DISCOVER CULTURE

Utrecht's canals

16 min 28 min 90 min

There is nothing more enjoyable than exploring the canals of Utrecht on a boat tour! At Rederij Schuttevaer, you can take a wonderfully relaxing boat tour through the picturesque Oudegracht, the beautiful Stadsbuitengracht or the newly opened Catharijnesingel. During the city tours, both the historical and modern sides of Utrecht are extensively covered. There are one-hour and one-and-a-half-hour boat tours, and guided tours are available in several languages on board. Step aboard and enjoy the nature and culture that this ancient city has to offer.

Tip: There are even more fun boat tours to book, such as through Rhijnauwen, Amelisweerd and across the Vecht!

Dom tower

18 min 31 min 100 min

The Dom Tower is the icon of Utrecht. At 112 metres, it is still the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. The tower has been the centrepiece of the city for centuries and is over 600 years old. There are various ways to experience the tower. Will you opt for a workout of 495 steps with the stair tour or visit the top of the tower via the lift? The tower is currently undergoing restoration and is expected to be completely ready for the coming years by the end of 2024! Fortunately, it is still possible to go inside and enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the tower.

Tip: Go DOMunder and discover 2,000-year-old history beneath Dom Square.

Utrecht Lumen

18 min 30 min 95 min

When daylight fades from the streets of Utrecht, the illuminated stories of Utrecht Lumen come to life. Lumen consists of various light artworks that can be seen at different locations throughout the city. They showcase the history, residents, function or symbolism of a building or location. Guided tours can be booked during the winter months. This allows you to discover the whole story behind each artwork and learn more about the history of locations and buildings. Would you rather spot these gems yourself? That is also possible, of course. Utrecht Lumen can be seen in the evening, seven days a week, all year round, when it gets dark and the street lights come on.

Tip: Walk part of the Lumen route before you go out for the evening.

Kasteel de Haar

12 min 19 min 70 min

A large fortress with towers, castles, a drawbridge and a moat. Surrounded by an enormous park full of old trees, with ponds, winding paths and flower-filled formal gardens. De Haar Castle is both imposing and fairytale-like. Whether you visit De Haar Castle for the park, the halls, the wonderful history, the gardens or the deer, you will feel as if you have stepped into another world. Behind every door, every detail, every flower in the colourful gardens, there is a story to be told. About other times, other cultures and other figures. De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands, which was once privately owned by the Van Zuylen family and where their descendants still stay every year. The international jet set of the last century, with its exuberant lifestyle, also regularly visited the castle. From Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, they left their mark in the luxurious rooms of the most opulent place in Utrecht.

Tip: There are fun treasure hunts available for children in and around the castle.

Buitenplaats Doornburgh

8 min 17 min 43 min

There is always something to do at Buitenplaats Doornburgh! At this unique monastery in Maarssen, you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life at the gate and enjoy art, history, food and nature. Doornburgh consists of a 17th-century country house and a former monastery with striking 1960s architecture, set in the middle of a spacious park with ponds and a wooded character. There are exhibitions, lectures and performances on art and science. The restaurant at the country estate uses local products, often from its own garden. Take a stroll around the grounds, view the exhibition or enjoy a delicious meal at restaurant DeZusters.

Tip: There are also regular concerts at Doornburgh.

Slot Zuylen

9 min 22 min 52 min

Zuylen Castle is one of the oldest castles on the Vecht River. The castle has a rich family history with influential residents. Belle van Zuylen, an 18th-century writer, played an important role at the castle. Not only this remarkable woman, but also the interior will amaze you. The castle has an impressive collection of portraits from the 16th to the 20th century. Don't forget the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle. The castle is open every Wednesday to Sunday.

Tip: there are also often musical performances to enjoy.

Windmills van de Polder Westbroek & Buitenweg

18 min 44 min

The Westbroek Polder Mill and the Buitenweg Polder Mill are located between Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen. Together, they form a striking ensemble on the Zuilense Ring. The Westbroek Polder Mill is the largest mill in the province and has a wingspan of almost 28 metres. The Buitenweg Polder Mill is the smallest in the province and burned down in 2016. Afterwards, the mill was rebuilt to what it is today. Until 1946, the Westbroek Polder Mill independently drained the polder, but today the mill is only an auxiliary pumping station. Between the two mills lies a monumental lock complex.

Tip: The Westbroek Polder Mill is open to visit on Saturdays.

Rietveld Schröder House

20 min 76 min

The Rietveld Schröder House is a remarkable house. It was designed by Gerrit Rietveld on behalf of Mrs Truus Schröder and was built in 1924. The house was inhabited until 1985, first by Truus Schröder and later also by Gerrit Rietveld. The house is an architectural highlight of De Stijl and a true icon of the city of Utrecht. What's more, the house is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Characteristic features of the house's design are the flowing transitions between inside and outside and the clean horizontal and vertical lines. The colours are also unusual: apart from white, grey and black, only primary colours are used in the house. The house is now a museum and open to visitors!

Tip: Rietveld not only built the house, but also had a major influence on other other places in Utrecht. Walk the Rietveld Schröder route and see all the highlights!

Railway Museum

(Spoorwegmuseum)

23 min 32 min

Do you love trains? Then the Railway Museum is definitely the place for you. As soon as you step over the threshold of the historic Maliebaan station, you will be transported back a century and a half in time. Back to a time when travelling by train was only for the very wealthy and when steaming steam locomotives still ruled the rails. All these antique trains are on display at the Railway Museum in the heart of Utrecht, but there is more to do than just look at trains. The museum has various exhibitions and even a spectacular attraction where you can whizz past life-size trains and locomotives in a cart.

Tip: Is your child a big fan of the Railway Museum? Then he or she can become a member of the Rail Rookies Kidsclub and enjoy great discounts!

Centraal Museum

22 min 34 min

The Centraal Museum showcases all the art and culture Utrecht has to offer. From Rietveld to Dick Bruna, but also Moesman, Viktor & Rolf and the centuries-old Utrecht ship. This varied collection will inspire you during your visit to the museum. The Centraal Museum has been around since 1838, making it the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands. The museum is located in a former medieval monastery and also has a large courtyard garden. It is a wonderful place to wander through the corridors and stairwells, where you can be surprised by the various exhibitions.

Tip: Listen to the museum own's podcast full of stories about the city, design, fashion and, of course, art.

Miffy Museum

(Nijntje Museum)

23 min 30 min

Looking for something fun to do with your toddler or preschooler? Then visit the Miffy Museum! Together with Miffy and her friends, they will discover their world in a playful way. Miffy's cheerful world begins at her home as soon as you enter the museum. She then takes you on a journey of discovery and lets the little ones crawl, search, smell and dance. Each room in the museum has its own theme. The little ones can also get creative in the art room.

Tip: Because it can quickly become very busy with small children, it is mandatory to book your visit in advance.

Museum Speelklok

23 min 30 min

At Museum Speelklok, you will be transported into the wonderful world of centuries-old self-playing musical instruments. Every day, this museum treats visitors to surprising and cheerful music from all corners of the museum! A fun day out for young and old alike.

The self-playing musical instruments come in all shapes and sizes: from very small music boxes, musical clocks and automata to large carillon bells, orchestrions, dance organs and street organs. All these instruments can be admired and heard at Museum Speelklok: the most cheerful museum in the Netherlands!

Tip: There are always various exhibitions on display in the museum.