Vacation in the region of Utrecht
In the center of the Netherlands lies the region of Utrecht. The region is a wonderful and often underestimated holiday destination in the Netherlands. It offers a perfect blend of historical charm, modern urban life, and surprisingly diverse nature.
Utrecht is by far the most populous city in the province and, together with Amersfoort, forms the urban center. It is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.
The city is often referred to as “Mini-Amsterdam.” The advantage here – it is not overcrowded, and tourist masses have not yet flocked to the city. You can also enjoy the canals here, and unlike Amsterdam, Utrecht features the famous “Werfkelders” (wharf cellars). These are low-lying quays and cellars directly at the water level of the Oudegracht. Today, they are full of atmospheric restaurants, cafés, and bars, where you can sit right by the water.
The Dom Tower is the city’s unmissable landmark. A climb up the highest church tower in the Netherlands is rewarded with a spectacular view. Anyone who would rather take a look underneath the city is in the right place with a guided tour of the DomUnder project. Here, you can learn a lot about the city’s history and go on a discovery tour.
The province of Utrecht is far more than just the city. It offers typical Dutch landscapes and stunningly beautiful historic towns.
Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park: In the east of the region, you will find something one rarely expects in the Netherlands: hills! This forested moraine ridge is a paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and walking. The forests, heathlands, and sand drifts offer a wonderful change of scenery.
The “Green Heart” (Groene Hart): In the west of the region of Utrecht lies the typical polder landscape. Flat meadows, crisscrossed by canals and rivers (like the picturesque Vecht), windmills, and old farms. Perfect for long bike rides.
Historic Towns: Places like Amersfoort (technically in the region of Utrecht, a beautiful medieval city), Oudewater (with its famous “Witches’ Weighhouse”), or the fortified town of Wijk bij Duurstede are worth a visit.
Highlights of the region of Utrecht
I am standing in the heart of Utrecht on the Dom Square, and something feels… strange. I look up to the sky and see a gigantic, Gothic tower. Then I turn around and see a beautiful, Gothic cathedral. But between them gapes a huge, open void. What you see here at the Dom in Utrecht…
Wijk bij Duurstede presents itself as a place of absolute relaxation. Life plays out on the terraces at the central market. Cycling and hiking trails invite you to take extensive tours – a place almost too good for just a day trip.
Fort bij Vechten appears as an expansive landscape of gentle, grass-covered ramparts, ancient trees, and tranquil moats. However, as we followed the well-maintained path from the parking lot, we unknowingly stepped into one of the most strategically complex locations in European history.
On the edge of Utrecht, in the district of Leidsche Rijn, lies the Museum Hoge Woerd. Here, no ordinary museum awaited us, but a “modern interpretation of a Roman fort” and a visit that we will remember.
Boating in Utrecht is simply a must when visiting the Cathedral City. The picturesque canals (grachten) with their unique wharf cellars are world-famous. But instead of the typical canal boats, a unique experience awaits visitors in Utrecht: a trip on the "De Meern 1," an authentic replica of a Roman cargo ship.
Utrecht's Cathedral Square (Domplein) is one of the most beautiful places in the city. Surrounded by the Dom Church, the Dom Tower, and several beautiful buildings, one can hardly guess what lies hidden beneath the cobblestones. A journey to DOMunder, 4.7 meters below the cobblestones and 2,000 years back in time, brings the past to…
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Accommodation
After a long day in Utrecht, the Stayokay Hostel Bunnik offers an ideal place to recharge. Located not far from the vibrant city center, the hostel sits in an idyllic spot on the edge of the village of Bunnik, directly on the banks of the Kromme Rijn.
We are driving along the embankment road of the Rijndijk when we reach one of the most beautiful accommodations we have ever stayed in. Nestled directly behind the dike lies the Bed & Breakfast Dijklodges.
Slapen onder de Dom
MUZE Hotel Utrecht
In de Pastorie Utrecht
Stayokay Hostel Utrecht – Bunnik
Dijklodges
Travel informations
Getting there
The city of Utrecht is considered a hub for both the rail and motorway networks.
By Train: Utrecht Centraal is the largest and most important railway station in the Netherlands and a central hub in the European rail network. The station is located directly in the city center, and the historic old town is within walking distance. There are excellent (direct) connections from Germany.
By Plane: The nearest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). It is located only about 35 km away.
There is a direct, very fast train connection from Schiphol Airport station to Utrecht Centraal. Trains run several times per hour, and the journey takes only approx. 30 minutes.
By Long-Distance Bus: Various long-distance bus companies (e.g., FlixBus) offer connections to Utrecht from many German and European cities. The buses usually stop at the “Jaarbeurszijde” bus station on the west side of Utrecht Centraal main station, which is also very central.
By Car: Utrecht is easily accessible via a dense motorway network (especially via the A2, A12, A27, and A28).
Parking
Here is the English translation:
Parking in Utrecht’s city center is expensive, and spaces are limited. It is strongly recommended to use the well-signposted P+R (Park + Ride) facilities on the outskirts of the city. From there, you can reach the center cheaply and quickly by tram or bus. The P+R rates often include the public transport ticket as well.
