Groningen - 18 stops - par 54
The Martinitoren makes for a tall target to finish a hole. This round takes place in Groningen, where the map is the real city and the ball rolls along its actual streets. The local attractions are the foundations for every hole, and Skip knows these pavements well. A full 18-hole round covers 11 km, using 12 portals to skip across the city. It is a long walk for a pigeon, but the view is worth it.
The course is drawn on the real street grid, so the map you play is the map you walk.
Drag to aim, release to swing. Buildings bounce and water costs you a stroke.
Every hole ends at an attraction. Sink the putt, read the story, walk to the next tee.
You can see the scale of the stands before you realize you are at Euroborg. This association football venue in Groningen was started in 2006 and was designed by Wiel Arets Architects and Wiel Arets. It is the home ground of FC Groningen and has a capacity of 22,550. To help the crowds get here, a temporary railway station opened in late 2007, which was replaced by a permanent railway station in 2013. I've noticed the atmosphere is always electric when the stands are full.
You will first notice the wide, open greenery of Groenestein as you approach. This park is a designated urban green space in the city, providing a necessary break from the surrounding pavement. Beyond its greenery, it is also a Rijksmonument, which means the site is recognized as a protected national monument. I find it a peaceful spot to stretch your wings and watch the world go by away from the busier streets of Groningen. It is a great place to pause and appreciate the local heritage.
You might expect to see only sleek architecture in the city, but the Helpermolen is different. This is a windmill, providing a glimpse of the region's traditional machinery amidst the urban surroundings. It is a great spot to pause and look at the sails before you continue your journey through Groningen. I always find the scale of these structures impressive from the ground, though I prefer the view from the rafters. Whether you are a history buff or just exploring, this site offers a unique contrast to the surrounding buildings and a bit of local character.
You might think this small structure is a private cottage, but it is actually Theekoepeltje, a garden tea house. This building is a Rijksmonument, meaning it is a protected national heritage site. Construction on the tea house was started in 1818. I've seen plenty of folks stop to admire the architecture while they stroll through the area. It is a charming spot to pause and take in the surroundings of Groningen, and it stands as a unique example of the garden structures found in the city's historic districts.
Let me show you the Groninger Museum. This art museum in the city of Groningen had an inception in 1874. Since those early days, it has evolved into a space that exhibits modern and contemporary art. You can pick out works from local, national, and international artists throughout the galleries. It is a popular spot in the Netherlands, drawing 197,517 annual visitors. I usually find the crowds make for a lively atmosphere around the building, and it is always interesting to see who else is stopping by for a look at the art.
You can find this maritime museum right here in Groningen. Museum aan de A focuses on the nautical heritage of the area, giving visitors a sense of the city's connection to the water. The museum was founded in 1932 and remains a key spot for those interested in ships and sailing. I usually keep an eye out for the boats docked nearby while I'm visiting, as they give a real sense of the scale of the vessels the museum celebrates. It is a great place to stop and learn about how the local shipping industry shaped the region.
Located in the heart of the city, Synagoge Groningen is a synagogue. This building is a Rijksmonument, a designation that marks its importance to the national heritage of the Netherlands. The structure was started in 1906. Its design is the work of two architects, Tjeerd Kuipers and Ytzen van der Veen. Visitors can find the site situated among the streets of the city center, where it remains a place of worship and a point of historical interest for anyone exploring the local architecture of the area.
The Universiteitsmuseum is a university museum. It serves as a space for academic display and public engagement with the university's collections. The museum had its inception in 1932. When you are looking at the building, you can pick out the architectural style that fits right into the neighborhood. I have found that the surrounding streets are quite friendly for a rolling ball, provided you can keep it away from the heavier traffic. It is a great spot to stop and appreciate how the university integrates its history into the public city space.
Tucked behind the Prinsenhof in Groningen, you will find Prinsentuin. This garden was built in renaissance style and offers a peaceful break from the city streets. As you walk through the grounds, you can pick out the herb garden, the rose garden, and the specific area with berceaus. If you look up at the wall above the entrance, I'll show you the sundial. It is a lovely spot to spend a few minutes resting your feet while you admire the greenery. I think it is one of the most relaxing corners of the city.
Located on the Nieuwe Kerkhof in the Hortusbuurt, the Nieuwe Kerk is a Protestant church building. Its inception was in 1660, and it is now recognized as a Rijksmonument in the city of Groningen. When you look at the structure, you can see the history of the area reflected in its presence. It is also worth noting that during the 18th century, the Nieuwe Kerk was known by another name, the Noorderkerk. This building remains a significant point of interest for those visiting the Hortusbuurt neighborhood.
The Martinitoren's inception was in 1482. This Gothic church tower is the tallest church steeple in the city of Groningen, Netherlands. It is the bell tower of the Martinikerk and is officially recognized as a Rijksmonument. When you look closely at the structure, you can see that it is an inclined tower. It reaches a height of 97 meters, allowing it to dominate the local skyline. It remains one of the most prominent examples of the Gothic architecture style in the region for any visitor to observe.
Sint-Jozefkathedraal is a Catholic cathedral in the city of Groningen in the Netherlands. Built in the Gothic Revival style, this structure is a Rijksmonument that was designed by the architect Pierre Cuypers. Construction on the building started in 1886. Today, it serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden.
Look at the open space of the Vismarkt. This location is a square that lets you experience a different pace of the city. I find it a great spot to stretch your wings and watch the people pass by while you orient yourself with the nearby streets.
Look around at the open layout of the area. This is the Ossenmarkt, a square in Groningen. It provides a wide, open space for visitors to gather and observe the city's daily flow. I find it a great spot to simply pause and watch the world go by. Whether you are navigating the streets or just passing through, the scale of the area makes it easy to get your bearings. It is a simple, open part of the city that allows the surrounding architecture to stand out while giving you plenty of room to breathe.
Let me show you the Stadsschouwburg. This theatre building is a Rijksmonument designed by architect Frits van Gendt. You can pick out the Renaissance Revival architecture style used in the construction, which was started in 1883. It is a centerpiece for the performing arts in Groningen, bringing a variety of shows and music to the local community. I've noticed the stonework here is a favorite spot for a quick perch between flights, providing a great view of the crowds entering for a performance.
You will first notice the bold, striking lines of the Oosterkerk, a reformed church in the city of Groningen. This building is designed in the expressionist architecture style, a distinct look achieved by architects Jan Kuiler and Lucas Drewes. Located in the Oosterparkbuurt, the church is recognized as a Rijksmonument. Work on the building was started in 1929. It is a significant example of its architectural style within the city, providing a stark visual contrast to the surrounding residential area of the Oosterparkbuurt.
Sint Franciscuskerk is a church building located in Groningen. It is recognized as a municipal monument in the Netherlands, meaning the structure is protected for its local significance. When you look at the building, you are seeing a site whose inception took place from 1932 to 1934. This church remains an important part of the city's architectural heritage, providing a point of reflection for those passing by on the street. It is a place where the history of the community is preserved in stone and glass.
Let me show you Bernoulliplein. This location is a street within the city. It is a useful point of orientation for anyone exploring the area on foot or by bike. I find the layout of the surrounding blocks quite interesting when I am flying overhead.
Located slightly north of the city center, Noorderplantsoen is an urban public park in Groningen. It is a welcoming green space for anyone visiting the Netherlands. The name Noorderplantsoen is Dutch for northern public garden, which describes its role in the city. I often see people relaxing here while I am gliding overhead, and it is a great spot to stop and take a breath. Whether you are here for the scenery or just passing through on your way to another part of town, this park is a centerpiece of the local area.
This is Zwolle, where the map is the actual city and the round is played on its real streets. The holes are built from attractions like the Sassenpoort. Skip knows these alleys well, even the ones where the best crumbs hide. It is a quick 9-hole round with a par of 25, covering a 4.3 km walk that uses 6 portals to move the ball.
Utrecht is the map for this round, where the ball rolls across the actual city streets. The holes are built directly from real attractions, ending the game at the Rijn en Zon. A full 18-hole round covers 9.3 km and uses six portals to bridge the gaps between distant districts. Skip knows these pavements well, including the specific corners where the best crumbs fall. As a local guide, this pigeon has seen every inch of the walk from the air and the cobblestones.
The final hole drops right into the Efteling. This round uses the real streets of Tilburg as a map, where the actual attractions provide the walls and obstacles for the ball. It is a quick 9-hole round with a par of 25, covering a walk of 4.5 km. Skip knows every cobblestone here and can show the way.
This is Rotterdam, where the map is the real city and the round is played on its actual streets. Real attractions like the Euromast are what the holes are built from, turning the city into a course. Skip is a local guide who knows the place and where the best crumbs are hidden. This full round of 18 holes covers 12.7 km and uses 60 portals to bridge the gaps between the distant landmarks.
This is a quick nine-hole round through Nijmegen. The map is the real city and the ball rolls along its actual streets, using landmarks like the Jacobskapel to form the holes. Skip knows these pavements well enough to avoid the occasional crumb-stealing rival. The walk covers 5.5 km of the city center, where the real attractions provide the rails and the cups.
Yes. Every course runs in the browser with no account and no install.
No. The full round plays from anywhere. Walking the real route is a nice way to see the city, but it is not required.
Yes. The geometry comes from OpenStreetMap data, rendered chunky on purpose. Streets, water and parks sit where they really are.
