De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman) has been serving guests since 1983, thus making it the oldest coffee shop of the town. The owner made headlines in the international press several times, sending the current Dutch king a package of joints for his 18th birthday for example (if he smoked them personally the story doesn’t tell, but they were never returned either). The main reason we like this small place is that it has 17 different quality marihuana selections and is the only one in town serving the good old Purple stuff, loved by hippies and others as it grows outside and it doesn’t have high amounts of THC. Two small glass cages, one being the smallest one of the Netherlands, are built for smoking your weed or hash on the spot. A Wurlitzer jukebox is at your disposal for breaking the silence. Also a good place to pick up homemade spacecake and a spice joint (without tobacco). The owner donates part of the annual profit to special projects, like a parrot refugee camp, a bear forest, and giving chickens a decent life.
De Vliegende Hollander
Venue Info
Phone
(+31) 503 14 48 07
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Comments
Kevin
in a world he didn't create.
6. 3. 2026
This shop deserves your attention (and far more comments!) Have frequented this coffeeshop many, many time since 1987. It was always a decent score. But several years ago they renovated and now have a great appearance and roomy sales 'desk' (as spacious and long as any hotel check-in desk area). No attitude, no pretenses... arguably the largest and best selection in town. Quality and varied menu at all times. Easy access from the train station (short 8 minute walk). I occasionally peruse a couple other shops in town... but rarely buy anything. Just seeing where they rate in comparison to the Vliegende Hollander. For my taste, others do not come close. In 2018, there is no reason to operate as a dumpy, dark, thematic hole-in-the-wall. I usually avoid easy to find. close to the train station coffeeshops in a line of tourist restaurants, etc (like those close to Centraal Station in A'dam, especially the tourist traps like Bulldog, Grasshopper). But this place is not a tourist trap. They are a genuine and knowledgeable bunch. Here are some points of interest at the Vliegende Hollander: * Excellent, fresh supplies. * Competitive prices. * Knowledgeable, experienced staff. * No cheating on the weight! * Smoking area, outdoor tables ...and most of all -- THEY CLEAN AND WEIGH YOUR ORDER RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. No pre-packaged, dried-out products here (as is common in so many c'shops these days). Hadn't been here in about 5 months, visited yesterday, and felt I should report back to those cruising the 'net for info. If you're in or near Groningen, it's worth a short train ride. While you're at it... there's an excellent Vietnamese restaurant called Pho Saigon approximately 5 minutes from the coffeeshop. A relatively new "closet space" with about 6 small tables. Don't let the plain appearance, tiny room fool you -- these folks are putting out 100% genuine Vietnamese food. The smells and dishes are superb -- close your eyes, take a whiff, and you'll think you're on a street full of food vendors in Saigon! Oh man, pure Vietnamese food and the Vliegende Hollander -- a match made in Heaven!!