steady work plus optional time for reading, lingering at galleries, and watching the short film.

Who should consider skipping

If you’re pregnant, or if you have heart problems, this activity isn’t suitable. Also, if you’re uncomfortable in narrow passages, take that seriously—some parts of the tower are reported as tight and even damp.

The route upward: vaults, ornaments, bells, and big details you can actually feel

As you climb, the tower gives you breaks that are more than just rest stops. After batches of steps, you’ll reach areas that bring you closer to the tower’s physical story—like the church vaults, older ornaments, and heavy bells or giant flagpoles.

This is where the experience stops being just cardio. You get to pause and see the tower as a working, lived-in landmark rather than a smooth exterior monument. It’s the kind of detail that makes your photos better too, because you’re not only shooting the view—you’re capturing the interior character.

One small downside: because the stairways are narrow, you’ll move slowly. That can be good if you like a steady pace, but it can feel cramped if you prefer wide, airy stairs.

Gallery level at 39 metres: stepping outside for the height check

On the first gallery, you’ll get to step outside and walk around at about 39 metres. This is a smart moment in the route because it gives you a “how high am I really?” checkpoint before you continue higher.

From that height, you start to feel the city come into focus. The Grote Markt is below, and the tower’s position becomes obvious. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the overall shape of Groningen still reads well from this point.

Tip: if you’re unsure about height anxiety, this is a good place to test your comfort. It’s high enough to be impressive, but not the top, so you can decide how you want to pace yourself from there.

The small cinema on the first floor: watching Groningen through the tower

One of the most memorable parts is that small cinema on the first floor. Instead of a long lecture, you get a short film about Groningen’s history, told through the eyes of the tower.

That helps if you’re the kind of traveler who likes context but doesn’t want a museum detour. The film fits the rhythm of the climb: you’ve already earned it with effort, then you get a quick payoff in story form.

It’s also a great mental reset. After time on stairs, you might feel you’re only going up. The cinema reminds you why the tower’s survived—so the views at the top feel earned and meaningful.

Above the city: clock dials, gulls, and the market sound

Higher up, the stair sections narrow again, and the passage can feel damp and snug. Then something shifts: you get a moment of feeling “space,” and the soundscape changes.

You may hear gulls above you and people from the market while you stand between clock dials. That detail sounds small, but it makes the top feel real. You’re not in a silent viewpoint. You’re inside a working clock-and-bell structure where daily city life still reaches you.

When you finally take in the broader view, you’ll understand why this tower is the tallest in Groningen. It’s not just about seeing far—it’s about seeing the city’s layout from a perspective street-level can’t give you.

Ringing the bells: the playful break that keeps kids (and adults) smiling

The experience includes a chance to ring the bells. It’s the kind of activity that breaks the climb into chapters, and it adds a hands-on moment right in the heart of the tower.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of participation matters. There can even be small interactive touches that keep younger visitors busy while the adults focus on the higher galleries and the view.

For adults, it’s a good reminder that this is not only about standing still and taking photos. It’s okay to do something with your hands here.

What to expect at the top—and how long to plan

At the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over Groningen and the surrounding area, plus a strong sense of how the tower lines up with the city’s center below. The weather matters. On stormy or winter days, visibility might be a bit hazy, but the experience still feels worth the cost because you’re seeing a landmark from its own perspective.

In terms of timing, most visits take about an hour, which matches the idea of a focused climb. But I recommend planning 1.5 to 2 hours if you want time for each level, the cinema, and not feeling rushed when you’re catching your breath.

Remember: you can enter the tower until 1 hour before closing. That rule is simple, but it’s the difference between finishing comfortably and sprinting down tired legs.

Price and value: does $7 actually make sense?

At about $7 per person, the value is strong because you’re paying for three things at once: vertical access to a top viewpoint, indoor exhibits/stop points along the way, and a short history film inside the tower itself.

If you compare it to paying for a viewpoint ticket somewhere else, this is a more active experience. You’re not just looking—you’re moving through the building, stopping at galleries, and interacting by ringing bells.

Plus, you don’t need a long commitment. One hour (or two, if you enjoy taking your time) is a manageable chunk for a day trip or a city afternoon.

Practical tips that make the climb easier

Wear comfortable clothes—you’ll appreciate flexibility and grip more than anything stylish. Stairs in historic towers often demand steady foot placement, and narrow corridors mean you’ll want to move confidently.

If you get warm easily, dress in layers. You may move quickly during some segments, then slow down in tighter passages.

Also, give yourself a little buffer time at the start. Exchanging your voucher at Groningen Store inside Forum Groningen is quick, but you don’t want to feel rushed when you’re about to climb.

Finally, if you’re sensitive to narrow spaces, take that seriously before you commit. The steps can feel unrelenting simply because there’s no lift and the route is physically constrained.

Should you book the Martinitoren climb?

You should book if you want a high-value experience that combines views, hands-on moments, and short history storytelling—without adding a big travel detour. It’s especially great for travelers who like activities that are small enough to fit into a day, but real enough that you feel you earned the view.

I’d skip it if you need step-free access or if narrow, tight stairways would make you uneasy. And if you’re carrying heart-related concerns or you’re pregnant, the activity isn’t suitable.

If you’re curious about Groningen’s character, this tower gives you a direct connection: you climb inside the landmark itself, then look down at the city it watches over.

FAQ

Where do I exchange my voucher to enter the Martinitoren?

You exchange your voucher at the tourist office called Groningen Store inside Forum Groningen.

Is the entrance to the Martinikerk included with the tower ticket?

No. Admission to the Martinitower is included, but entrance to the Martinikerk is not included.

How long does the climb take?

Most visitors take about an hour, though you may want around two hours if you want time to enjoy every level.

Is there a lift in the tower?

No. There is no lift, so the climb involves stairs.

What’s the last time I can enter?

You can enter the tower until 1 hour before closing.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothes so you can handle stairs comfortably.