How to get to Utrecht from Amsterdam. Find a train from Amsterdam to Utrecht

Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands, founded in the middle of the first century. It served as a defensive post on the border of the Roman Empire. A little later, representatives of Germanic tribes settled here, whose descendants still live in modern Netherlands.

Utrecht is located in the central part of the country. Its area reaches 100 km2, and the number of inhabitants is 300,000 people. Today it plays the role of the main railway hub of the Netherlands, and its main attractions are ancient architectural buildings, museums and gardens.

Historical fact! In 1579, a union was signed in Utrecht, uniting the Dutch provinces into a single state.

What to see in Utrecht? How to spend a holiday in one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, which interesting places worth a look? The answers to all your questions are in this article.

Sights of Utrecht (Netherlands)

Utrecht is a very colorful and diverse city. There are almost 20 museums and 12 parks here, people can go boating and visit ancient castles here. For those staying in the city for a short time, we have selected 8 attractions of Utrecht that you can see in one day.

Utrecht is divided length and breadth by water straits that connect the city with the capital and other provinces of the Netherlands. Unlike Amsterdam, the canals in Utrecht are two-tiered - they are deepened into the ground and seem to divide the city into two parts, one of which is on the embankment, and the second is a level higher, on the streets we are familiar with.

Many tourists, having arrived in the city, immediately go on a circular cruise, others enjoy walking along the embankment and relaxing in coastal cafes. For those who want to control their movements independently and experience the beauty water adventures At the same time, there are rental areas for catamarans, boats and canoes throughout the city.

Schroder House

In 1924 there was no time machine, but Schroeder's house already existed. Unique from the point of view of that era, the building today can deservedly be called the most unusual house of all time.

Mr. Schroeder turned out to be one of the few people who manage to satisfy the strange desires of his wife. At her request, the Dutch designer and architect managed to create a house without walls, which later became a museum and an object World Heritage UNESCO. All the furniture, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, folds compactly after use, the doors in the rooms open using levers and mechanical buttons, and an elevator runs between the first and second floors to serve food.

Schroeder's House located on the outskirts of the city at Prins Hendriklaan 50. Cost of visiting – 16.5 €, for children from 13 to 17 years old – 8.5 €, from 3 to 12 – 3 €.

Schedule:

• Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun from 11 to 17;
• Friday from 11 to 21.

Important! You can enter the House only with a ticket purchased in advance on the website of the Central Museum of Utrecht - centraalmuseum.nl. Please note that the entrance to the attraction opens every hour to a maximum of 12 tourists.

Botanic Gardens

The oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands were opened in 1639. Initially, this place was a pharmacy town for students and teachers of the University of Utrecht, but in the 18th century the garden became not just a scientific corner, but also an excellent place to relax.

Over the nearly 400 years of its existence, the Botanic Gardens have changed and expanded several times to eventually become home to almost 18,000 plants from more than 10,000 species. Today you can see here unique specimens from all over the world, many of which are stored in specially equipped greenhouses.

Interesting to know! To take into account the number and types of plants in Botanical gardens A special computer program was developed.

In addition to collections with unique flora, the attraction has a large thematic garden, opened in 1995. This favorite place little travelers, since it is here that they can study the characteristics of plant life using a clear example, as well as get to know them better thanks to innovative equipment.

In the gardens there are many benches, a pond and a cafe. It is better to reschedule a visit to this attraction until the first half of the day in order to have time to admire its beauty before closing. The exact address: Budapestlaan 17, opening hours: from 10 to 16:30. Entry price: 7.5€ for adults, children under 12 free.

Dome Cathedral and its tower (Dom van Utrecht)

The Dome Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is the main religious attraction of Utrecht. Despite the fact that this is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the Netherlands, it is not this that attracts tourists, but the huge tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

It takes a lot of strength and courage to climb to the observation deck. Basically, more than 400 steps, 95 meters in height and a long climb through dark spiral staircases do not frighten travelers, but some prefer to admire the surrounding beauty from benches or at cafe tables located in the “bishops’ garden” - the courtyard of the cathedral.

The doors of the temple are open from dawn to dusk, and you can enter completely free of charge. You will only have to pay for a long climb - 9 € for travelers without benefits, 5 € for children aged 4-12 years, 7.5 € for older students and schoolchildren. You can buy tickets in advance on the official website www.domtoren.nl.

Note! Ascent to the observation deck of the tower is carried out in groups every hour. If you want to do beautiful photos Utrecht, and not its tourists, go here an hour or two after opening.

Exact location of the attraction– Domplein 21. The tower is open daily: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 17, on Sunday and Monday from 12 to 17.

Central Museum(Central Museum)

Built in 1838, the museum grew from a small collection of ancient paintings into huge complex, located on five floors of several combined buildings. Here is everything you can and need to know about Utrecht - modern city with a very rich cultural heritage. This attraction, in essence, consists of several smaller ones:

1. The Art Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Morels, Scorel, Bokoven, Neumann, Maris and other Dutch artists;
2. the Museum of the Utrecht Archaeological Society, where you can find ancient elements of Dutch culture and rarities dating back more than a thousand years;
3. Central Museum, which tells everything about Utrecht and the city’s inhabitants;
4. Archbishop's Museum with unique religious exhibits.

The entire complex is open daily, except Mondays, from 11 to 17. Full admission price– 13.50 €, for children 13-17 years old – 5.5 €, for younger schoolchildren and preschoolers – free. The attraction is located at Nikolaaskerkhof 10.

Flower market (Bloemenmarkt)

When going to this attraction, be patient and do not take all your money with you. In this flower market, even those who don’t really like these beautiful representatives lose their heads. flora. Huge roses, beautiful tulips, sunflowers, asters and hundreds of hundreds of flowers in pots - all this wealth is sold here every Saturday morning at ridiculous prices.

The cost of bouquets on the market starts from 1-2 euros, and, for example, for 50 gorgeous fresh tulips you can pay only 5-7 euros. Bloemenmarkt also sells lemon and orange trees, indoor palm trees and many other plants. You can please your soul with a portion of pleasant aromas and extraordinary beauty on Janskerkhof Square.

Museum of Automatic Musical Instruments (Museum Speelklok)

Another museum for which the city of Utrecht is famous has the largest collection of jukeboxes in all of the Netherlands. Music boxes and clocks, barrel organs, self-playing pianos, chimes, organs and many other exhibits will sound for you, despite their venerable age.

This interactive museum is very interesting for both adults and children. You can turn the magic mechanism yourself to hear its melody, or literally touch the art by turning the handle of one of the exhibits. Many travelers highly recommend taking a paid tour, as some tools can only be included by a guide.

The attraction is located at Steenweg 6. This fabulous place is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Entry fee– 13 €, visitors 4-12 years old receive a 50% discount.

Present! You can pay for admission to the museum on the spot, but by ordering tickets online on the official website of the attraction, you can receive an additional gift, for example, a glass of lemonade from the cafeteria.

Railway Museum (Het Spoorwegmuseum)

Another amazing attraction of Utrecht and the Netherlands is the museum railway transport. It is located on the site of the old Maliebaanstation station, which belonged to the Utrecht-Amsterdam line, but was closed in 1921 due to high competition. In the early 2000s, this place was completely reconstructed: most the territory was filled with carriages and locomotives different eras, and one platform was assigned to fulfill its natural role - a train comes here from the city’s central station.

As travelers say, visiting the railway museum can take half a day, especially if you are with children. Het Spoorwegmuseum is divided into two halves:

• The first contains the old train station and many ancient exhibits. This part is free, anyone can come here and walk around the carriages, which are unusual for our time;
• The second part contains the most interesting exhibits, a children's interactive area, additional show rooms (for example, a “ride on an old train”), a laboratory where you can conduct physical experiments, a themed store and a cafe. A visit costs 17.5 euros; children under three years old have free admission.

You'll like it! Het Spoorwegmuseum houses many unique exhibits, one of which is the hero of the famous cartoon “The Chuggington Engines,” Wilson.

The museum is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm. You can buy tickets on this website www.spoorwegmuseum.nl.

Accommodation

NH Center Utrecht Hotel

Accommodation prices in Utrecht do not stand out among other cities in the Netherlands. There are only a few dozen hotels in the city; minimum prices per night start from 25 € per person (in a hostel). A more comfortable stay in a three-star hotel will cost at least 60 € for two, in a four-star hotel – 80 €.

A more economical option is apartments rented directly from residents of the Netherlands. Renting a one-room apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom will cost at least 40€, but travelers on a tight budget can also rent a room from the hosts for just 20-25€.

Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form

Cafes and restaurants

There are a lot of catering establishments in Utrecht, most of them are located in the area of ​​the most popular attractions, on the banks of the canals and in the city center. Food prices in this region of the Netherlands are as follows:

• Lunch in an inexpensive cafe of three courses – 15 € per person;
• Set dinner in an average restaurant for two – from 65 €.

Most establishments offer Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine.

How to get to Utrecht (Holland)

It is not possible to get to the city directly by plane, since it does not have an airport, and most often travelers will have to fly to the capital of the Netherlands, and from there go to their destination. To cover the 53 km distance between Utrecht and the Netherlands you can use:

• By train. Intercity intercity trains leave Amsterdam Centraal station every half hour from 00:25 to 23:55; they travel to the Utrecht Centraal stop in only 27 minutes. You can buy tickets for 6-12 euros on the Netherlands Railways website;
• Taxi. This trip will take about an hour and cost at least 100 euros. This option may be beneficial for a group of travelers with a lot of luggage.

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Utrecht is a city in the Netherlands that can be called one of the most unusual in the country. Visit it and see for yourself. Have a nice trip!

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Utrecht is a fairly large city by Dutch standards; as many as 300 thousand people live here, almost like in Tambov! But despite the status of a “metropolis”, the town has not lost its medieval charm. Utrecht is famous not only for its ancient Dutch houses on charming streets, but also for the tallest cathedral in the country, as well as its unique “two-story” canals. We will tell you about all this now.

The city of Utrecht in the Netherlands: attractions with photos and descriptions, how to get there and what to see, hotels and reviews

A short guide to Utrecht. Content

All of Holland in one photo. Utrecht is the typical Netherlands as we imagine it.

Utrecht: history with geography

As already mentioned, Utrecht is one of the largest cities in Holland, it ranks fourth in population after Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. And at the same time one of the oldest: it was here at the beginning of our era that the northern border of the Roman Empire passed. In the place where the tallest cathedral in Holland now stands, in the 1st century AD. e. a Roman fortress and a small village appeared. In the 3rd century, the Romans abandoned the fortress, but the village remained, and it still stands here to this day, now with the status of a city. Moreover, a very important city for the Dutch. After all, it was here that the Union of Utrecht was concluded in 1579 - a military-political union of the Dutch provinces, from which the struggle for independence against the Spaniards and the unification of the Netherlands into a single country began (and successfully ended).

But let's leave all this to historians, and for ordinary tourists like you and me Utrecht is an opportunity to find yourself in good old Holland. The city center is like a picture from a fairy tale book come to life: colorful small houses, ancient churches, narrow winding streets and canal embankments lined with time-blackened stone. Two-level embankments, by the way. We will now tell you in more detail about these and other attractions of Utrecht.

Good old Holland. My favorite photo of Utrecht.

The main attractions of Utrecht: TOP 5

1. St. Martin's Dome Cathedral

Utrecht Cathedral took about three hundred years to build, from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Initially, the main cathedral of Utrecht was Catholic, but at the end of the 16th century it became Protestant. Since then, the faces of the saints on the frescoes of the cathedral have been covered with paint or simply chipped off. But not all.

Top attractions in Utrecht, Netherlands: the interior decoration of the Dome Cathedral is Protestantly modest.

2. Bell tower of the Dome Cathedral

Why does the bell tower stand apart from it on our list of Utrecht attractions? Yes, because in reality it stands alone! Initially, the cathedral and its bell tower were a single building. But in the 17th century, a powerful hurricane destroyed the central part of the cathedral, “separating” the bell tower from the rest of the building. The church was repaired only in the 19th century, but they did not connect the bell tower and the cathedral. So they stand apart. By the way, the height of the bell tower is 112 meters, it is the highest in Holland. At the top there is an observation deck, where you can go as part of an excursion.

The bell tower of Utrecht Cathedral is visible from almost anywhere in the city, and from it in clear weather you can even see Amsterdam.

3. Utrecht University

One of the oldest universities in Holland, founded in the first half of the 17th century. Famous not only for its beautiful architecture, but also because it produced several Nobel Prize winners in physics and economics.

Utrecht University is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Holland.

4. Town Hall (Lichtenberg Castle)

Utrecht Town Hall is located in beautiful castle Built in the 12th century. It used to belong to the wealthy Van Lichtenberg family, but the building was bought by the emperor, rebuilt in places, and city officials have been meeting here since the beginning of the 19th century.

Two sights of Utrecht in one photo: Lichtenberg Castle (left) looks best in the frame with the bell tower of the Dome Cathedral.

5. Embankment of the Old Canal

The canals are the main attractions of Utrecht and all of Holland, but only in this city they are two-story! The two-tier embankment of the Old Canal was built in the 13th century. On the lower floor there were warehouses and production facilities, on the upper floor they sold goods delivered along the Old Canal to the city. For just 8 euros per hour, you can rent a kayak or other watercraft and enjoy views of Utrecht's landmarks from the water.

Previously, there were warehouses on the first floors of the Old Canal, now there are souvenir shops and cozy cafes.

Main attractions of Utrecht on the city map

How to get to Utrecht from different cities in Holland

Utrecht is very conveniently located at the crossroads of major railway tracks countries. Therefore, Utrecht is the largest railway hub in Holland, and getting here by train (as well as getting out of here) is very easy. We tell you how to get to Utrecht from Amsterdam and other major cities in the Netherlands. You can always check the current train schedule and ticket prices on the website Dutch railways .

From Utrecht train station you immediately enter the medieval streets of the city.

1. How to get from Amsterdam to Utrecht

The distance from Amsterdam to Utrecht is only 45 km. Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal station to Utrecht Centraal station run at intervals of 10-20 minutes, the journey takes just under half an hour, tickets cost from 8 euros.

2. How to get from Eindhoven to Utrecht

Are you arriving in Holland on a Pobeda flight and are looking for information on how to get from Eindhoven to Utrecht? Nothing could be simpler. At any time convenient for you, come to Eindhoven main station and buy a train ticket to Utrecht for 15.2 euros. Trains depart every 10 minutes and the journey takes 48 minutes.

3. How to get from The Hague to Utrecht

There are also direct, non-stop trains from The Hague to Utrecht. Ticket price is from 11.7 euros, the journey takes 37 minutes. Trains depart from Den Haag Centraal station several times an hour.

4. How to get from Rotterdam to Utrecht

Many tourists come to Utrecht from Amsterdam or other large cities for just one day, believing that this is enough. But don't forget that this is a big one. old City with interesting sights and many beautiful streets, so if you want to really enjoy Utrecht, you can spend the night here (although we don’t insist). Choose a hotel and city you like on Booking, and have a happy trip to Holland!

If you are looking for the easiest way to find the best prices for your train route, virail is what you've been looking for. You just need to select a date and virail will show you all the connections offered by our partners: by filtering the results you will find the ideal solution for your budget and schedule Virail will redirect you to the company's website for an easy and secure booking

Which companies serve the route from Amsterdam to Utrecht?

Virail cooperates with more than 200 partners in Europe and the rest of the world, among which also NS serving the train route Amsterdam -. Utrecht

Nederlandse Spoorwegen is the national rail supplier in the Netherlands, providing rail solutions at regional and local level, while intercity routes served by intercity trains For international routes, NS relies on the Deutsche service. ICE Bahn or Thalys train between Paris and Amsterdam.

What is the price of train tickets from Amsterdam to Utrecht?

On average, train tickets from Amsterdam cost RUB 7.60 to Utrecht, but if you can book in advance or choose less popular dates and times, you may be able to find cheap train tickets from PFL.

Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and the capital of the province of the same name, lies on the geographical divide between flat plains and sandy wastelands. This position facilitated the development of the city over the centuries, as the moors lying above were inaccessible to the storm tides of the North Sea. From the earliest times, Utrecht was one of the main political, economic and cultural centers of the Netherlands, the seat of the provincial administration and home to the famous university, founded in 1636. Tourism also makes a significant contribution to the economy and scenic Old city with its many historic buildings surrounded and criss-crossed by canals, attracts a large number of visitors.

See also: Where to Stay in Utrecht

1 St Martin's Cathedral

St Martin's Cathedral

In the heart of Utrecht is Cathedral Square, Domplin, where you will find St. Martin's Cathedral (Domkerk), one of the most important churches in the Netherlands. Situated in 1254 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, the cathedral today consists of a 14th-century choir, 15th-century transepts and two chapels. The original much larger structure included massive nearby Domtoren, a tower that split after the nave was destroyed during a thunderstorm in 1674. The ruins were only cleared in 1826, when the Domplein was laid out, with restoration finishing in 1988. Highlights include old tombs and a crypt known to contain internal organs Emperors Conrad II and Henry IV, who died in Utrecht. Of particular note is the picturesque 14th-century cloister that links the cathedral with the university: above its windows are scenes from the life of Saint Martin, the patron saint, and in the center of the beautiful monastery garden is a fountain with bronze figure monk

Address: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Utrecht

Utrecht Cathedral Map

2 Editor's Pick Domtor: Cathedral Tower

Utrecht city with cathedral tower

High above the old town of Utrecht is the Domthorn, a massive tower that was severed from St. Martin's Cathedral after a devastating storm in 1674. Built between 1320 and 1382, it stands 112 meters high and contains an impressive carillon of 50 bells, many of which were centuries old. Still the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, its viewing galleries offer superb panoramic views of the old town and the Domplein (the 465-step climb is worth it, as you'll also get to see the bells up close). There are two chapels to visit in the tower: St Michael's Church, the Bishop's Inner Chapel and the Egmond Chapel, where there is an exhibition on the history of this impressive structure.

Address: Domplein 21, 3512 JE Utrecht

Official website: www.domtoren.nl/en

3 Katharinekonent Museum

Catharijneconvent museum displays Niels / photo modified

In the former hospice of the Order of St. John, the Museum Katharinekonenvent deals with the history of Christianity in the Netherlands. Opened in 1978, it is the country's largest collection of medieval artistic treasures, with sections devoted to church interiors, religious beliefs and medieval monasteries. In addition to a large collection of 17th and 18th century material, other exhibits include valuable books and manuscripts, and an example of the original St. Martin's with explanations of its history. Also on site is embroidery of Flemish ecclesiastical vestments from the late Middle Ages. (Tours available around English language).

Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 38, 3512 PH Utrecht

4 Castle de Haar

Castle de Haar

Built by Dutch architect PJH Cuypers, Kasteel De Haar is not only the largest castle in the Netherlands, but is also considered the most attractive due to its fairy-tale appearance. It is so large that when it was built in 1822, the entire village of Haarzuilens had to be moved. The main attractions - the castle is just 16 km west of Utrecht - are a large collection of antiques, furniture, paintings and tapestries, as well as rich decor, including decorative wood carvings and tableware, and a rare Japanese coach specially designed for women. The grounds are also wonderful to explore and contain around 250 treed-acres, along with fountains and a lovely formal garden.

Address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Haarzuilens

5 Speelklok Museum

Speelklok Museum exhibition bertknot / photo modified

One of Utrecht's most unusual tourist attractions is the Speelklok Museum, a museum dedicated to music boxes and barrel organs. The displays include mechanical musical instruments from the 18th century to the present day, as well as domestic instruments such as tiny music boxes for mass-produced fairground organs, most of which can still be played. Other highlights include examples of musical clocks, a piano and a carillon tower clock, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration work carried out in the workshops. Guided tours are available in English, including demonstrations.

Address: Steenweg 6, Utrecht

Official website: https://www.museumspeelklok.nl/lang/en/

6 Central Museum

Centraal Museum Franklin Heinen / photo modified

Spread between the remains of a former monastery and the city's old artillery stable, Utrecht's excellent municipal collections are well worth a visit. At the Centraal Museum, exhibits include provincial archaeological collections and works by Utrecht-based artists dating back to the 15th century, including the novelists, a group influenced by the Italian Renaissance and led by Jan van Scorel. Other schools represented are the Mannerists, represented by Abraham Bloemaer, who had a lasting influence on the Utrecht Caravaggisti (stylistic followers of Caravaggio). The museum also has a collection of costumes from the 18th century to the present day, as well as period-style rooms, sculptures, silver and a collection of materials on the history of the city. Also worth seeing is a rare 17th-century doll's house with rooms decorated in chintz from the Dutch East Indies.

Address: Nikolaaskerhof 10, 3512 XC Utrecht

Official website: http://centraalmuseum.nl/en/

7 Railway Museum

Railway Museum Robert Varnar / photo modified

In the old Maliebaanstation, the Utrecht Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) is a must for train lovers. Key features of this large, well-stocked attraction include a cross-section of the country's transit history, especially the rail and tram systems, with a variety of models and older Vehicle. The exhibits concern early years railroads, the heyday of the 1900s, and a workshop. In addition to the museum's impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, kids will love the model railway and a children's playground.

Address: Maliebaanstation, 3581 XW Utrecht

8 Kaiser's House in Doorn

Huis Doorn show Hans Splinter / change photos

In the picturesque small town of Dorn is the last home of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II, Hues Dorn. Forced into exile after defeat in the First World War, the Kaiser purchased Huis Doorn in 1920 and lived there until his death in 1941 (he is buried in a mausoleum on the grounds). Initially medieval castle, the house was rebuilt in classical style in the 18th century, with minor changes since then. Located in a large and beautiful park, the house is open to the public as a museum and has been preserved exactly as it was in the Kaiser's day, down to the original furnishings and furnishings, the Kaiser's personal effects (including a collection of tobacco boxes belonging to Frederick the Great), uniforms, photographs and paintings.

Address: Langbroekerweg 10, 3941 MT Doorn

9 Oudegracht

Oudegracht

The highlight of a visit to Utrecht is a walk along the beautiful Oudegracht, an old canal that runs through the city center. Starting from the southeastern part of the city, the Oudegracht follows, in part, what was once the original route of a section of the Rhine, while the northern section includes segments of a canal built around 1000 AD that connected the Rhine with the river Wecht. As soon as the network of Utrecht castles was completed in 1275, the banks of the canal began to be settled, with numerous wharves, moorings and warehouses. Today, many of these old buildings have become restaurants, cafes, galleries and boutiques.

10 St. Pieterskerk

St. Pieterskerk YIP2 / photo modified

Just a few minutes' walk north of St Martin's Cathedral, in Pieterskerhof, stands St. Pieterskerk, the first of the city's churches to be built. Consecrated in 1048 and notable for its two Romanesque towers, the church contains a crypt containing the sarcophagus of the founder, Bishop Bernold. Other notable features are the column capitals in the nave, the wall paintings in the north aisle and the 12th-century reliefs created in the Maasland style.

Address: Neude Janskerkhof en Domplein, Utrecht

Where to Stay in Utrecht for Sightseeing

• Grand Hotel Karel V Utrecht: refined luxury, excellent restaurant, spa with sauna and hot tub, beautiful indoor pool, fitness center.
• Mary K Hotel: Mid-range boutique hotel, canal view, eco-friendly, polite staff, homemade muesli.
• NH Utrecht: affordable prices, near the central railway station, calm decor, spacious rooms.
• Holiday Inn Express Utrecht - Papendorp: budget hotel, light modern design, friendly staff, free continental breakfast.

Utrecht Map - Attractions

The Dutch respect and carefully preserve their culture, history, architecture and traditions. And the city of Utrecht in the heart of the Netherlands is clear proof of this. Over its history, it has been part of different tribes, empires and kingdoms. Was pagan, Catholic, Protestant. Therefore, its historical and cultural heritage– rich and varied.

The program for exploring Utrecht can be divided into 2 parts – educational and walking and entertaining. The first includes ancient cathedrals, temples and castles. It is here that the tallest church and the largest castle in the country are located. The Utrecht museums are of interest - the Railway Museum, the Jukebox Museum, and the Schroeder House. The main components of the second part of the program are luxurious parks and gardens, picturesque canals and embankments, cozy pubs and restaurants.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Utrecht?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Canals of Utrecht

Numerous water canals with piers are one of the main attractions of the city. By catamaran, boat or canoe you can go to an exciting excursion. Oudegracht is the main canal, built in the 12th century and penetrating historical Center Utrecht. It is two-tiered. An additional floor between the water level and the main street used to be used for unloading goods; there were warehouses here. Today the ground floor is occupied by restaurants and cafes.

2. Utrecht Cathedral with tower

Medieval Gothic temple with the tallest bell tower in the Netherlands. Its height is 112 meters. TO observation deck 465 steps lead up. The main building of the cathedral is separated from the tower. This is explained by the fact that part of the structure was destroyed in 1674 by a strong hurricane and was not restored. Today the cathedral hosts services, organ concerts, and choir singing. In the courtyard there is the Bishops' Garden and a covered arcade with large stained glass windows.

3. Flower market

The Dutch are very particular about growing flowers, especially tulips, and caring for them. There are flower markets everywhere major cities. In Utrecht it is located on Janskerhof square and is open on Saturdays. The selection of flowers, houseplants, trees, herbs and seeds here is incredible. And the prices are quite reasonable - a bouquet of 50 luxurious freshly cut tulips will cost only 5-7 euros. There are many bars and cafes in the area where you can grab a bite to eat.

4. Railway Museum

Utrecht serves as the main transport hub of the Netherlands. Therefore, it is not surprising that the railway museum was opened here. It was located in the station building, which was closed back in 1921. It is a large exhibition hall with station models, a collection of carriages and locomotives from different times. Children will be interested in the mini-train, interactive zone, and showrooms. A café and a theme store are open to visitors. A train runs from the central city station to the museum.

5. Jukebox Museum

The unusual museum has been welcoming visitors since 1956. It is located in the oldest church in the city, built in 1279. His collection includes a variety of devices with mechanical music, from the 18th century to the present day. These include music boxes, toys, watches and mechanical organs, pianolas, barrel organs and other mechanisms. Most of the exhibits are functional. You can even start some of them yourself, but only in the presence of a guide.

6. Utrecht Central Museum

The huge museum complex is housed in the former monastery of St. Agnes. One of the oldest in the Netherlands, founded in 1838. Includes an art gallery with masterpieces of Dutch artists, a collection of medieval sculptures, jewelry, historical costumes, furniture, an archaeological exhibition, an archiepiscopal museum with religious exhibits, an exhibition on the city and its inhabitants . There is a children's room with play workshops.

7. DOMunder

You can get acquainted with the centuries-old history of Utrecht and see unique archaeological finds from a depth of 4.7 meters under Dome Square. This is where the original underground museum is located, created in 2014 using the most modern technologies. Visitors are given interactive lights that illuminate the exhibits, and an audio guide provides complete information about them. Entrance to the museum is only possible via one staircase.

8. Museum of Religious Art

It is located in the building of a Catholic convent built in the 12th century. Open to visitors since 1978. Contains the country's largest collection of works of Christian art from the early Middle Ages to the present day. Among the exhibits are church clothes, paintings by famous Dutch artists, ancient manuscripts, books, sculptures, unique artifacts made of gold and silver. Visitors are offered an audio tour of the museum's halls in several languages.

9. Miffy Museum

Utrecht is the birthplace of the artist Dick Brown, creator of Miffy the bunny. This cute hero of children's books and cartoons is known all over the world. One of the city museums is even dedicated to him. Here are toys, sculptures, books, postcards with your favorite hero. There are several colorful play areas with different themes, and across the road is a shop with Miffy souvenirs. The museum is designed for young and middle-aged children. Child ticket costs 3 times more than an adult.

10. Beatrix Theater

Located in the city center, on Jarbeurs Square. Named after the reigning queen of the Netherlands. This is a musical theater where musicals are mainly staged. Was created in 1999. The opening was marked by the production of one of the most successful musicals - Chicago. Designed for 1500 spectators. The lobby houses an exhibition of paintings and sketches by contemporary artists and famous musicians. In front of the entrance there is a 5-meter sculptural composition called “Exposure”.

11. Botanical Garden

One of the most picturesque and quiet corners of Utrecht. Age – almost 400 years. Owned by local university. It occupies an area of ​​8 hectares. Contains greenhouses, a complex of swimming pools, and a system of gardens. There was a place for more than 10 thousand species of plants, many birds, reptiles and butterflies. There is a specialized store, a cafe, and benches for relaxation. The excursions are planned in such a way as to show visitors the plants that are in this moment at its peak.

12. "Wilhelminapark"

Historical park in the eastern part of the city. Opened to visitors in 1898. It was then that the young Queen Wilhelmina ascended the throne. The design of the park was created in the style of English landscape gardens. Today it is one of the most beautiful parks in the Netherlands, with a large pond and many old trees. There is a beach area, picnic areas, and the embankment along the reservoir is a suitable place for walking and playing sports.

13. Sonnenborg Observatory

It is located within the walls of an ancient building that was part of the city bastion in the 16th century. Founded in 1853 on the initiative of Utrecht University. The observatory is public, everyone can observe celestial bodies, but only from September to April. There are 4 telescopes, one of them is the oldest in Europe. The building also houses a museum of astronomy and meteorology, with a separate exhibition dedicated to the history of the bastion.

14. House Schroeder

Is under the protection of UNESCO. A unique building in the neo-plasticism style, erected almost 100 years ago. This is hard to believe, since its unusual design still causes admiration today. It was built according to Truss Schroeder's idea; she lived here until 1985. The building was then restored and turned into a museum. The house has two floors, there are no interior walls, all the furniture folds compactly, an elevator runs between floors to serve food, and the doors open using buttons and levers.

15. De Haar Castle

Located 20 km from Utrecht, in the village of Harzulens. A majestic castle with numerous towers, gates, bridges, ditches around the perimeter, landscaped parks and gardens. One of the most beautiful in Europe. It was built in the 14th century, but acquired its current appearance after reconstruction in the 19th century. Until 2011 it belonged to the van Zuylen family. Inside the palace there are 200 living rooms with luxurious decor, a large collection of paintings, tapestries, porcelain and antique furniture.