Discover the authentic Utrecht

If you want to get to know Utrecht, do this beautiful city walk through the authentic center of the cathedral city along many historic buildings, canals with wharf cellars that are unique in the Netherlands and surprising courtyards. From the parking lot you can quickly enjoy the beautiful canal houses along the Oudegracht. This approximately two kilometer long canal is the connecting piece between the Kromme Rijn and the Vecht and cuts through the entire city center from south to north. For centuries it has been the main artery of the city. The Oudegracht is known for the wharfs and wharf cellars that you can view from above, but what is even more fun: grab a terrace on one of the low-lying quays. Cafes and restaurants are located in various wharf cellars. You are then comfortably at eye level with the passengers of the many (tour) boats that sail through the canals. Wealthy people used to build houses along the canal with cellars that opened directly onto the wharf, the so-called wharf cellars. The low-lying quay on the canals was particularly convenient for mooring for cargo ships. Unloaded goods could be stored directly in the wharf cellars located on the quay. The first part of the Oudegracht you visit is distinguished by exclusive shops with unique items. A little further on you will only find the well-known chain stores in the shopping streets, so if you are a fan of unusual items, make your move here.

The Aboriginal Art Museum Utrecht is located halfway along the Oudegracht. This is the only museum in Europe that focuses on contemporary Aboriginal art from Australia. Just past the museum, you turn the corner, after which you come face to face with the symbol of Utrecht: the more than 600-year-old Domtoren, the highest tower in Utrecht, but also the highest church tower in the Netherlands. A Dom tower climb is a great opportunity to get to know the city of Utrecht in a completely different way! The guide takes you via 465 steps (there is no elevator) to the top of the highest church tower in the Netherlands. Halfway you see the monumental bells with a total weight of no less than 32,000 kg. One floor up is the beautiful seventeenth-century Hemony carillon. Finally, from the tower transen at 70 and 95 meters you have a spectacular view of both the city and the province of Utrecht.

The Domtoren and the Domkerk are separated from each other on the Domplein. This separation of church and tower is the result of a devastating tornado in 1674 in which the nave of the Dom Church collapsed. Subsequently, there have been various initiatives to achieve a complete restoration of the Dom Church, including the contraction with the tower, but these have never really been implemented. In the middle of Domplein is the entrance to an underground space where 2000 years of Dutch history can be seen. Under the ancient square you follow a route where you can discover archaeological finds with a special flashlight. History literally comes to life as the lamp activates stories and animations. The Gothic Dom Church was built as a cathedral for the bishop of Utrecht and dedicated to Sint Maarten. The Dom Church has been a Protestant church since the Reformation. Due to the iconoclasm, many of the original Gothic elements have unfortunately disappeared. However, the richly decorated tomb monuments that can be found in the church are very impressive, as is the immense organ.

Via the Korte Jansstraat you reach the Drift. There are several monumental buildings on this canal. A special detail are the cast iron gas lanterns from 1857 that stand along this canal. You will also find various faculty buildings of Utrecht University.

After you have crossed the canal that largely'encircles\\\' the city center, you walk through the Vogelenbuurt past the high corn mill Rijn en Zon. With a flight height of almost 25 meters, it is one of the highest windmills in the Netherlands. You cross the canal again and walk past the Volksbuurtmuseum. Here the 200 year history of the daily life of the common man from the working-class neighborhoods in the Netherlands is highlighted. The vanished working-class neighborhood of Wijk C in Utrecht serves as an example. Stadskasteel Oudaen on the historic Oudegracht is a nice place to take a break and have a cup of coffee or, if you're already up for it, lunch. The beautiful city castle with a history dating back to 1200 is a versatile catering facility with a grand café, à la carte restaurant, theater and its own brewery. Rested and well, you are then ready for the last part of the walk. Enjoy the beautiful buildings above along the Oudegracht, but also the beautiful yards below along the water. Museum Speelklok tot Pierement is the next surprise that awaits you. This very cozy museum, now called Museum Speelklok, takes you into the wonderful world of the age-old self-playing musical instruments, from small music boxes to gigantic barrel organs! It is located in the old Buurkerk. You walk back to the starting point via a very picturesque part of Utrecht with beautiful streets with only beautiful old buildings, including along the Springweg and the Pelmolenweg. We hope you enjoyed this introduction to Utrecht and look forward to seeing you again!