Delfzijl

The city has a large industrial area, a busy port, a tiny beach and a few attractions to entertain the (mostly accidental) visitors. The place is not recommended for a longer stay, but has plenty of shops, a few hotels and a well stocked public library with internet facilities.

Delfzijl gained national notoriety in 2005 and 2006 because of political turmoil caused by its bickering local politicians. One of the last mayors to leave town in a hurry (Ms. Marritje Appel), bitterly denounced the city as "Sicily of the North".

During the local elections of 2006 30% of all voters in the city of Delfzijl submitted an "abstain vote".

Tourist Information Office (VVV), J. v.d. Kornputplein 1a, ☏ +31 596-618104, vvvdelfzijl@topvangroningen.nl.

There's a train connection from Groningen, which leaves every half-hour (€6.80, 37 minutes). It stops at Delfzijl's central station and at Delfzijl-West. The trains are operated by Arriva.

1 Delfzijl railway station, Johan van den Kornputplein 1. (updated Feb 2022)

2 Delfzijl West railway station, Hogelandsterweg 1. (updated Feb 2022)

There are also bus connections to and from Winschoten, Uithuizen, Appingedam, Groningen (city) and many hamlets and villages in the area.

Good provincial roads lead to all directions:

N360 direction Groningen

N362 direction Winschoten

N997 direction Losdorp

N992 direction Woldendorp

The N33 leads to Eemshaven and (in the other direction) to Assen.

As a harbour town, Delfzijl is well reachable via water if you have your own boat. The main water ways are the large Eemskanaal and the smaller Damsterdiep, which is almost exclusively used for private boats. There's a yacht harbour called "Het Dok" in the so-called "Oude Eemskanaal".

In summer, there are daily ferry crossings (also for cars) to the German island of Borkum and the German town of Ditzum.