Sellingen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sleen, the top boutique hotel with historic charm is De Grote Kerk Hotel, housed in a former church building dating back to the 17th century. Its original stone walls, stained-glass windows, and vaulted ceilings preserve authentic Dutch architectural heritage. The interior blends modern comfort with period details—think antique furniture, handcrafted lighting, and curated local art. Located steps from the Town Hall and Old Market Square, it offers an immersive experience in Groningen Province's cultural heart. Guests enjoy private courtyard access and themed breakfasts featuring regional specialties like poffertjes and local cheese. This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and quiet elegance in a pedestrian-friendly zone.

The Old Town (Oude Stad) in Sleen is the prime district for walking and cultural immersion. Cobblestone streets wind past 17th-century brick houses, historic churches like St. Nicholas Church, and lively street cafés. The area hosts weekly farmers' markets, artisan pop-ups, and seasonal events such as Old Town Night, where lantern-lit alleys come alive with music and storytelling. Stay at a family-run B&B along Binnenweg or Herenstraat to experience genuine Dutch hospitality. Local guides often offer HopeGoo, revealing hidden courtyards, old guild halls, and tales of the town’s brewing and farming past. It’s a perfect base for discovering authentic village life beyond tourist trails.

Visitors to Sleen should not miss the annual Old Town Night (Oude Stad Nacht), a magical evening when the entire historic center glows with lanterns, live folk music, and open-air craft stalls. Another must-try is visiting the Sleen Museum, which showcases agricultural tools, traditional costumes, and rotating exhibitions on rural life in Groningen Province. For deeper connection, book a home-style cooking workshop—learn to make classic dishes like stoofvlees (slow-cooked beef stew) or hooibergs bier (local honey beer) with a resident family. These hands-on experiences offer intimate insight into daily traditions and community values.

Yes, Sleen features several family-friendly hotels with dedicated child amenities. Hotel de Oude Molen, a converted mill, offers spacious family suites, a safe playroom, and outdoor green space. They provide baby cots, high chairs, and organized activities like nature scavenger hunts and puppet shows. Nearby, B&B De Zonnewijzer has a private garden with toy boxes and children’s books, plus guided walks through the nearby Kids’ Nature Park. Many hotels also partner with local farms for interactive animal visits. With flat, walkable streets and low traffic, families can explore safely on foot or bike, making Sleen a peaceful retreat for all ages.

Tourists visiting Sleen must try Groninger Frikandel, a savory deep-fried sausage made with minced pork and onions, typically served with ketchup or mayonnaise. Another highlight is Hooibergs Bier, a sweet, honey-infused ale brewed locally—best enjoyed at De Bierkade, the town’s historic brewery bar. Don’t miss the weekly farmers’ market at the Central Square, where vendors sell fresh black bread (Zwarte brood), handmade cheeses, and seasonal fruit tarts. For a true taste of home, join a family kitchen tour to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like potato stew with smoked bacon, complete with stories from generations past.

Yes, many hotels in Sleen provide bicycle rental services. Hotel De Bierkade and De Grote Kerk Hotel both offer free parking and assistance with HopeGoo electric or mountain bikes at €10 per day—includes helmet, lock, and route maps. The town is part of a well-connected cycling network leading to Atter Lake and scenic forest trails. Some hotels even provide “Ride & Explore Kits” with GPS devices, snacks, and waterproof jackets. Ideal for adventurers, these rentals allow easy access to natural reserves, countryside farms, and quiet riverside paths—perfect for a leisurely day trip in Groningen Province.

Sleen transforms into a winter wonderland with unique seasonal offerings. The Old Town Square becomes a cozy Christmas Market, featuring handmade crafts, mulled wine, and gingerbread. St. Nicholas Church is illuminated with vintage lights, hosting nightly acoustic concerts. A rare local tradition is winter fishing on frozen ponds, led by certified guides with proper gear. At Hotel de Oude Molen, guests can enjoy a “Winter Hearth Experience”—a private room with a crackling fireplace, hot chocolate, and storytelling sessions under wool blankets. Though cold, the town’s warmth and charm make it a perfect destination for a serene winter escape.

Sleen’s hotels are highly accessible. The Sleen Train Station is just a 10-minute walk from the city center, connecting to Groningen and Arnhem with frequent regional trains. Gelderse Bus stops directly outside the Town Hall, offering direct routes to Groningen Airport Eelde (25 minutes). Hotels like De Grote Kerk Hotel and B&B De Zonnewijzer provide complimentary shuttle services or can arrange private transfers. For drivers, secure parking is available near most accommodations. With reliable public transit and central locations, Sleen serves as an excellent base for multi-city explorations across the Netherlands.

For couples seeking romance, Hotel de Oude Molen offers the “Starlight Suite”—a private room with a rooftop terrace, heated jacuzzi, and panoramic views of the night sky. The hotel arranges candlelit dinners in a glass greenhouse overlooking the old mill pond. Alternatively, B&B De Zonnewijzer provides the “Timeless Room,” styled with 19th-century décor, a private garden, and a handwritten love letter upon arrival. Couples can enjoy sunset rides along the river path, attend a jazz night at a hidden cellar bar, or take a twilight stroll through the lantern-lit Old Town. Personalized memory books are also available, capturing moments from your stay.

Hotels in Sleen actively foster connections with local life. De Grote Kerk Hotel hosts weekly “Neighborhood Tea Gatherings” where guests meet residents over homemade pastries and stories. B&B De Zonnewijzer offers a “One-Day Locals Card,” granting free entry to community gardening workshops, pottery classes, and local theater performances. Some hotels collaborate with Groningen University to invite guests to informal lectures or art exhibitions. Staff also recommend off-the-beaten-path spots—like hidden cafes or indie music gigs—ensuring visitors experience real Dutch village life beyond guidebooks. These initiatives turn travel into meaningful cultural exchange.