Discover the province of Utrecht

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Discover the province of Utrecht

2023-06-01

Utrecht is the second-to-last smallest province in the Netherlands. But this doesn't mean that there is nothing to do there; on the contrary, Utrecht is the province where you will find the cities of Utrecht and Amersfoort. Amersfoort has been named the European city of 2023! Read some of our tips down here, if you feel like going on an adventure in the province of Utrecht.

Utrecht

As kids, back when we were in primary school, we used to get super excited when a test had this question: 'What is the capital city of the province Utrecht?' The easiest points on a test we could get! Utrecht. A beautiful city with tons of shops, cafes, restaurants, and culture.

Utrecht is one of the nicest shopping cities in the Netherlands. Because of its central location, the city is therefore much visited for a day of shopping. Hoog Catharijne is a modern indoor shopping centre and, with its 90 shops, it is one of the largest in the Netherlands. Along Vredenburg, Lange Elisabethstraat, Steenweg and Oudegracht, you will mainly find the well-known chain shops. De 7 Straatjes, a charming shopping area behind these big shopping streets, offers a range of small unique shops and specialised shops.

There are also plenty of cultural options in Utrecht. Climb the 112-metre Domtoren and behold the magnificent view. Or stroll through the beautiful cloister garden of Pandhof van de Domkerk. The Pandhof is one of the most beautiful courtyard gardens in the Netherlands and from here you have a wonderful view of the Dom Tower and church

Did you know that Utrecht's canals have been voted the most beautiful in the Netherlands, even above Amsterdam? Utrecht has a unique canal system with the Oude and Nieuwegracht canals and its wharfs and wharf cellars. If you visit Utrecht, you cannot miss a trip on or a walk along its canals. Admire the stately canal houses or take a seat at one of the cosy restaurants along the water.

With just under an hour's drive from the park, you can be in the bustling centre of Utrecht in no time.

Amersfoort

Amersfoort, this city in the heart of the Netherlands has been named this year's European city of 2023: beautiful old canals, great shops, countless eateries, and culture. Amersfoort's downtown offers you the perfect combination of buildings with history and structures with a modern feel. It is time for Amersfoort!

At over 98 metres tall, the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren is the third-highest tower from the late Middle Ages in the Netherlands. As the pride of Amersfoort, this tower is the city's most striking landmark and is also known as 'Lange Jan'.

Take a stroll through Muurhuizen. Muurhuizen is a more or less circular street on the site of the demolished first city wall in the centre of Amersfoort. Because the construction of these houses took place in different periods, a great diversity of forms has emerged. Muurhuizen counts 61 national monuments, some of which have well-known house names, such as "Bollenburgh" at 19, "Tinnenburg" at 25, and "t Sluisje" at 199.

Also, don't forget to take a look at the impressive Koppelpoort. Built in 1400, this beautiful land and water gate once formed part of the old city wall. Book a 30-minute guided tour, you will discover all the "secrets" of this gate. You will get the chance to experience for yourself what a wheelwright is, and those who have walked in one of the treadmills will receive the Wheelwright Certificate! This is also an exciting and fascinating adventure for children!

Or visit Dierenpark Amersfoort with the kids and feast your eyes. Visit the monkeys, lions, elephants and discover what other animals live there!

With about half an hour's drive from the park, you'll be in the centre of this fun city in no time.

Other sights

Of course, there is much more to discover in Utrecht province. For example, visit Kasteel de Haar, the most beautiful castle in the Netherlands. Experience the life of Queen Juliana and her husband Prince Bernard in the 17th-century royal Paleis Soestdijk or delve into history by visiting the lively fishing village of Spakenburg, complete with old fishermen's houses and old ship carpentry yard. In short, Utrecht is worth a visit!