DISCOVER CULTURE

Utrecht's canals

16 min 28 min 90 min

There is nothing more fun than discovering Utrecht's canals on a canal cruise! Rederij Schuttevaer offers a wonderfully relaxed cruise through the picturesque Oudegracht canal, the beautiful outer city canals or the newly opened Catharijnesingel. During the city cruises, both the historical and modern sides of Utrecht are covered in detail. Cruises last one or one-and-a-half hours, and commentaries in various languages are available on board. Step on board and enjoy the nature and culture that this ancient city has to offer.

Tip: you can book other fun cruises too, such as through Rhijnauwen, Amelisweerd and along the Vecht!

Dom tower

18 min 31 min 100 min

The Dom tower is the icon of Utrecht. At 112 metres high, the tower is still the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. The tower has been the central point of the city for centuries, and is more than 600 years old. You can experience the tower in various ways. Will you opt for a 495 step workout on the staircase tour, or would you rather visit the top of the tower using the lift? The tower is currently undergoing restoration and is expected to be completely ready for the future by the end of 2024! Luckily you can still go inside and enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the tower.

Tip: Go DOMunder and discover 2,000 years of history under the Domplein square.

Utrecht Lumen

18 min 30 min 95 min

As daylight leaves the streets of Utrecht, the illuminated stories of Utrecht Lumen come to life. Lumen consists of a number of light artworks that can be seen at various locations around the city. They show the history, the inhabitants, the function or the symbolism of a building or location. Guided tours can be booked during the winter months. This helps you discover the whole story behind each artwork and learn more about the history of locations and buildings. If you would you rather spot these gems yourself, that is obviously an option. Utrecht Lumen can be viewed in the evening all year round, 7 days a week, when it gets dark and the street lights come on.

Tip: walk a section of the Lumen route before heading out for a night on the town.

Kasteel de Haar

12 min 19 min 70 min

A large castle with towers, ramparts, a drawbridge and a moat, surrounded by a huge park full of old trees, with ponds, winding paths and flower-filled formal gardens. Kasteel de Haar is simultaneously imposing and fairytale-like. Whether you visit Kasteel de Haar for the park, the rooms, the amazing history, the gardens or the deer, you will feel that you've stepped into another world. There is a story behind every door, every detail, every flower in the colourful gardens. About other times, other cultures and other characters. Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands. It was once privately owned by the Van Zuylen family and the family’s descendants still stay there every year. The international jet set of the 20th century, with their lavish lifestyle, also visited the castle regularly. From Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, they left their mark in the luxurious rooms of Utrecht's most opulent location.

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

Buitenplaats Doornburgh

8 min 17 min 43 min

There is always something to do at the Buitenplaats Doornburgh estate! At this extraordinary convent in Maarssen you can leave your everyday worries at the gate and enjoy art, history, food and nature. Doornburgh consists of a 17th century country house and a former convent with striking 1960s architecture, set amid an extensive park with ponds and woods. There are exhibitions, lectures and performances about art and science. The estate’s restaurant uses local produce, often from its own garden. Take a lovely stroll around the estate, view the exhibition or enjoy a delicious meal at DeZusters restaurant.

Slot Zuylen

9 min 22 min 52 min

Slot Zuylen is one of the oldest castles on the Vecht. The castle has a rich family history with influential residents. Hence Belle van Zuylen, an 18th century writer, played an important role at the castle. You will be amazed not just by this remarkable woman, but also by the interior. The castle has an impressive collection of portraits dating from the 16th to the 20th century. And don't forget the beautiful gardens around the castle. The castle is open every Wednesday to Sunday.

Tip: there are also frequent musical performances to enjoy.

Windmills van de Polder Westbroek & Buitenweg

18 min 44 min

The Molen van de Polder Westbroek and the Molen van de Polder Buitenweg windmills can be found between Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen. Together, they create a striking display on the Zuilense Ring. The Molen van de Polder Westbroek is the largest windmill in the province and has a sail diameter of almost 28 metres. The Molen van de Polder Buitenweg windmill is the smallest in the province and burned down in 2016. The windmill was then rebuilt into what it is today. Until 1946, the Molen van de Polder Westbroek drained the polder on its own, but nowadays the windmill serves only as an auxiliary pumping station. There is a historic lock complex between the two windmills.

Tip: the Molen van de Polder Westbroek is open to visitors on Saturdays.

Rietveld Schröder House

20 min 76 min

The Rietveld Schröder House is an extraordinary house. Designed by Gerrit Rietveld and commissioned by Mrs Truus Schröder, the house was built in 1924. The house was occupied until 1985 by both Truus Schröder and later Gerrit Rietveld. The house is an architectural highlight of De Stijl and a true icon of the city of Utrecht. The house is also on the Unesco World Heritage List. The design of the house is characterised by the smooth transitions between inside and outside and the clean horizontal and vertical lines. Also noteworthy are the colours; alongside white, grey and black, the house features only primary colours. The house is now a museum which you can visit!

Tip: Rietveld not only built the house, but also influenced other places in Utrecht. Follow the Rietveld Schröder route to see all the highlights!

Railway Museum

(Spoorwegmuseum)

23 min 32 min

Do you love trains? Then the Railway Museum is perfect for you. As soon as you cross the threshold of the historic Maliebaan station, you go back in time a century and a half. Back to the days when travelling by train was the preserve of the very rich and where steaming locomotives still called the shots on the tracks. All these antique trains can be seen at the Railway Museum in the heart of Utrecht, but there is more to do than just look at trains. The museum features several exhibitions and even a spectacular ride where you whiz past life-size trains and locomotives in a cart.

Tip: If your child adores the Railway Museum, they can join the Rail Rookies Kidsclub and enjoy great discounts!

Centraal Museum

22 min 34 min

The Centraal Museum presents you with Utrecht's art and culture from Rietveld to Dick Bruna and from Moesman, Viktor & Rolf to the centuries-old Utrecht ship, for example. This diverse collection will ensure you are inspired by your visit to the museum. The Centraal Museum was established in 1838, making it the oldest municipal museum in the Netherlands. Housed in a former medieval monastery, the museum also has a large courtyard garden. It’s a lovely place to wander along the corridors and staircases, and where you can be surprised by the varied exhibitions.

Tip: listen to its own podcast full of stories about the city, design, fashion - and art, of course.

Miffy Museum

(Nijntje Museum)

23 min 30 min

Want something fun to do with your toddler or preschooler? Then go to the Miffy Museum! Together with Miffy (called Nijntje in Dutch) and her friends, they can discover their world through play. Miffy's happy world begins at her home as soon as you step into the museum. After that, she will take you on a journey of discovery and gets the little ones to crawl, search, smell and dance. The rooms in the museum each have their own theme. The kids can also get creative in the art room.

Tip: Because it can quickly get very crowded with small children, you need to book your visit in advance.

Museum Speelklok

23 min 30 min

Museum Speelklok takes you into the wonderful world of centuries-old automated musical instruments. Every day, this museum delights visitors with surprising and cheerful music from all corners of the museum! A fun day out for both young and old.

Automated musical instruments come in all shapes and sizes: from very small music boxes, musical clocks and automata to large carillons, orchestrions, dance organs and barrel organs. These instruments can all be admired and heard at Museum Speelklok: the Netherlands' merriest museum!

Tip: there are always several exhibitions to see at the museum.