Story by María García-Juanes📍Utrecht
In the Netherlands, the sporadic appearance of warm sunny days means it’s time to start getting excited about the summer. Curfew is no longer in place and restaurants and bars are finally able to open after a long wait. Since the government shared its plan to start vaccinating young age groups over the summer, light began to appear at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel. And while traveling abroad is still arduous, there are many activities to look forward to that don’t require going far. Here are some ideas to make the most out of the upcoming sunny days in Utrecht.
Swimming in the Muntkade.
The canal next to Muntkade is the place to be in the city when the sun is out and the temperature allows for a swim. Located in the area of Lombok, the canal is wide and deep enough to enjoy a refreshing dip. It’s surrounded by stretches of green grass on both sides where you can lay your towel and bask in the sun. If you’re more on the adventurous side, there’s a tall metal structure built on the side of the canal that people enjoy climbing and jumping from.
Another good incentive to visit this place is that it’s only a short bike ride from Soia, a beach-vibe bar. While it’s technically not possible to swim in the canal that’s right in front of it while sitting at the terrace, one can have a quick dip there before or after. The bar is laid-back, with tables over the sand, and a nice selection of local beers to choose from.
Kayaking along the city canals.
Whether you want to kayak along the Oudegracht or the canal that surrounds the city, there are several rentals for this in Utrecht. It can be done all year long, but having cold water splashed onto you is probably more enjoyable when the weather is warm outside and you can get dry easily.
Kanoverhuur, in Oudegracht, offers rentals from 6 euros an hour, although the price will depend on the kayak capacity and the time it takes to do the circuit of your choice. Usually, one hour is enough to paddle for a while along the Oudegracht and get to see the city from a different perspective, but the closed circuit in which you surround the city center and return to the rental point takes at least half an hour to one hour more. If you go for this option and you’re not a pro-kayaker, I strongly recommend setting aside at least two hours in total: that way your arms can rest from time to time while you float around admiring the city’s charming house blocks, bridges, and parks.
Biking to the Maarsseveense Plassen.
Reaching the place is easy if you are in the Overvecht or Zuilen area, but no matter how long it takes to arrive, these lakes are worth the visit. The easiest route is to follow the Oudegracht that crosses the city and then continue all the way up following the next canal.
The way there is, as most biking trails in the country, almost completely flat, so it doesn’t require much effort. There’s a picturesque windmill nearby, and a detour to visit the Zuilen Castle is possible. I particularly enjoy cycling past the houses that are built on the way to the lakes, with their immense glass windows and wooden harbors.
The biggest lake is the most popular one to swim in — it has the perfect moderately-cold temperature to escape the heat. On warm days its shores are crowded with people who spend the day working on their tan and playing beach volleyball. Some sections of it, generally more hidden, are nudist, so if you’re not a fan of tan lines this could be the place for you.
Spending a day at the Haarrijnse strand.
If I had to come up with a drawback of living in Utrecht, that’d surely be that there’s no sea around it. But if you are a beach lover like me, there’s a place within the city that slightly makes up for it: that’s the Haarrijnse strand.
Located close to Maximapark and with a restaurant strategically placed on the shore of the lake, the place conveys a beachy feel quite well. When it gets hot in the city, you can bring some snacks and friends and lay down in the sand among the dozens of bikini-clad groups of locals that’ll be there blasting music from speakers, sipping mojitos, and taking turns to swim. Although the water may not be as clean as the sea’s, the overall feeling is similar to that of being on the seaside — at least for a day.
If you don’t want to spend too much money ordering food and drinks from the bar, make sure you pack some supplies with you, as there are no supermarkets in the area.
Making an excursion to Henschotermeer.
Henschotermeer is also a lake, but framed by green trees and light-colored sand, it is way more postcard-perfect. It takes around one hour and fifteen minutes to bike there from the center of Utrecht, but it can also be reached from the nearby village of Maarn.
The lake is oval-shaped, with an artificial island connected by bridges in the middle. I visited the place on a very cold day in November, and if the route to get there and the place itself felt magical while shivering under a thick coat, I can only imagine how it must be in the summer.
A 3,25€ entrance fee must be paid to access the recreational area from the 1st of April to the 30th of September when the lake is usually busier with people, but either if the intention is to spend the day there or to pay a short visit, I’d recommend it.
Enjoying the parks around the city.
If there’s something that abounds in the Netherlands, that’s green spaces and parks. From the cozy and lush Julianapark where you can spot deer to the bustling grassy fields of Griftpark and Park Transwijk, or the idyllic benches overlooking the lake at Maximapark.
Barbecues are allowed in parks, which makes them a perfect place to go for picnics. Parks have been the main meeting point during warm days in Covid-19 times, as it has offered an opportunity to avoid indoor restrictions and enjoy social gatherings safely. Some of them, like Griftpark, have recently built public toilets, attesting to the increasing demand of crowds who gather there to drink.
Whatever hobbies you’re into, whether it’s slacklining, running, playing ball games, or simply sunbathing and sipping wine, going to the parks is always a good plan.
Spending a night in a unique Airbnb stay.
There’s a section in the app where you can look for unusual places to spend the night, and there are several within Utrecht and around. You can retreat for a weekend to a houseboat, cottage, or cabin in the woods, and get to spend some quality time in nature, away from routine.
Since traveling is quite difficult and daunting for some at the moment, it’s a good way to get a sense of holidays by trying a new experience and visiting a different place. If you’re looking for some time away go for it, but make a reservation in advance, as these places tend to be popular during the summer months and get fully booked quickly.
Sharing a cold drink on a bar’s terrace.
Finally! It was a long wait to see the bars open again since they were forced to close a few months ago, so there’s no better reason to look forward to the summer season so outdoor terraces can be fully appreciated.
Personally, I like Roost, located on the upper-left corner of the canal that surrounds the city center. The bar is full most of the time, but the best thing about it is how great the atmosphere around it is. Simply bringing a blanket and sitting on the grass that overlooks the canal to watch the sunset makes it a great spot to meet. Another choice with a grassy outdoor setting is the Biergarten in front of the Filmcafe, right next to Zuilen station.
But really, any bar closer to the city center that has a terrace, like those located in Neude and Mariaplaats, or Lebowski next to the Dom Tower, is an excellent option to meet up with friends and share a beer.
Aren’t we deserving of it after so much time spent cooped up at home?
