Walk or jog from pond to pond to explore the corners in the banks that tell the history. In the 17th century, this is where the city’s defensive walls and canals were dug. In the late 19th century, people found that the time had come for something new and an English landscape-style park was laid out on the former town ramparts. The canals were transformed into ponds.

The Noorderplantsoen park developed from a sand ridge into a town rampart and distinguished garden to a venue for people of all ages to gather and enjoy art and culture.

Whenever the weather allows, students spend their time lounging on the grass at the pond banks and young families enjoy the playground. There is also a café/restaurant that sells any refreshments you might need and in late August, the park always functions as the backdrop for Noorderzon, a grand festival with plenty of theatre, dance and musical performances.

Though with current covid times, it is unsure if this festival will still be held