LandScope: Travel Diary of An Explorer: The Netherlands

UTRECHT, HIDDEN GEM OF THE NETHERLANDS

By zerrinhosgor - 5/17/2021 10:57:00 AM

Tranquility defines Utrecht's atmosphere, a sentiment echoed by locals, travelers, and city dwellers alike. With its vibrant, appealing, and sustainable urban environment, Utrecht offers a picturesque setting defined by its canals, green spaces, bicycle paths, and authentic architecture.

As a compact and accessible city, I had the opportunity to immerse myself fully in its local life during a week-long stay in August. While my husband attended classes at Utrecht University, I explored the city at my own pace, spending leisurely days discovering its charms. We spent evenings strolling along the canals, shopping and enjoying cafe culture. My best experiences were going to the swimming pool with a friend I recently met, touring the historic streets of Utrecht by "horse carriage" cinema experience at Het Utrecht Archief museum, and walking in the rain without a chaos.

It invites visitors to discover its tranquil, uncomplicated, alluring, and distinctive way of living. Like many other hidden gems, it offers explorers a blend of local architecture, urban layout, artistic vitality, bohemian neighborhoods, and recreational amenities creating a captivating atmosphere.

Before Amsterdam took the spotlight as the Netherlands' famous city, Utrecht held the status of the country's most important city for years. However, it now stands as the fourth largest in the Netherlands. Its central location provides a significant transportation advantage, easily accessible from other cities and neighboring countries. Despite being half an hour away from Amsterdam, Utrecht is home to a sizable population, many of whom commute to work in Amsterdam. Therefore, during the day, the city becomes tranquil, providing ample opportunities for exploration.

Describing Utrecht as a smaller version of Amsterdam is a major misconception. It differs from Amsterdam's international cityscape. Positioned at the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht offers a genuine Dutch urban experience. The only similarity may lie in the presence of canals, which is a distinctive features of all Dutch cities.

One outstanding feature that sets Utrecht apart globally is its renowned wharves and wharf cellars. Initially designated for goods storage during the medieval era, these wharf cellars now house restaurants, cafes, shops, and studios. Accessible from canal-level, they offer an exceptional outdoor setting to enjoy. Extending along the canals, they form a unique urban space unparalleled elsewhere in the world. Stairways facilitate movement from canal level to street level, providing restaurants with water-facing patios both above and below ground.

Utrecht is a small city and when you endeavor to explore different parts of the city, you often find yourself traversing the same streets. As mentioned earlier, it's a living city rather than a tourist hub. Day trips are common since there aren't a plethora of attractions to keep you occupied. Walking along the Oudegracht (old canal), the bustling and famous shopping street, or relaxing at a canal-side café, perhaps followed by a scenic canal tour, are the best ways to experience the city. However, beyond these activities, Utrecht holds a special appeal for free thinkers, wanderers, and creative artists. Whether it's daytime or nighttime, morning or evening, you'll always feel the same sense of tranquility pervading the city.

The canals of Utrecht's city center – Oudegracht, Nieuwegracht, Plompetorengracht, Drift, and Stadsbuitengracht (surrounding canal) – collectively contribute to the city's continuity and charm.One of the most peaceful experiences is sitting along the canal, observing the rhythm of daily life passing by, a privilege afforded by the location of my apartment. The morning stillness is broken only by the arrival of cyclists commuting to work, their faces often reflecting the tranquility of the city.

Utrecht is recognized for its association with the "De Stijl" art movement, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. De Stijl is characterized by its minimal use of colors, straight lines, and geometric shapes. One of the masterpieces of this modern art movement is The Rietveld Schröder House, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see in Utrecht. To commemorate the centennial, a giant replica of the Rietveld chair was placed in front of the city hall. Visitors can also explore other notable examples of De Stijl throughout the city.

Secret garden in Domkerk - cloister garden

Experience the serenity and tranquility amidst the silence. The beautiful inner courtyard stands as a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city center. The Dom Kerk church, situated in the most popular square, is a must-visit destination. Climbing to the top and enjoying the panoramic view of the city is a typical tourist activity in Utrecht. However, one of the most enchanting and hidden gems is the courtyard of the church. Originally a medieval monastery garden dating back to the 15th century, it boasts arcades, parterres, a neo-gothic gate, fountain, and sculptures. This serene garden serves as a sincerely tranquil retreat for those seeking solitude; it's a place where many visitors genuinely choose to enjoy their lunch amidst the peaceful ambiance.

A tearoom run by middle-aged ladies attracts customers of a similar age group. While its decor is modest, the captivating view from the large windows overlooking the serene garden is all one needs. It offers a priceless experience for those seeking tranquility, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake.

Reading, writing, or just being alone, and enjoying the silence creates a wonderfully peaceful experience.

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Beurstraverse

ROTTERDAM - Het park, Beurstraverse, Schouwburgplein

By zerrinhosgor - 1/22/2009 05:12:00 PM

Rotterdam is an example of modern architecture. You can see its modernist vision in all structures and buildings. The central station was the first point where we firstly met with Rotterdam. When you reach the city you feel a little soulless character of it. But when you go inside and try to live the city, it gives you its unique character. So it is a success, I think. After the Second World War, it won its current identity that makes it a modern city. While we were strolling around, we met lots of good examples of redevelopments. There were three areas which took me into its everyday life. The first one is “Het Park”, second is the most famous shopping street called Beurstraverse, third is the Schouwburgplein.

Het Park

Here was the most beautiful park I’ve ever seen. It was the end of the fall and the colors of the trees and plant were amazing. I feel myself in a postcard which shows the fascinating landscape in a perfect painting. Oranges, yellows, greens and reds. all of them are together. The extension of the park leads to the Rotterdam port which is the most important place for both city and Europe. Also, Erasmus Bridge adds a modernist look to port. You feel its atmosphere from this part of the city too.

Beurstraverse

This car-free, pedestrian street was a part of the redevelopment plans of the shopping district that are redeveloped nowadays. this shopping street is below the ground level and it is such a big trench. This shopping trench of Rotterdam is an architectural subterranean link between the two sides of the Coolsingel. It's one of the largest continuous collection of shops in Europe. It is safe, car-free basically pedestrian oriented. So it is a good example for such a city that has large boulevards and modern shopping centers. The world cities try to be pedestrian friendly, so this redevelopment plans are good efforts such a city.

Schouwburgplein

The Schouwburgplein which was the one of the major works of Adrian Geuze is a public square situated in the heart of the city of Rotterdam. It is surrounded by shops and flanked by the City Theatre and the City Concert Hall. It is an interactive public space and changing during day. The major elements of the square are the four red lighting elements. This square emphasizes the big void and the design of the square is a distinct approach against the city skyline.