Walking route through the Dom district
The Dom Tower is the highlight and historic symbol of Utrecht, but there is much more to see in the Dom district (Domkwartier). For example, experience the present and the past of Christianity in the Netherlands in the beautiful medieval monastery of Museum Catherijneconvent or go to Museum Speelklok where you will be taken through the wonderful world of self-playing musical instruments. You can also walk the small alleys and find exclusive shops. Or maybe you would like to discover the city in the dark during Trajectum Lumen. This route leads you past all the highlights of this district.
Tip! Dom square (Domplein) is surrounded by nice cafes and restaurants. Perfect to combine with the walking route!
Sights on this route
Starting point
Domplein 9
3512JC Utrecht
Navigate to starting point
Utrecht Tourist Information 'Winkel van Utrecht'
Located at the foot of the Dom Tower you will find the Utrecht Tourist Information Centre.
Utrecht Tourist Information 'Winkel van Utrecht'
Located at the foot of the Dom Tower you will find the Utrecht Tourist Information Centre (VVV Utrecht). Make the most of your time in Utrecht by planning your trip with help from experts! Whether you’re searching for the best accommodation, exciting excursions in Utrecht or the region, the dedicated staff of VVV Utrecht can help you with a wonderful stay. They can also help you to book tickets, toursand information about public transport in and around Utrecht.
The Tourist Information Office is also the ultimate souvenir shop in Utrecht, with Holland souvenirs, typical Utrecht products and the largest selection of Miffy gifts in a special Miffy house available!
Go to the VVV Utrecht Information Centre for:
- Tourist information
- Dom Tower climbs
- Souvenirs
- Hotel bookings
- Gift vouchers
- Bicycle hire
- Walks and bicycle tours
- Guided tours
The information centre has free wireless Internet.Â
Public holidays:
Regular opening hours apply during public holidays, with the exception of Kings Day (27 April) during which the information centre will be closed.Â
Utrecht Tourist Information 'Winkel van Utrecht'
Utrecht Tourist Information 'Winkel van Utrecht'
Located at the foot of the Dom Tower you will find the Utrecht Tourist Information Centre.
Flora's Hof
Right in the heart of Utrecht’s medieval city centre, directly beneath the Dom, you will find Flora’s Hof – an almost-forgotten piece of history.
Flora's Hof
Right in the heart of Utrecht’s medieval city centre, directly beneath the Dom, you will find Flora’s Hof – an almost-forgotten piece of history. This was once the site of the Episcopal palace. Later on, it became the location for a nursery; today it is one of the most stunning sites in the city centre.
History
Flora’s Hof is situated on what for hundreds of years was the location of Utrecht’s Episcopal Palace. After the public practice of the Roman Catholic faith was prohibited in Utrecht in 1850, the palace fell into neglect, only to be demolished altogether in 1803.
After the demolition, Hendrik van Lunteren created a nursery in the same spot. Greenhouses and an orangery were established on the site, in which fruit trees and exotic plants were grown. The Van Lunteren family continued to run the nursery for another two generations, but had to sell the business in 1911. In 1934, the nursery closed its doors for good.
In the years that followed, the small garden was forgotten and neglected. It was not until 2008 that the garden was fully replanted and restored to its former glory. Nowadays, it is maintained by volunteers.
The garden
The current garden was inspired by the style of 19th-century gardens, and pays homage to the nursery that was once located here. The tubs are a nod to the former orangery, and the garden is filled with historical flower varieties.
There is more to see in Flora’s Hof than just the plants and flowers. For example, there is an old photo that shows the nursery when it was run by the Van Gendt family, the successors to the Van Lunteren family. The photo gives a good impression of what the garden looked like in around 1925. The walls of the current courtyard are hung with reliefs with scenes from the life of St Martin, the patron saint of the cathedral and the city. Hendrik van Lunteren’s old house and orangery are now home to the Libris bookshop.
Flora's Hof
Flora's Hof
Right in the heart of Utrecht’s medieval city centre, directly beneath the Dom, you will find Flora’s Hof – an almost-forgotten piece of history.
Dom Church
The gothic Dom Church was built as a cathedral for the bishop of Utrecht and dedicated to St. Maarten.
Dom Church
The gothic Dom Church was built as a cathedral for the bishop of Utrecht and dedicated to St. Maarten.
The interior with many lavishly decorated tombs is impressive. The Dom church draws many people daily for a guided tour or a moment of silence and peace. The free Saturday afternoon concerts (3.30 pm) have been a household word in Utrecht for over thirty years.
Dom Church
Dom Church
The gothic Dom Church was built as a cathedral for the bishop of Utrecht and dedicated to St. Maarten.
Dom Church Pandhof Garden
The Dom Church Pandhof garden is one of the most beautiful courtyards in the Netherlands.
Dom Church Pandhof Garden
The Dom Church Pandhof Garden is the building’s monastery garden. This hidden garden is sandwiched between the Dom Church and Utrecht University Hall, and is a wonderfully idyllic spot, filled with flowers and herbs. De Pandhof is one of the most beautiful courtyards in the Netherlands and offers stunning views of the Dom Tower and church.
History
The Dom Church Pandhof Garden dates back to 1390 – 1440 and was restored in the late 19th century. It is a monastery garden with elements of medieval style and is home to ornamental plants and herbs. In the centre of the garden there is a fountain with a statue of the 14th-century canon Hugo Wstinc sitting and writing. The garden is enclosed by a 15th-century cloister. De Pandhof garden is maintained by volunteers.
Pandhof opening times
The Pandhof garden is a great place to sit and enjoy a special corner of Utrecht. The garden can be visited free of charge and is accessible through the gate on Dom Square. The Pandhof is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Pandhof will be closed on the Dies Natalis and the Opening of the Academic Year. In 2024 these will be on Tuesday 26 March and Monday 2 September. We are also closed on King's day (27 April) and 31 December.
In addition to the annually closed days, the Pandhof is closed on the following days:
- Sundag 2 June 2024 from 3 p.m.
- Monday 10 June 2024 till 1.30 p.m.
- Sunday 1 September 2024 from 3 p.m.
- Sunday 17 November 2024
Dom Church Pandhof Garden
Dom Church Pandhof Garden
The Dom Church Pandhof garden is one of the most beautiful courtyards in the Netherlands.
Zocherpark
The monumental Zocherpark is one of the oldest public parks in the Netherlands.
Zocherpark
Zocherpark
The monumental Zocherpark is one of the oldest public parks in the Netherlands.
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht is a leading theatre in the centre of the Netherlands.
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
If you want to go to the theater in Utrecht, the Stadsschouwburg is one of the first places you think of. Here you can enjoy a broad range of beautiful performances, from dance and cabaret to theater and music.
The theater is based in a characteristic building on the Lucasbolwerk, at a beautiful location between the park and water. It was designed just before the Second World War by architect Willem Marinus Dudok. At the outbreak of the war, the building was not yet finished and Nazis and collaborators threatened to demolish it. Fortunately, it was completed in 1941. The building was renovated several times and recognized as a national monument in 2010.
The Stadsschouwburg has two beautiful halls. The Douwe Egberts room can accommodate about 1000 people. If you want a more intimate setting, you can enjoy a small-scale production in the Blue Hall.
Fancy something to eat or drink before the performance? Then grab a seat at the theater’s restaurant called ‘Zindering’. Here they cook with products from top suppliers, organic farmers and fresh catches from hunters and fishermen. The menu changes every month.
A visit to Zindering is also worthwhile without a performance. During the season, lots of activities are organized, from culinary tastings to reflection on Sundays. And when the weather is nice, you can sit on the cozy terrace with a view of the Dom!
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht is a leading theatre in the centre of the Netherlands.
Public Park Lepelenburg
Park Lepelenburg is a lively park on the edge of the historical city centre in Utrecht.
Public Park Lepelenburg
Public Park Lepelenburg
Park Lepelenburg is a lively park on the edge of the historical city centre in Utrecht.
Pausdam
The Pausdam is dominated by two historic buildings: The Paushuize or Pope‘s Residence and the University premises at the head of the Trans.
Pausdam
Pausdam
The Pausdam is dominated by two historic buildings: The Paushuize or Pope‘s Residence and the University premises at the head of the Trans.
St. Catherine's Church
The St. Catherine's Church can be found in the middle of the Museum Quarter. The church is today the parish church of the Slacator parish and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Utrecht.
St. Catherine's Church
St. Catherine's Church
The St. Catherine's Church can be found in the middle of the Museum Quarter. The church is today the parish church of the Slacator parish and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Utrecht.
Pandhof Sinte Marie (St Mary’s Courtyard)
Between the buildings of the conservatory you will find Pandhof Sinte Marie (St Mary’s Courtyard), a remnant of the former Mariakerk (St Mary’s Church).
Pandhof Sinte Marie (St Mary’s Courtyard)
Pandhof Sinte Marie (St Mary’s Courtyard)
Between the buildings of the conservatory you will find Pandhof Sinte Marie (St Mary’s Courtyard), a remnant of the former Mariakerk (St Mary’s Church).
House Zoudenbalch
This house was built in 1467 by Evert Zoudenbalch, who was the canon treasurer of the Dom and provost of Maastricht.
House Zoudenbalch
House Zoudenbalch
This house was built in 1467 by Evert Zoudenbalch, who was the canon treasurer of the Dom and provost of Maastricht.
Buurkerkhof
The final artwork of Trajectum Lumen is located at Buurkerkhof. Artist Gabriel Lester has designed a magical connection between the oldest parochial church of Utrecht, and its surrounding square.
Buurkerkhof
Buurkerkhof
The final artwork of Trajectum Lumen is located at Buurkerkhof. Artist Gabriel Lester has designed a magical connection between the oldest parochial church of Utrecht, and its surrounding square.
