Utrecht

Utrecht, the smallest province of the Netherlands, has plenty to offer the visitor in regions such as the Utrecht Hill Ridge, its very own Lake District, the Vecht and the rural Green Heart. Notable cities are Utrecht and Amersfoort.

In the central region, you’ll discover a country offering a wide range of holiday options from lively seaside resorts to picturesque villages, idyllic old fishing ports and areas where nature rules.

The suburbs of Utrecht merge with commuter towns such as Nieuwegein and Houten in the south and Maarssen in the north. Southwest of this urban area is rural Lopikerwaard and northwest, the peat-rich lands of Vinkeveen and Mijdrecht. North of the city of Utrecht are the River Vecht and the Loosdrecht Lakes, two of the region’s most popular recreational areas.

The eastern part of the province is bisected by the Utrecht Hill Ridge. Along the southern flank of the old glacial moraine are leafy oases like Zeist and Doorn. Between the hills and the Rhine lies the rural district of Kromme-Rijn, centre of fruit cultivation with Wijk bij Duurstede at its heart. On the other side of the hills lies the Gelderland Valley with the town of Veenendaal. The northeast corner of the province is occupied by the city of Amersfoort and the Eemland polder. At the former Zuiderzee you’ll find the archetypal town of Bunschoten-Spakenburg

Places of interest

Utrecht: City with narrow streets, interesting shops, lively squares and canals and the imposing Dom Tower; Central Museum with a wide variety of exhibitions.

Amersfoort: Museum Flehite, Armando Museum, Mondriaan House, Eem harbour, a brewery and a children’s farm.

Langbroek: Rural village and site of the first ‘donjons’ built in the 12th century; several castles.

Oudewater: Charming historic town featuring witches’ scales, a rope factory and museum.

Wijk bij Duurstede: Located on the shores of the River Lek with many attractions, including Duurstede Castle, a church with flat-roofed tower, and the world’s only drive-through windmill.

Attractions

Boat Cruises: Shipping company Schuttevaer provides year-round tourist and party cruises, in and around the city of Utrecht.

Makeblijde Gardens: Landscape design park featuring 16 modern gardens, including a jungle and a Zen garden.

Dick Bruna House: displays of work by Bruna, Dutch author, illustrator and creator of the internationally famous Miffy, the little rabbit.

Amersfoort Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals and 130 species.

Kasteel Huis Doorn: Late 18th-century renovated castle, located in a beautiful wooded park, best known as the home of Germany’s ex-emperor, William II.

Cuisine of the region

Utrecht, the Netherlands is a city with a rich culinary tradition. The cuisine of Utrecht is influenced by both Dutch and international flavors, and there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, including Michelin-starred establishments, traditional Dutch restaurants, and international restaurants.

Some of the most popular dishes in Utrecht include:

• Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sausage.
• Poffertjes: Mini pancakes that are typically served with powdered sugar and butter.
• Stroopwafels: Thin waffles that are sandwiched together with a caramel filling.
• Bitterballen: Fried meatballs that are typically served as a snack or appetizer
• Haring: Raw herring that is typically served with onions and pickles