Utrecht is a city comfortable in its own skin. Despite celebrating its 900th anniversary as a city this year, the fourth-biggest Dutch centre hasn’t turned its back on its small-town ways, rooted in its past as a Roman outpost. Daily activities still revolve around the medieval centre, where bikes rattle on cobblestones and the gentle flow of ancient canals sets the rhythm for an unhurried pace of life.
The city has been hard at work in the lead-up to its birthday, and there’s much to celebrate. In 2020, it completed the high-profile restoration of a major canal — a project almost two decades in the making. Last year, two sites in the wider Utrecht province were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And in June, the city centre ruins of the imperial palace, which burnt down in the 13th century, were made accessible to the public for the first time in decades.
But it’s not all about the past. One of the country’s major university cities, Utrecht buzzes with a youthful spirit thanks to its healthy student population. And while a visit here is likely to start at a cultural landmark, it could end with an art-themed treasure hunt or jazz show in a futuristic concert hall.
DAY ONE MARKETS & MEDIEVAL GEMS
Morning
Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin November 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye National Geographic Traveller (UK) dergisinin November 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
JONATHAN GREGSON EXPLAINS HOW HE SECURED A CLOSE-UP IMAGE OF AN AFRICAN ELEPHANT FOR OUR JAN/FEB 2025 ISSUE
THE STATE OF ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, TR AVEL CAN PRESENT M ANY CHALLENGES, SUCH A S LOST WHEELCHAIRS AND POORLY TR AINED STAFF — BUT A NEW GOVERNMENT TA SK FORCE OFFERS HOPE.
BREAKING THE ICE
LIFE ALONG THE WEST COAST OF GREENLAND, HIGH ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, CONTINUES MUCH AS IT HAS FOR CENTURIES, WITH THE NATURAL WORLD AND A RESPECT FOR HERITAGE SETTING THE RHYTHM DURING THE LONG, FROZEN WINTERS
THE WORLD'S BEST TRAIN TRIPS
Glimpses of local life caught through the window, moments of connection with your fellow passengers, the chance to slow down and watch landscapes unfold with the miles - train journeys are the most memorable way of getting from A to B. From luxury heritage routes to regular services passing through extraordinary scenery, here's our pick of the best
HEAVEN &EARTH
IN PORTUGAL'S WILD NORTHERN BORDERLANDS, SURVIVAL AND SPIRITUALITY GO HAND IN HAND WITH THE CHANGING SEASONS, AS THEY HAVE FOR MILLENNIA. A ROAD TRIP THROUGH ITS REMOTE REACHES UNCOVERS PAGAN FESTIVALS, AGE-OLD CRAFTS AND ROMAN RELICS IN THE COUNTRY'S ONLY NATIONAL PARK, PENEDA-GERÊS
HONG KONG
It may be best known for its skyscrapers and shopping, but Hong Kong offers untold outdoor activities, from coastal kayaking and mountain hikes to quiet bike rides and unusual food tours
Joe Boyd
A GLIMPSE OF AN ALBANIAN FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL, CAUGHT ILLICITLY ON FILM, TRANSPORTS THE MUSIC PRODUCER INTO A LIFE LED BY ANCIENT RHYTHMS
Passion project
AS THE PROMISE OF SPRING BRINGS RENEWED VIGOUR, WE TURN TO STORIES OF LIFELONG OBSESSIONS AND POWERFUL LABOURS OF LOVE
Lighthouse solitude
PLAY CASTAWAY ON AN ITALIAN ISLAND, WHERE YOU CAN SPOT WHALES FROM A STYLISH TUSCAN RETREAT SET IN A WORKING LIGHTHOUSE
IBARAKI Secret lives & sacred mountains
From ancient shrines and mountain trails to cooking classes with charismatic locals, travelling through Ibaraki gives adventurous visitors an authentic taste of Japan.
