Utrecht: Attractions and Travel Guide

Utrecht, today the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, was born from a Roman fort built in approximately 47 CE. Following regular invasions by Germanic peoples, the Romans left this area in around 270, and little is known of the settlement until the 6th century, when Utrecht came under control of the Franks. This city was influential over the whole area of the northern Netherlands during the middle ages, and was ruled by a succession of bishops until 1122 when it was granted city rights.

Utrecht’s most famous sight is the Dom Tower, a 112-metre-high steeple that was part of the Minster until a fierce storm in 1675 destroyed the Minster’s nave. Thousands of tourists climb the tower every year, and are rewarded with a dazzling view of the city.

Utrecht’s network of canals give a very Dutch feel to the inner city. In summer, the terraces of the many bars that line the canals are packed with people enjoying the sunshine, while the winter months see people taking a welcome respite from the cold inside the cosy cafes.

The Dutch Railways headquarters are located in the Netherlands’ largest brick building, the Nederlandse Spoorwegen, which also houses a museum detailing the history of rail travel in the Netherlands. Utrecht’s university is the largest in the country, and its museum explains the world of science from the past to the present. Another interesting museum to visit is the National Museum ‘From Musical Clock to Street Organ’, where several centuries of mechanical instruments including clocks and automatically functioning musical instruments are on display.

A huge shopping complex, the Hoog Catharijne, stretches between the city centre and the central railway station. A variety of goods can be found here and in the city’s many markets, such as the Tweede-handsgoederenmarkt, a great place to find second-hand bargains.

Landmarks and Historic sites (6)
Museums (3)

Will find places of interest on the map. Clock on the attractions for details

Other Attractions Netherlands:

Amersfoort (About 12.2 mi) - Amsterdam (About 21.9 mi) - Rotterdam (About 30.1 mi) - Noordwijk (About 30.3 mi)

More information Netherlands:

All cities in Netherlands - Netherlands Weather