Insider Tip: Explore Stunning Utrecht by Canoe!, Utrecht, Netherlands

The best way to explore Utrecht’s thriving city center with its stunning canals and world-famous wharves is by canoe. It’s probably not something most people think of, but if you visit Utrecht, then this is a great chance to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. This is the best travel tip in Utrecht I can give anyone who visits the most beautiful city in the Netherlands! Let me take you along.

With this canoe tour you will definitely experience Utrecht at its best! See the Domtower, the Old Canal, it’s beautiful buildings and Utrecht’s stunning natural surroundings.

It’s 12.00 noon. The sun is at its highest point. There are two of us: me and a friend. We rent two 1-person canoes. Our valuables are safely stored in a waterproof bag and off we go!

We start on the Old Canal (in Dutch: de Oude gracht). Back in time, parts of the old river bed were dug out to create the Old Canal (de Oudegracht). Wharfs were added to create an inner city harbour system and boats were able to directly dock and unload their cargo onto the wharfs. While Utrecht no longer is an important trade center, the unique wharfs, now dotted with restaurants, shops, cafés and boutiques still hold tribute to its former glory and significance. The canals in Utrecht are beautiful from the streets, but the views are even more spectacular from the water.  ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).