A Visit to the Dutch City of Utrecht

In this article we will search for history by exploring canal-lined streets, climbing a big tower, and even venturing beneath the surface   . . . 

Let's Explore this Exciting Alternative to Amsterdam

​This adventure began with me rolling in at the Utrecht Centraal train station on a Friday morning. Immediately outside of that station was a large artistic awning type of a display. Beyond that I had to navigate my way through a large shopping mall making my way to the other side and into the old part of tow. That is where this tale really begins. 

Utrecht Centraal

Throughout this part of town you will enjoy a scenic layout of canals that line these historic streets. Along the way it is had not to notice the large structure rising above it all. That is the Dom Tower. This thing stands at over 368 ft tall and consists of 465 steps to reach the top. 

Inside of the tower you will find a pretty impressive interior and some really cool stained glass too. This massive structure was built in the 14th century, and is completely packed with interesting history. Along the way up you will even get to see how its bells work. 

Dom Tower Interior

I will have to admit it, climbing this thing was quite an exhausting ordeal. So much that my legs were a bit shaky on the way down. But the views of the city from that upper level were totally worth it. 

View from Dom Tower

At the base of that tower stands the the Domkerk, which was the cathedral of the diocese of Utrecht during the middle ages. Most of the construction you see of this gothic architecture occurred from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. It is currently a protestant church that is   Dedicated to St Martin, whose statue we see in the cloister.

Domkerk and St Martin

Right next to that church we have another statue. This one is of a bishop who just happens to be John I of the house of Nassau. Behind him is a large stone covered in runes. It is a replica of the 10th century Great Jelling Stone of Denmark. In 1936 it was gifted to the university of Utrecht on the 300th anniversary of this educational institution.

John of Nassau and the Jelling Stone

If you like history then one of the things you will definitely want to seek out while in town is the Dom Under. This visitor center over here is where you get your ticket. Inside you will learn of the history of the area and how a tornado in 1674 destroyed the cathedral nave that once connected the church to the tower. This attraction focuses on that disaster and the archaeological evidence left behind.

The Dom Under

Now for something else a little more relaxing you might want to stop for a tasty beverage and then seek out this psychedelic passageway known as the Utrecht Lumen. This tunnel leads beneath the street and connects to the walkway that runs alongside the canals where you can relax and watch the boats of tourists go passing by. 

The Utrecht Lumen

This was for sure one really cool town to experience, on both the ground level and from up above too. Just be warned that that tower climb is a bit strenuous. But there is a lot of history here, and interesting sights both old and new. So definitely consider adding Utrecht to your travel itinerary when visiting the Netherlands. ​

You can also follow this adventure on YouTube 

and leave a comment down below to let me know what you think