Wijk bij Duurstede Travel Guide

Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Wijk bij Duurstede, Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Wijk bij Duurstede.


Introduction to Wijk bij Duurstede

Located in the Utrecht province of the Netherlands, Wijk bij Duurstede is a historic town surrounded by scenic hills and breathtaking natural beauty. The town has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to the Roman era, and has many museums, historical sites, and natural attractions for visitors to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Wijk bij Duurstede

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castle Duurstede: This medieval castle was built in the 13th century and is surrounded by a moat. It offers guided tours and has a museum with collections of archaeological and historical artifacts.
  • Grote Kerk: This impressive Gothic church is a national monument and offers tours of its beautiful stained-glass windows, carvings, and organs.
  • Culture Center Calypso: This cultural center offers exhibitions, concerts and literary performances showcasing the town’s artistic heritage.
  • Historical City Center: The city center offers visitors many historical buildings, monuments, and landmarks, dating back to the Roman period.

Natural Attractions of Wijk bij Duurstede: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Utrecht Hill Ridge National Park: This national park is just outside the town and offers stunning views and aerial walks.
  • Veerhuis Island: This small island is located in the Rhine River and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming and canoeing.
  • Lek River: This river offers many opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
  • Kromme Rijn River: This river offers a scenic boat ride, canoeing and fishing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wijk bij Duurstede

Wijk bij Duurstede is surrounded by scenic hills making it a perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Wijk bij Duurstede include:

  • Bijleveldpad-Beerschoten Route: This route covers around 22 km and passes through several villages, forests, parks, and beautiful landscapes.
  • Kromme Rijn Route: This route covers around 40 km and starts and ends in Wijk bij Duurstede, passing through beautiful countryside, farms, orchards and forests.
  • Fort Rhijnauwen Trail: This trail is a 12 km loop and passes through the Utrecht Hill Ridge National Park, Fort Rhijnauwen, and several scenic viewpoints.

Best Things to Do in Wijk bij Duurstede: Activities and Tours

  • Boating Tours: Take a boat tour to explore the scenic Lek River or the Kromme Rijn River.
  • Cycling Tours: Rent a bike or join a cycling tour to discover the scenic beauty of Wijk bij Duurstede and its surroundings.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Visit the vineyards of the Utrecht Hill Ridge and enjoy wine tasting tours and local delicacies.
  • Fishing: Go fishing in the Veerhuis Island, Lek River or Kromme Rijn River.
  • Canoeing: Rent a canoe and explore the rivers and canals of Wijk bij Duurstede.
  • Shopping: Visit the local markets and shops to buy souvenirs and local products to take home.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wijk bij Duurstede

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at your hotel.

Day 2: Visit Castle Duurstede and explore the historical city center.

Day 3: Go on a cycling tour or hike in the Utrecht Hill Ridge National Park. In the evening, enjoy wine tasting and local food at a vineyard.

Day 4: Take a boat tour on the Kromme Rijn river. In the afternoon, visit the Grote Kerk.

Day 5: Visit Culture Center Calypso and explore the local art scene. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping and dining at the local markets and restaurants.

Day 6: Go on a fishing or canoeing trip in the Veerhuis Island or Lek River.

Day 7: Departure from Wijk bij Duurstede.

Food and Drink Scene of Wijk bij Duurstede

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stroopwafels: These Dutch waffles are made with two thin layers and a caramel-like syrup filling. The best place to try them is the local markets in Wijk bij Duurstede.
  • Herring Sandwiches: This sandwich is made with bread, butter, pickled herring, and onions. It’s a popular street food in the Netherlands.
  • Poffertjes: These small pancakes are made with buckwheat flour, yeast, and milk. They are served with butter and powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Genever: This Dutch gin is a traditional liquor that has been produced in the Netherlands for over 400 years.
  • Beer: The Dutch are known for their beer. Try local favorites like Heineken or Grolsch.
  • Coffee: The Netherlands is famous for its coffee culture. Try a cup of Dutch coffee at one of the local cafes.

Where to Stay in Wijk bij Duurstede: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Castle Duurstede Hotel: This hotel is located in the medieval castle and offers a unique experience for visitors.

  • Hotel Restaurant De Gouden Leeuw: This hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable accommodation with a restaurant.

  • B&B Galerie Het Oude Raadhuis: This guesthouse is located next to the Grote Kerk and offers stylish rooms with an art gallery.

What to Buy in Wijk bij Duurstede: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cheese: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese. Try local cheeses like Gouda or Edam.

  • Clogs: The wooden clogs are a traditional Dutch shoe. You can find them at the local markets and souvenir shops.

  • Delftware: This type of Dutch ceramics is famous for its blue and white designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Wijk bij Duurstede

The people of Wijk bij Duurstede are friendly and welcoming. The town has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals take pride in preserving their traditions and customs. The traditional Dutch costume is still worn during special occasions and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Wijk bij Duurstede

The best time to visit Wijk bij Duurstede is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, the town is beautiful all year round, with each season offering its unique charm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wijk bij Duurstede

Do:

  • Greet the locals with a smile and a friendly “hello.”
  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Smoke in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wijk bij Duurstede

Wijk bij Duurstede is a safe town with low crime rates.

Health in Wijk bij Duurstede

There are no major health risks in Wijk bij Duurstede. However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance.

Getting to Wijk bij Duurstede: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wijk bij Duurstede

The nearest international airports to Wijk bij Duurstede are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Bus Stations Near Wijk bij Duurstede

The town has a bus station with regular services to nearby towns and cities. Utrecht is the nearest major city, and there are frequent bus connections to Utrecht from the Wijk bij Duurstede bus station.

Other Options

The town is also accessible by train. The nearest train station is located in Utrecht.

How to Get Around in Wijk bij Duurstede

The town is small, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi if needed.

Where to Go Next from Wijk bij Duurstede: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Utrecht: This vibrant city, known for its lively canals and medieval charm, is just a short train or bus ride away from Wijk bij Duurstede.
  • Amsterdam: This iconic city, known for its rich history and culture, is just an hour’s drive from Wijk bij Duurstede.
  • Keukenhof: Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is just an hour’s drive from Wijk bij Duurstede and offers breathtaking flower displays.

Conclusion

Wijk bij Duurstede is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can explore the town’s rich history and culture, discover the best things to do, and experience the local food and drink scene. So come and discover Wijk bij Duurstede today!

Flour mill Flour mill "Rijn en Lek" aka the "drive-through" windmill Duurstede Castle Duurstede Castle