Trustroots Wiki - User contributions [en]

Netherlands

2014-01-27T19:51:45Z

Kilgoretrout: deleted outdated parts

{{Netherlands}}
{{TOCright}}
Welcome to the '''[[Netherlands]]'''! The Netherlands is a tiny country located between [[Germany]] and [[Belgium]]. Despite its size, it still houses a population of over 16 million people. Most of the people live in the "Randstad" metropolitan area, located in the West of the country around the region called [[Holland]]. In contrast to the mainly protestant north, the south people of the south has a largely catholic heritage which give them trong ties to for instance Belgium. In the North life is less hectic since there are less big cities. The province of [[Friesland]] has their own history and language. Most people of the Netherlands speak Dutch although most people are also proficient in English and one or more other European language(s).

Most Dutch people don't feel very connected to the traditional touristic stereotypes of wooden shoes, tulips and windmills. Still they are a unmistakable part of the Dutch history and heritage. No single country has been so active in creating their own land from the water. The culture of the Netherlands is for a big part shaped by a open and tolerant society. The Dutch became famous for being tolerant on Drugs (especially socalled 'softdrugs' and XTC), were the first to allow gay people to marry and are quite progressive in medical issues as abortion. From the 17th century Amsterdam was a multi-cultural society, nowaydays most cities in the west have a mixed population with people from our former colonies ([[Indonesia]], [[Suriname]], the Dutch caribic islands), immigrant workers from [[Morocco]] and [[Turkey]], refugees and lately more and more western expats.

A lot more info about the Netherlands can be found on [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=Netherlands Writing Travellers], [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Netherlands Wikivoyage] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands Wikipedia].

== Meetings ==
There are a lot of meetings all around the Netherlands. Due to the small size of both the Netherlands and the hospex community, people from all over the country usually attend these meetings. Cities near to the border (like [[Maastricht]], [[Groningen]] and [[Enschede]]) even tend to coorporate with nearby cities across the border. Netherlands meetings often take up a full evening, day or even weekend, can be attached to cultural events (the celebration of [[Sinterklaas]], [[Midsummernight]], [[Queen's day]], New Year's Eve or personal events (birthdays, going away parties), and often involve a few hosts opening their homes to large groups of people. Larger events also attract travellers from [[France]], [[England]] and [[Germany]].

All over the country:
* Queensnight: April 29th
* Queensday: April 30th
* Liberation day: May 5th

== Main attractions ==

Most tourists stay in Holland (the provinces North and South Holland). This area is very densely populated and has most famous tourist spots.

* the the tourist enclave and cultural capital '''[[Amsterdam]]'''.

* the gouvernmental city of '''[[The Hague]]''' with the beach of '''[[Scheveningen]]'''

* modern multicultural city life and architecture in '''[[Rotterdam]]'''.

* Polders and Windmills, [[Beemster]], [[Kinderdijk]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaanse_Schans Zaanse Schans]

* Tulips, near the coast north of [[Leiden]] and of course in the [[Keukenhof|Tulipgarden]] '[http://www.keukenhof.nl/nm/english.html keukenhof]

== Tips ==
Advise from couchsurfers for everyone who wants to leave the ´beaten track´:

==== Active Couchsurfing-comunities ====

The cities below are cities that don't recive a lot of tourists but have an active Cs-community, so it's always easy to have a good time in there.
* [[Utrecht]]

* [[Groningen]]

* [[Leiden]]

* [[Maastricht]]

* [[Rotterdam]]

* [[Amersfoort]]

* [[Tilburg]]

==== Beautiful spots ====

Al the big cities in the west together form a horseshoe, therefore the name 'Randstad'. In between this horseshoe there is a quiet rural part called the green hart, perfect to bike around in and to cool down from the busy citylife.

Plenty of pretty small historic cities can be found in these regions:

* Rivierenland: near the big rivers (Between [[Rotterdam]], [[Utrecht]], [[Nijmegen]] and [['s Hertogenbosch]]). The first cityrights were granted in this region to cities like [[Dordrecht]], [[Gorinchem]], [[Wijk bij Duurstede]], [[Tiel]], [[Zutphen]] & [[Deventer]].

* [[Zeeland]]: the Islands in the southwest. A lot of Germans go to the beaches in here in the summer, but the Island around Zeeland also have a lot of nice old cities that look like cities in Flandres ([[Middelburg]], [[Sluis]], [[Brielle]], [[Domburg]]).

* [[Friesland]]: the northern province with it's own culture, language, flag and national sport and nice historic cities like [[Leeuwarden]], [[Franeker]], [[Hindeloopen]], [[Sneek]], [[Harlingen]], [[Sloten]], etc)

* kop van Noord-Holland: Holland north of [[Amsterdam]], also known as west-Friesland. In the Dutch golden age this area was very rich, you can still see traces of this in cities like [[Enkhuizen]], [[Hoorn]], [[Alkmaar]] and [[Edam]]). There are also a lot of old and interesting polders in this area.

* the South of [[Limburg]]: because of the hilly landscapes and distinct, bourgondic culture this region feels like a foreign country to a lot of Dutch people.

* The Islands in the North (Waddeneilanden): Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog

==== Exotic couches and people who would like to get more guests ====
If you would like to get more guests or tell about a beautifull (exotic) couch you know, you can put your profile name in here.

* [http://couchsurfing.com/GERALD_ROTTERDAM Gerard Bosman] lives in a small town near Rotterdam, on a central spot in the Randstad. He loves to show the people, also young backpackers, around and explain them about how the Dutch manage to live so far below the sealevel.

* If you're into WWOOFing or would like to find out about squatted farms, check out [http://couchsurfing.com/spruit Spruit]'s profile. He lives in a beautiful place in the middle of the Randstad.

== The Dutch ==
Advise on [[how to be a good guest]] in the Netherlands:

This one is from an integration course and doesn't apply to overnight visitors, but more to coffeetime guests. It probably only applies to the older generation of Dutchies. It definitely doesn't apply to CouchSurfers, for neither guests nor hosts,
# If the host says he will start preparing dinner, this isn't an invitation to join dinner (unless explicitly said), but a sign for you to leave.
# When visiting a Dutch family at tea time you will likely be offered a biscuit from a large tray or tin full of biscuits. Be considerate and only take one or very few.
# Smoking marijuana is depenaltized, but still, this does not mean you are free to practise this anywhere, with anybody, or talking apparently about such habits to anyone. Better that you don't exceed the limits upon a coffee-shop visit and restrict your use of marijuana there.

A good and funny book about the Dutch and dutch customs is the [http://www.undutchables.com/ UnDutchables]

== Get around ==

=== Bike ===
* [[Traveling by bicycle]]is easy and very common both within cities and across the country. There are separate paths for bikes linking cities and villages, as well as directional signs (in red) indicating major bicycle routes. If you are bicycling at night, you must have a white light on the front of your bike (or yourself) and a red light on the back. You can find more info on biking in the netherlands (including routes) in [http://holland.cyclingaroundtheworld.nl/ here]. Renting bikes is possible at most big trainstations (where intercities stop).

=== Train ===
* There is a very well-developed internal train network, and the country's small size means that the major destinations are often within 20 - 80 minutes of each other. The train system is privatised. The biggest railroad company is the [http://www.ns.nl NS], of which the state is the only shareholder. Regional private companies include [http://www.syntus.nl/ Syntus] in the east of the country, [http://www.arriva.nl/ Arriva] which operates mainly in the North and near Dordrecht, [http://www.connexxion.nl/ Connexxion] in the centre and [http://www.veolia-transport.nl/ Veolia] in the South east. Tickets bought at NS vending machines/desks are valid for all trains in the Netherlands, exept high speed trains. At service desks you pay €0,50 extra as a 'service fee'.

* [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en International high-speed trains] stop at the major cities, and there are direct trains to and from such cities as Paris, Brussels and Cologne.

=== Bus ===
* If you travel by bus or metro more than once, it is advisable to buy a so called 'strippenkaart', see [http://www.amsterdam.info/transport/strippenkaart/ here] how it works. Sometimes you can/have to use OV-chipkaart, which is a magnetic card. See this [http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en website] for more information. In the centre of Rotterdam and regional buses around Eindhoven, Leiden, Gouda and Schoonhoven you can use OV-chipkaart. The Rotterdam metro system only allows the OV-chipkaart.

* [http://www.eurolines.com/index.php?id=113&L=0 Eurolines] bus service makes daily trips from Belgium, France, Germany and the UK as well as semi-regular service from Poland and other countries.

=== Boat ===
* Ferry lines are operated on Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam and IJmuiden.

* The islands in the north are best reachable by this [http://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/ ferryservice]

=== Car ===
* There are a lot of roads of good quality in the Netherlands and no tollways. The speed limit is 120 km/h on freeways, 50 in and 80 outside of cities. The old cities are mostly hard to reach by car, overcrowded and expensive to park in. Don't travel in de [[Randstad]] by car in rushhours, there are allways a lot of trafficjams.

* Due to the small size and relative dense population '''[[hitchhiking]]''' is really easy in the Netherlands. The country is quite friendly to hitchhikers with even special spots in some cities. [http://www.liftershalte.info Lifterhalte ] is a wiki about hitchhiking with a very usefull map with some good hitchhking spots. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm# here]. Because of the free public transport cards students get, a lot of Dutch are not used to hitchhikers.

=== Air ===
* The Netherlands main airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a busy international airport with a trainstation conveniently located underground. From Schiphol, travel to locations within the Randstad can be accomplished within 1 hour, and major destinations throughout the country can be reached within 3 hours.

* Some low cost carriers such as Easy Jet, Berlin Air, Sky Europe, Wizz Air and Ryan Air also fly into the airports at Maastricht/Aachen, [http://couchwiki.org/en/Eindhoven Eindhoven] and Rotterdam. Public bus systems connect these airports with the NS stations. Easyjet stopped flying to Maastricht/Aachen but there are several main-carriers flying to Schiphol.

== Safety ==
* The general alarm number is 112.
* While biking in the Netherlands is a nice way to get around, be sure to bring good locks for your bike if you bring your own. Bike theft occurs, mostly in metropolitan areas.

== Work ==
[http://www.undutchables.nl Undutchables] and [http://www.bluelynx.com Blue Lynx] are job agencies that offers jobs to internationals in many languages. If you already speak dutch (or english for some jobs) try [http://www.monsterboard.nl Monsterboard]. For English speaking jobs, try [http://www.jobinamsterdam.com JobinAmsterdam]. Their are also sites like (http://www.maxers.nl Maxers) where you can find your new Job in Netherland.

== Backgroud information ==

=== Geography ===

'''Polders'''

The country is famous for being below the water level. About half of the country has a state-controlled water level. In the west a lot of parts are reclaimed land; socalled 'polders'. The deepest are a little north of Rotterdam, some parts are more than 6 meters below sea level. Two polders appear on the world heritage list, kinderdijk (east of Rotterdam) and de Beemster (north of Amsterdam).

'''Delta Works'''

'''Randstad'''

'''Multi-cultural society'''

'''Bible Belt'''

=== History ===

'''Romans'''

The Netherlands formed the northern border of the Roman empire for some ages. The north was conquered once, but got independent again short time later. Not much is left of the Romans. The places where they built fortesses are often marked, but most of that is artificial. Some cities evolved from the Romans. [[Nijmegen]] is the only city founded by the Romans, [[Maastricht]] and [[Utrecht]] evolved from Roman fortifications.

'''Medieval'''

In the early medival times the west of the Netherlands was mainly a swamp. People only lived on the high parts around the rivers and on hills (terpen) in the North. After the year 1000 people started to make the swamplands into polders with grassfields. Cities appeared around the rivers ([['s Hertogenbosch]], [[Utrecht]], etc) and in [[Friesland]]. Most wealth was in the western provinces of Belgium which also belonged to the low countries (= Netherlands)

'''Dutch Republic'''

In the 16th century the all the provinces of the Netherlands (the present Netherlands, [[Belgium]] and [[Luxemburg]]), by intermarrying, came under the rule of [[Spain]]. The cities of Flanders were wealthy tradings cities by that time. At the same time all over [[Europe]], people started to protest again the decadence of the Catholic Church. Protestantism was quite popular in the southwest of the Netherlands. After the icony clash in 1566 the Catholic Spanish intensified repression against protestants. Lower dutch nobility started to protest against this repression, but were not taken serious by the Spanish. The provinces in the North make a coalition in [[Utrecht]] in 1567. William of Orange became the unofficial leader of the protestant rebellion. After a failed attempt, the rebellion really started with the takeover of the small coastal city of Brielle. Slowly more and more cities joined the insurge.

After 80 years of war the north became the protestant republic of Dutch provinces, the south remained catholic under rule of the Spanish. The north conquered two catholic provinces, [[Brabant]] and [[Limburg]], but also in the north there were lots of catholics left. The catholics were allowed to remain catholic, as long as the leading protestants didn't have to see anything that reminded them to catholicism. The centre of the region moved from [[Antwerpen]] (previously a protestant city, but conquered by the Spanish) to [[Amsterdam]]. Amsterdam became more wealthy then [[Antwerpen]] ever was and became the centre of a strong naval, colonial power. The VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie) started trading posts in [[Afrika]], [[India]], [[China]] and [[Japan]] en conquered big parts of [[Indonesia]] while the WIC (West Indische Compagnie) started selltements in present day [[New York]], [[Recife]] ([[Brasil]]) and the carribean islands and got rich by Piratery and slavery.

'''French Revolution'''

In the 18th century the Dutch republic was a big example for the formation of the United States but was allready for a long time in decline. After losing wars with [[England]] the Dutch lost their role as world power. The Dutch were completely overrun by the enthousiasm of the revolution in [[France]] and became a French province aroun 1800. The French totally reformed state organisation drasticly.

'''Dutch Kingdom'''

When the French left the other monarchies in Europe upgraded the family of Orange to a royal family. the Netherlands became a kingdom joined with [[Belgium]]. Belgium left this union in 1830, but the kingdom remained.

'''World Wars'''

The Dutch tried to be neutral in both world wars, but only succeeded in that in the first. In the second the country was invaded by [[Germany]]. The war only lasted a few days and stopped after the Germans totally destroyed [[Rotterdam]]. It took 5 years untill the country was liberated. The south was allready liberated in 1944, the whole winter lasted with a frontline on the rivers, causing famine in the urban regions in the North. By mistake the allied forces destroyed the city of [[Nijmegen]] (they ment to detroy a German city).

'''Modern History'''

After the sober fifties, the Dutch became very wealthy in the sixties after finding gas supplies in the North. The cultural revolution of the sixties had a big impact on the Netherlands, making the country known for it's liberal, progressive laws and making [[Amsterdam]] one of the hippie capitals of the world. Because of shortage of low education workers, a lot of workers from mediterranian countries were reqruited. Together with the independence of most colonies (and the migration of lots of their inhabitants), this made the Netherland a multicultural society. After being mostly known for the country with liberal laws on drugs, gay-rights and etnical medical matters after the millennium the country was more and more polarised. Right wing politicans criticise the lack of authority and two political murders gave the Netherlands a reputation of a country looking for it's identity and unsure of what the future will bring.

[[trash:Netherlands]]
[[hitch:Netherlands]]
{{IsIn|Europe}}
[[share:Netherlands]]
[[velo:Netherlands]]
[[cash:Netherlands]]
[[nomad:Netherlands]]
[[visa:Netherlands]]

Utrecht

2013-05-13T14:40:26Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Meetings & events */

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. The meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ Utrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* late may / early june [https://www.springutrecht.nl Spring] a festival with dance, theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* June [http://www.counterculturefestival.nl// Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of hosts while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to requests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other people:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}
[[trash:Utrecht]]
[[hitch:Utrecht]]
[[velo:Utrecht]]

Utrecht

2013-05-13T14:34:49Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Meetings & events */

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. The meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ Utrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* June [http://www.counterculturefestival.nl// Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of hosts while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to requests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other people:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}
[[trash:Utrecht]]
[[hitch:Utrecht]]
[[velo:Utrecht]]

Utrecht

2013-05-13T14:34:12Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Meetings & events */

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. The meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* Juni [http://www.counterculturefestival.nl// Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of hosts while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to requests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other people:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}
[[trash:Utrecht]]
[[hitch:Utrecht]]
[[velo:Utrecht]]

Utrecht

2013-05-02T15:09:26Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. The meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of hosts while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to requests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other people:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-03-25T10:40:20Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of hosts while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to requests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other people:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-03-25T10:38:53Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-03-25T10:38:04Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Meetings & events */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* May 11th [http://www.utrechtsebierbrouwersfestival.nl/ Utrechts Bierbrouwersfestival]

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-03-25T10:34:24Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

Utrecht was founded as a roman fortress. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country and center of trade and religion. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture in both the city centre and university campus 'De Uithof'.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature and smaller historic cities. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* late March, [http://www.haff.nl/nl/ Holland Animation Film Festival]

* late March / early April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April 5, 6, 7 [http://www.lentebokfestival.nl/ Lentebokfestival]

* April 19th and April 20t [http://www.utrechtinternationalcomedyfestival.nl/ UTrecht International Comedy Festival]

* April 29 and April 30, Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

Free maps are easy to find at the tourist information centre but also in stands at Hoog Catharijne.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht guests are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced hosts mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

100 things to do in Utrecht

2013-03-05T21:04:51Z

Kilgoretrout:

You can also find the top 25 of the list on [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.0004774f658373cb1ca9f&ll=52.10893,5.068302&spn=0.071796,0.154324&z=13 Google Maps]

# Walk the [http://utrechtfreetours.nl Utrecht Free Tour], starting every saturday at 12:00 under the Dom tower
# Climb the mighty 112,5 meters [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=1842&taal=1&sId=123&click=1180&path=_0_1180&submenu=295 Dom Tower].
# See artists creations light up in the medieval centre when it get dark on the [http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/?p=portal Trajectum Lumen route]
# Discover the peace and quiet of Pandhof garden, next door to the Dom church, or [http://www.florashof.nl/ Flora's hof] behind the tower. Nice to escape the rush 'n bustle of Oudegracht, especially on a Saturday afternoon. Btw: Greek take-away [http://www.restaurantsirtaki.nl/mikro.php Sirtaki] is just around the corner.
# Visit Maximus, one of the countries best microbrews in their own [http://www.brouwerijmaximus.nl/ brewpub] in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht.
# Celebrate Queen's Night strolling all night through the flea market in the north of the old town finding the craziest ways to make money on the night of the 29th of April!
# Go grocery shopping in the [[Turkey|Turkish]] shops on Kanaalstraat.
# Go canoeing in the surroundings of Amelisweerd and have a pancake at the historic wooden [http://m.iens.nl/restaurant.htms?r=3770 theehuis in Rhijnauwen].
# See the smallest building on the world heritage list, the [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-Schröder House].
# Enjoy a nice summerday, relaxing, picknicking and sporting at [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelminapark_en_omgeving Wilhelminapark].
# Join the Goth parade during the [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/2010/ Summer Darkness] weekend.
# Get lost in some narrow alleyways connecting Springweg to Oudegracht (find the pilgrim) and Oudegracht to Nieuwegracht.
# Have a cheap vegetarian (or vegan) meal, or enjoy the underground music scene at [http://www.acu.nl ACU].
# Visit a free Bach's cantate concert given by [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/ Utrechtse Bachcantatendiensten], every 1st sunday of the month
# Come to the Bewelcome & Couchsurfing [[Utrecht]] monthly meeting at [http://www.averechts.nl café Averechts].
# Get the best special beers at [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=GTS&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+belgie+utrecht&fb=1&gl=nl&hq=cafe+belgie&hnear=utrecht&view=text&latlng=1592105389659294221 Kafé België], [http://www.cafederat.nl/ Cafe Derat] or [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ de dorstige herten]
# See the best arthouse movies at [http://www.hoogt.nl/ 't Hoogt] (in a medieval looking builing), [http://www.springhaver.nl/ Springhaver] (with a nice café) or [http://www.louishartloopercomplex.nl/ Louis Hartloper Complex] (in a former police office).
# Go shopping in all the trendy and [http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities vintage shops] on Oudegracht or Voorstraat.
# See the upcoming indie bands, or have a good value 3 course meal at [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko].
# Taste the best Autumn beers at the [http://www.bockbierfestival.nl/ Bockbierfestival].
# Go by pedal boat and explore the quaint canals of Utrecht.
# Take a bike ride along the line of fortifications around Utrecht which are all part of the national heritage of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ Hollandse waterlinie].
# Visit the [http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/ Railway museum].
# See famous bands perform at [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli].
# Join the Dutch national sport, go [http://www.vechtsebanen.nl iceskating].
# By your food of every thinkable nation, Chinese, Russian, Greek, African, Turkish, they all have their supermarket at Amsterdamsestraatweg
# Buy the best beers at [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Bert's Bierhuis].
# Visit the 100 years old, but built in medieval Disney-style, [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ Kasteel de Haar] and its park on a quiet nice day or on a day when it is filled with people dressed up in fantasy styles.
# Have a nice ice cream at [http://www.ilmulino.nl/ Il Mulino] or [http://www.lekkerijs.nl/ Roberto's].
# Taste delicious chocolate at Simon Levelt or Australian on Steenweg.
# Visit a free lunch concert, every friday at Vredenburg Leeuwenbergh
# See where [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ Nijntje], aka Miffy, lives.
# Look for Nijntjes traffic light.
# Visit the high-rise modernist buildings at Kanaleneiland and Overvecht and see for yourself if these neighbourhoods are ghettos or not.
# Follow CS Utrecht [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons].
# Visit [http://www.bio.uu.nl/bottuinen/ Botanical Gardens] built around a fortress at the Uithof.
# Go have a look at all the autographs from famous rockers on guitars and its famous painting of legendary dead rockers at the rock club: [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to Heaven]. Also great for budget dinners.
# Have a pub crawl set to live blues music at the [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ bluesroute].
# Check the Suster Bertken memorial stone in Choorstraat, near the crossing with Zadelstraat.
# Have a beer at Olivier's (in a church turned café-restaurant), or taste one of their lovely Belgian dinners with Flemish fries.
# Eat or have cocktails in [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], an arabic loungy style in an old Bathing house, with fusion cooking and fresh mint tea.
# Visit one of the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural Sundays], lots of different cultural acts in the city center.
# Have a barbecue at the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maarsseveense_Plassen Maarsseveense Plassen].
# Walk along the Nieuwegracht in spring (or any time of the year really).
# Go to [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ De Ster], a windmill still working as a sawmill.
# Visit one of the largest festivals for medieval, renaissance and baroque music in the world: http://oudemuziek.nl/
# Enjoy canal side drinks, lunch, hand readings, (cocktail-)lounging, stitch 'n bitch, one of the country's best night clubs 'De Nachtwinkel', salsa matinées and more at [http://www.dewinkelvansinkel.nl/ Winkel van Sinkel]. Down at the warf you can read what disaster happened when the four big statues in front of the building were lifted up from the canal.
# Go [http://www.lasnueve.nl tango open air] behind city hall on Thursday nights (weather permitting) from April - September.
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=119738 Griftpark], see the sun set on the hill, sit on the stones, join the skaters, basketballers or other sporters or just chill by the lake.
# Visit the [http://www.bibliotheek-utrecht.nl/ public library], have a chai tea with milk in one of the comfortable chairs with street view.
# See who's awarded the 'Gouden Kalf', the Dutch version of the Oscars at the [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ Dutch Film Festival].
# Have a picnic on the wharf along the Oudegracht.
# Have a picnic on Keulsekade in the south of Lombok, overlooking canals with houseboats, a park, fancy houses and the money museum.
# Find out everything about money at the [http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money museum].
# Join a [http://www.bevrijdingsfestival.nl free festival] at Liberation Day (May 5th).
# Find out everything about Aboriginal Art at the [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal Art Museum].
# Have an organic fruitshake at [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ de Blauwe Kameel].
# See the fancy post-modernist architecture at University campus the Uithof.
# Have a Broodje Mario on Oudegracht, close to Lange Viestraat.
# Be amazed at all the interesting and funny books at second hand bookstore [http://www.deslegte.com/ De Slegte] (which is much bigger inside than it appears from the outside). Full of squeeky winding stairs and narrow isles. Also on Oudegracht.
# Spot the UFO on the 'ink jar', head office of the national railways.
# Score a fresh stroopwafel at the market on Vredenburg on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
# On sunny days, have a picnic in tiny Lepelenburg park and enjoy all the gaming, juggling and smiling people.
# See what underground has to offer at [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/main.php/sec3 Counter Culture festival].
# Go to a theatersports game at [http://www.parnassos.nl/ Parnassos], Theater aan de Werf, or Oudaen.
# See a Viking ship, the remains of the Art Nouveau building 'De Utrecht' or one of the many art exhibitions at [www.centraalmuseum.nl Centraal Museum].
# Get addicted to board games with the real board game fanatics at [http://dejokerutrecht.wordpress.com/ the Joker].
# Check the redevelopment plans for central station and its surroundings [http://www.cu2030.nl/projecten], visit the sites, see for yourself.
# Go to the rooftop terrace of the [http://www.vd.nl/ V&D] department store at [http://www.hoogcatharijne.nl/ Hoog Catherijne] for some of the best views over central Utrecht (including the Dom).
# In the summer, find a picnic table at the southern end of the Oudegracht terrace, get some food and drink from the nearby supermarkets and snackbars, and have a little gathering with your friends.
# Check the listings at [http://www.dnbforum.nl/index.php?action=partyagenda;year=2009;month=10 DNBforum], or the flyers in The Revenge shop on Vredeburg, and reach a drum and bass or dubstep rave at one of the many venues across the city.
# Visit the infamous 'red light district' for 'research purposes' at the Zandpad section of the Vecht river.
# Include your visit to Zandpad, as part of a cycle trip down the Vecht to its end in Muiden, passing through a beautiful landscape of windmills, aristocratic houses, castles and scenic villages like Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen dorp. If you're tough enough, go to Kanoverhuur Utrecht at Oudegracht 4, and make the trip in a canoe.
# Visit the [http://www.drogisterij-woortman.nl/index.htm Drogisterij Woortman], an old-fashioned shop from 1851 and buy some herbal tea or lip balm.
# Enter the old post-office on Neude to admire the grandeur of its interior in the style of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdamse_School Amsterdamse school].
# Also on Neude: the Thinker on the Rock, another bunny! Take a look and note what you're thinking.
# Find the 'Utregtse Kabouter' between all the cool graffiti on the biketunnel under Westplein.
# Figure out when the last bar closes on Nobelstraat.
# Eat your own lunch (or 'broodje [http://www.bigoli.nl/ Bigoli]') on the terrace of [http://www.dezaak-utrecht.nl/ de Zaak] (behind city hall).
# Enjoy cheese fondue, live music and recycled crappy old records at [http://www.pothuys.nl/ 't Oude Pothuys].
# Find everything you need and maybe some things you don't on [http://www.twijnstraat.nl/ Twijnstraat], the oldest shopping street of Utrecht.
# Take a break from shopping, eat cake and chocolates at [http://www.sector-3.nl/ Sector 3].
# Find as many art works from the Panorama 2000 art project as you can.
# Visit [http://www.sonnenborgh.nl/ Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh], an observatory and museum in a former bastion of the city walls.
# Enjoy the late afternoon sun on the stairs of city hall.
# Visit the lapjesmarkt on Saturday mornings in Breedstraat.
# See the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paushuize house], once owned by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adrian_VI only Dutch pope ever].
# Get stoned in a coffeeshop boat (smoke on the water!) on Wittevrouwensingel.
# Sing the official anthem of Utrecht from Herman Berkien: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PmLKXir9Y 'Als ik boven op de Dom sta'].
# Embark on a pub crawl filled with upcoming bands at [http://www.popronde.nl Popronde].
# Have great lunch sandwiches with drinks for only 5 euros at [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de Buren], in their nice movie theatre seats.
# Visit one of the notorious student house parties at [http://www.ibbu.nl/ Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan] (IBB).
# Learn about the history of mechanical musical instruments at museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement].
# See local bands at the big rehearsal studio [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ dB's].
# Be a guest at the live recordings of radio show 'Spijkers met Koppen' every saturday at English pub [http://florinutrecht.nl/florin/ Florin].
# See 3500 freshmen get drunk during the [http://www.utrechtseintroductietijd.nl/ Utrechtse Introductie Tijd] (UIT).
# Cry your eyes out at the tearjerkers festival [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappenfestival].
# Take a [http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/home/utrecht/ Tuk Tuk].
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=235292 Soestbergen cemetary], designed by J.D. Zocher jr. in an English landscape style. It became a national monument in 2000.
# Enjoy a free afternoon concert at the [http://www.domkerk.nl/zamimuziek/agenda.html Dom church]. You cannot enter or leave the church during the concert.

[[category:100_Things]][[category:Netherlands]]
{{IsIn|Utrecht}}

100 things to do in Utrecht

2013-03-05T20:48:08Z

Kilgoretrout:

You can also find the top 25 of the list on [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.0004774f658373cb1ca9f&ll=52.10893,5.068302&spn=0.071796,0.154324&z=13 Google Maps]

# Walk the [http://utrechtfreetours.nl Utrecht Free Tour], starting every saturday at 12:00 under the Dom tower
# Climb the mighty 112,5 meters [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=1842&taal=1&sId=123&click=1180&path=_0_1180&submenu=295 Dom Tower].
# See artists creations light up in the medieval centre when it get dark on the [http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/?p=portal Trajectum Lumen route]
# Discover the peace and quiet of Pandhof garden, next door to the Dom church, or [http://www.florashof.nl/ Flora's hof] behind the tower. Nice to escape the rush 'n bustle of Oudegracht, especially on a Saturday afternoon. Btw: Greek take-away [http://www.restaurantsirtaki.nl/mikro.php Sirtaki] is just around the corner.
# Choose from over 100 different great [[Belgium|Belgian]] beers at [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=GTS&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+belgie+utrecht&fb=1&gl=nl&hq=cafe+belgie&hnear=utrecht&view=text&latlng=1592105389659294221 Kafé België].
# Celebrate Queen's Night strolling all night through the flea market in the north of the old town finding the craziest ways to make money on the night of the 29th of April!
# Go grocery shopping in the [[Turkey|Turkish]] shops on Kanaalstraat.
# See bands play on boats in the canal at the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/cz/do.php?a=show_visitor_home Botenparade] in August.
# Go canoeing in the surroundings of Amelisweerd and have a pancake at the historic wooden [http://m.iens.nl/restaurant.htms?r=3770 theehuis in Rhijnauwen].
# See the smallest building on the world heritage list, the [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-Schröder House].
# Enjoy a nice summerday, relaxing, picknicking and sporting at [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelminapark_en_omgeving Wilhelminapark].
# Join the Goth parade during the [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/2010/ Summer Darkness] weekend.
# Get lost in some narrow alleyways connecting Springweg to Oudegracht (find the pilgrim) and Oudegracht to Nieuwegracht.
# Have a cheap vegetarian (or vegan) meal, or enjoy the underground music scene at [http://www.acu.nl ACU].
# Visit a free Bach's cantate concert given by [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/ Utrechtse Bachcantatendiensten], every 1st sunday of the month
# Come to the CS [[Utrecht]] monthly meeting at [http://www.averechts.nl café Averechts].
# See the best arthouse movies at [http://www.hoogt.nl/ 't Hoogt] (in a medieval looking builing), [http://www.springhaver.nl/ Springhaver] (with a nice café) or [http://www.louishartloopercomplex.nl/ Louis Hartloper Complex] (in a former police office).
# Go shopping in all the trendy and [http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities vintage shops] on Oudegracht or Voorstraat.
# See the upcoming indie bands, or have a good value 3 course meal at [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko].
# Taste the best Autumn beers at the [http://www.bockbierfestival.nl/ Bockbierfestival].
# Go by pedal boat and explore the quaint canals of Utrecht.
# Take a bike ride along the line of fortifications around Utrecht which are all part of the national heritage of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ Hollandse waterlinie].
# Visit the [http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/ Railway museum].
# See famous bands perform at [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli].
# Join the Dutch national sport, go [http://www.vechtsebanen.nl iceskating].
# By your food of every thinkable nation, Chinese, Russian, Greek, African, Turkish, they all have their supermarket at Amsterdamsestraatweg
# Buy the best beers at [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Bert's Bierhuis].
# Visit the 100 years old, but built in medieval Disney-style, [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ Kasteel de Haar] and its park on a quiet nice day or on a day when it is filled with people dressed up in fantasy styles.
# Have a nice ice cream at [http://www.ilmulino.nl/ Il Mulino] or [http://www.lekkerijs.nl/ Roberto's].
# Taste delicious chocolate at Simon Levelt or Australian on Steenweg.
# Visit a free lunch concert, every friday at Vredenburg Leeuwenbergh
# See where [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ Nijntje], aka Miffy, lives.
# Look for Nijntjes traffic light.
# Visit the high-rise modernist buildings at Kanaleneiland and Overvecht and see for yourself if these neighbourhoods are ghettos or not.
# Follow CS Utrecht [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons].
# Visit [http://www.bio.uu.nl/bottuinen/ Botanical Gardens] built around a fortress at the Uithof.
# Go have a look at all the autographs from famous rockers on guitars and its famous painting of legendary dead rockers at the rock club: [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to Heaven]. Also great for budget dinners.
# Have a pub crawl set to live blues music at the [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ bluesroute].
# Check the Suster Bertken memorial stone in Choorstraat, near the crossing with Zadelstraat.
# Have a beer at Olivier's (in a church turned café-restaurant), or taste one of their lovely Belgian dinners with Flemish fries.
# Eat or have cocktails in [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], an arabic loungy style in an old Bathing house, with fusion cooking and fresh mint tea.
# Visit one of the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural Sundays], lots of different cultural acts in the city center.
# Have a barbecue at the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maarsseveense_Plassen Maarsseveense Plassen].
# Walk along the Nieuwegracht in spring (or any time of the year really).
# Go to [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ De Ster], a windmill still working as a sawmill.
# Visit one of the largest festivals for medieval, renaissance and baroque music in the world: http://oudemuziek.nl/
# Enjoy canal side drinks, lunch, hand readings, (cocktail-)lounging, stitch 'n bitch, one of the country's best night clubs 'De Nachtwinkel', salsa matinées and more at [http://www.dewinkelvansinkel.nl/ Winkel van Sinkel]. Down at the warf you can read what disaster happened when the four big statues in front of the building were lifted up from the canal.
# Go [http://www.lasnueve.nl tango open air] behind city hall on Thursday nights (weather permitting) from April - September.
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=119738 Griftpark], see the sun set on the hill, sit on the stones, join the skaters, basketballers or other sporters or just chill by the lake.
# Visit the [http://www.bibliotheek-utrecht.nl/ public library], have a chai tea with milk in one of the comfortable chairs with street view.
# See who's awarded the 'Gouden Kalf', the Dutch version of the Oscars at the [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ Dutch Film Festival].
# Have a picnic on the wharf along the Oudegracht.
# Have a picnic on Keulsekade in the south of Lombok, overlooking canals with houseboats, a park, fancy houses and the money museum.
# Find out everything about money at the [http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money museum].
# Join a [http://www.bevrijdingsfestival.nl free festival] at Liberation Day (May 5th).
# Find out everything about Aboriginal Art at the [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal Art Museum].
# Have an organic fruitshake at [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ de Blauwe Kameel].
# See the fancy post-modernist architecture at University campus the Uithof.
# Have a Broodje Mario on Oudegracht, close to Lange Viestraat.
# Be amazed at all the interesting and funny books at second hand bookstore [http://www.deslegte.com/ De Slegte] (which is much bigger inside than it appears from the outside). Full of squeeky winding stairs and narrow isles. Also on Oudegracht.
# Spot the UFO on the 'ink jar', head office of the national railways.
# Score a fresh stroopwafel at the market on Vredenburg on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
# On sunny days, have a picnic in tiny Lepelenburg park and enjoy all the gaming, juggling and smiling people.
# See what underground has to offer at [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/main.php/sec3 Counter Culture festival].
# Go to a theatersports game at [http://www.parnassos.nl/ Parnassos], Theater aan de Werf, or Oudaen.
# See a Viking ship, the remains of the Art Nouveau building 'De Utrecht' or one of the many art exhibitions at [www.centraalmuseum.nl Centraal Museum].
# Get addicted to board games with the real board game fanatics at [http://dejokerutrecht.wordpress.com/ the Joker].
# Check the redevelopment plans for central station and its surroundings [http://www.cu2030.nl/projecten], visit the sites, see for yourself.
# Go to the rooftop terrace of the [http://www.vd.nl/ V&D] department store at [http://www.hoogcatharijne.nl/ Hoog Catherijne] for some of the best views over central Utrecht (including the Dom).
# In the summer, find a picnic table at the southern end of the Oudegracht terrace, get some food and drink from the nearby supermarkets and snackbars, and have a little gathering with your friends.
# Check the listings at [http://www.dnbforum.nl/index.php?action=partyagenda;year=2009;month=10 DNBforum], or the flyers in The Revenge shop on Vredeburg, and reach a drum and bass or dubstep rave at one of the many venues across the city.
# Visit the infamous 'red light district' for 'research purposes' at the Zandpad section of the Vecht river.
# Include your visit to Zandpad, as part of a cycle trip down the Vecht to its end in Muiden, passing through a beautiful landscape of windmills, aristocratic houses, castles and scenic villages like Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen dorp. If you're tough enough, go to Kanoverhuur Utrecht at Oudegracht 4, and make the trip in a canoe.
# Visit the [http://www.drogisterij-woortman.nl/index.htm Drogisterij Woortman], an old-fashioned shop from 1851 and buy some herbal tea or lip balm.
# Enter the old post-office on Neude to admire the grandeur of its interior in the style of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdamse_School Amsterdamse school].
# Also on Neude: the Thinker on the Rock, another bunny! Take a look and note what you're thinking.
# Find the 'Utregtse Kabouter' between all the cool graffiti on the biketunnel under Westplein.
# Figure out when the last bar closes on Nobelstraat.
# Eat your own lunch (or 'broodje [http://www.bigoli.nl/ Bigoli]') on the terrace of [http://www.dezaak-utrecht.nl/ de Zaak] (behind city hall).
# Enjoy cheese fondue, live music and recycled crappy old records at [http://www.pothuys.nl/ 't Oude Pothuys].
# Find everything you need and maybe some things you don't on [http://www.twijnstraat.nl/ Twijnstraat], the oldest shopping street of Utrecht.
# Take a break from shopping, eat cake and chocolates at [http://www.sector-3.nl/ Sector 3].
# Find as many art works from the Panorama 2000 art project as you can.
# Visit [http://www.sonnenborgh.nl/ Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh], an observatory and museum in a former bastion of the city walls.
# Enjoy the late afternoon sun on the stairs of city hall.
# Visit the lapjesmarkt on Saturday mornings in Breedstraat.
# See the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paushuize house], once owned by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adrian_VI only Dutch pope ever].
# Get stoned in a coffeeshop boat (smoke on the water!) on Wittevrouwensingel.
# Sing the official anthem of Utrecht from Herman Berkien: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PmLKXir9Y 'Als ik boven op de Dom sta'].
# Embark on a pub crawl filled with upcoming bands at [http://www.popronde.nl Popronde].
# Have great lunch sandwiches with drinks for only 5 euros at [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de Buren], in their nice movie theatre seats.
# Visit one of the notorious student house parties at [http://www.ibbu.nl/ Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan] (IBB).
# Learn about the history of mechanical musical instruments at museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement].
# See local bands at the big rehearsal studio [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ dB's].
# Be a guest at the live recordings of radio show 'Spijkers met Koppen' every saturday at English pub [http://florinutrecht.nl/florin/ Florin].
# See 3500 freshmen get drunk during the [http://www.utrechtseintroductietijd.nl/ Utrechtse Introductie Tijd] (UIT).
# Cry your eyes out at the tearjerkers festival [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappenfestival].
# Take a [http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/home/utrecht/ Tuk Tuk].
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=235292 Soestbergen cemetary], designed by J.D. Zocher jr. in an English landscape style. It became a national monument in 2000.
# Enjoy a free afternoon concert at the [http://www.domkerk.nl/zamimuziek/agenda.html Dom church]. You cannot enter or leave the church during the concert.

[[category:100_Things]][[category:Netherlands]]
{{IsIn|Utrecht}}

Utrecht

2013-02-24T21:45:18Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

For more info about cool stuff in Utrecht go to [http://www.uareheremagazine.nl/ U are here magazine]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

Since february 2013 most big shops are open on sunday, though the might open later then on other days.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-01-18T20:56:05Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

==Meetings & events==
'''Hospitality community'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 people meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. THe meetings are announced both on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

* Every week there are free '''Dutch lessons''' in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which became an annual event.

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/290 BeWelcome] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Couchsurfing].

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2013-01-18T12:20:09Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Nightlife */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://www.cafederat.nl/ De Rat]: alternative bar full of very obscure special beers

* [http://www.dedriedorstigeherten.nl/ De Drie Dorstige Herten]: was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings, now specialised in Dutch IPA-beer. Localised in a very pretty part of the museum quarter.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.restaurantutrecht.nl/web/lp/329_nl-zakelijk%20eten.htm Oudaen]: in a old city caste, with it's own beer brewery, in daytime also a restaurant
'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

100 things to do in Utrecht

2013-01-09T17:20:52Z

Kilgoretrout:

You can also find the top 25 of the list on [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.0004774f658373cb1ca9f&ll=52.10893,5.068302&spn=0.071796,0.154324&z=13 Google Maps]

# Walk the [https://utrechtfreetours.nl Utrecht Free Tour], starting every saturday at 12:00 under the Dom tower
# Climb the mighty 112,5 meters [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=1842&taal=1&sId=123&click=1180&path=_0_1180&submenu=295 Dom Tower].
# See artists creations light up in the medieval centre when it get dark on the [http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/?p=portal Trajectum Lumen route]
# Discover the peace and quiet of Pandhof garden, next door to the Dom church, or [http://www.florashof.nl/ Flora's hof] behind the tower. Nice to escape the rush 'n bustle of Oudegracht, especially on a Saturday afternoon. Btw: Greek take-away [http://www.restaurantsirtaki.nl/mikro.php Sirtaki] is just around the corner.
# Choose from over 100 different great [[Belgium|Belgian]] beers at [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=GTS&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+belgie+utrecht&fb=1&gl=nl&hq=cafe+belgie&hnear=utrecht&view=text&latlng=1592105389659294221 Kafé België].
# Celebrate Queen's Night strolling all night through the flea market in the north of the old town finding the craziest ways to make money on the night of the 29th of April!
# Go grocery shopping in the [[Turkey|Turkish]] shops on Kanaalstraat.
# Celebrate [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57224 midsummer night] with over 100 other couchsurfers.
# See bands play on boats in the canal at the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/cz/do.php?a=show_visitor_home Botenparade] in August.
# Go canooing in the surroundings of Amelisweerd and have a pancake at the historic wooden [http://m.iens.nl/restaurant.htms?r=3770 theehuis in Rhijnauwen].
# See the smallest building on the world heritage list, the [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-Schröder House].
# Enjoy a nice summerday, relaxing, picknicking and sporting at [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelminapark_en_omgeving Wilhelminapark].
# Join the Goth parade during the [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/2010/ Summer Darkness] weekend.
# Get lost in some narrow alleyways connecting Springweg to Oudegracht (find the pilgrim) and Oudegracht to Nieuwegracht.
# Have a cheap vegetarian (or vegan) meal, or enjoy the underground music scene at [http://www.acu.nl ACU].
# Come to the CS [[Utrecht]] monthly meeting at [http://www.averechts.nl café Averechts].
# See the best arthouse movies at [http://www.hoogt.nl/ 't Hoogt] (in a medieval looking builing), [http://www.springhaver.nl/ Springhaver] (with a nice café) or [http://www.louishartloopercomplex.nl/ Louis Hartloper Complex] (in a former police office).
# Go shopping in all the trendy and [http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities vintage shops] on Oudegracht or Voorstraat.
# See the upcoming indie bands, or have a good value 3 course meal at [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko].
# Taste the best Autumn beers at the [http://www.bockbierfestival.nl/ Bockbierfestival].
# Go by pedal boat and explore the quaint canals of Utrecht.
# Take a bike ride along the line of fortifications around Utrecht which are all part of the national heritage of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ Hollandse waterlinie].
# Visit the [http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/ Railway museum].
# See famous bands perform at [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli].
# Join the Dutch national sport, go [http://www.vechtsebanen.nl iceskating].
# By your food of every thinkable nation, Chinese, Russian, Greek, African, Turkish, they all have their supermarket at Amsterdamsestraatweg
# Buy the best beers at [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Bert's Bierhuis].
# Visit the 100 years old, but built in medieval Disney-style, [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ Kasteel de Haar] and its park on a quiet nice day or on a day when it is filled with people dressed up in fantasy styles.
# Have a nice ice cream at [http://www.ilmulino.nl/ Il Mulino] or [http://www.lekkerijs.nl/ Roberto's].
# Taste delicious chocolate at Simon Levelt or Australian on Steenweg.
# See where [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ Nijntje], aka Miffy, lives.
# Look for Nijntjes traffic light.
# Visit the high-rise modernist buildings at Kanaleneiland and Overvecht and see for yourself if these neighbourhoods are ghettos or not.
# Follow CS Utrecht [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons].
# Visit [http://www.bio.uu.nl/bottuinen/ Botanical Gardens] built around a fortress at the Uithof.
# Go have a look at all the autographs from famous rockers on guitars and its famous painting of legendary dead rockers at the rock club: [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to Heaven]. Also great for budget dinners.
# Have a pub crawl set to live blues music at the [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ bluesroute].
# Check the Suster Bertken memorial stone in Choorstraat, near the crossing with Zadelstraat.
# Have a beer at Olivier's (in a church turned café-restaurant), or taste one of their lovely Belgian dinners with Flemish fries.
# Eat or have cocktails in [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a arabic loungy style in an old Bathing house, with fusion cooking and fresh mint tea.
# Visit one of the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural Sundays], lots of different cultural acts in the city centre.
# Have a barbecue at the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maarsseveense_Plassen Maarsseveense Plassen].
# Walk along the Nieuwegracht in spring (or any time of the year really).
# Go to [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ De Ster], a windmill still working as a sawmill.
# Visit one of the largest festivals for medieval, renaissance and baroque music in the world: http://oudemuziek.nl/
# Enjoy canal side drinks, lunch, hand readings, (cocktail-)lounging, stitch 'n bitch, one of the country's best night clubs 'De Nachtwinkel', salsa matinées and more at [http://www.dewinkelvansinkel.nl/ Winkel van Sinkel]. Down at the warf you can read what disaster happened when the four big statues in front of the building were lifted up from the canal.
# Go [http://www.lasnueve.nl tango open air] behind city hall on Thursday nights (weather permitting) from April - September.
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=119738 Griftpark], see the sun set on the hill, sit on the stones, join the skaters, basketballers or other sporters or just chill by the lake.
# Visit the [http://www.bibliotheek-utrecht.nl/ public library], have a chai tea with milk in one of the comfortable chairs with streetview.
# See who's awarded the 'Gouden Kalf', the Dutch version of the Oscars at the [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ Dutch Film Festival].
# Have a picnic on the wharf along the Oudegracht.
# Have a picnic on Keulsekade in the south of Lombok, overlooking canals with houseboats, a park, fancy houses and the money museum.
# Find out everything about money at the [http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money museum].
# Join a [http://www.bevrijdingsfestival.nl free festival] at Liberation Day (May 5th).
# Find out everything about Aboriginal Art at the [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal Art Museum].
# Have an organic fruitshake at [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ de Blauwe Kameel].
# See the fancy post-modernist architecture at University campus the Uithof.
# Have a Broodje Mario on Oudegracht, close to Lange Viestraat.
# Be amazed at all the interesting and funny books at second hand bookstore [http://www.deslegte.com/ De Slegte] (which is much bigger inside than it appears from the outside). Full of squeeky winding stairs and narrow isles. Also on Oudegracht.
# Spot the UFO on the 'ink jar', head office of the national railways.
# Score a fresh stroopwafel at the market on Vredenburg on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
# On sunny days, have a picnic in tiny Lepelenburg park and enjoy all the gaming, juggling and smiling people.
# See what underground has to offer at [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/main.php/sec3 Counter Culture festival].
# Go to a theatersports game at [http://www.parnassos.nl/ Parnassos], Theater aan de Werf, or Oudaen.
# See a Viking ship, the remains of the Art Nouveau building 'De Utrecht' or one of the many art exhibitions at [www.centraalmuseum.nl Centraal Museum].
# Get addicted to board games with the real board game fanatics at [http://dejokerutrecht.wordpress.com/ the Joker].
# Check the redevelopment plans for central station and its surroundings [http://www.cu2030.nl/projecten], visit the sites, see for yourself.
# Go to the rooftop terrace of the [http://www.vd.nl/ V&D] department store at [http://www.hoogcatharijne.nl/ Hoog Catherijne] for some of the best views over central Utrecht (including the Dom).
# In the summer, find a picnic table at the southern end of the Oudegracht terrace, get some food and drink from the nearby supermarkets and snackbars, and have a little gathering with your friends.
# Check the listings at [http://www.dnbforum.nl/index.php?action=partyagenda;year=2009;month=10 DNBforum], or the flyers in The Revenge shop on Vredeburg, and reach a drum and bass or dubstep rave at one of the many venues across the city.
# Visit the infamous 'red light district' for 'research purposes' at the Zandpad section of the Vecht river.
# Include your visit to Zandpad, as part of a cycle trip down the Vecht to its end in Muiden, passing through a beautiful landscape of windmills, aristocratic houses, castles and scenic villages like Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen dorp. If you're tough enough, go to Kanoverhuur Utrecht at Oudegracht 4, and make the trip in a canoe.
# Visit the [http://www.drogisterij-woortman.nl/index.htm Drogisterij Woortman], an old-fashioned shop from 1851 and buy some herbal tea or lip balm.
# Enter the old post-office on Neude to admire the grandeur of its interior in the style of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdamse_School Amsterdamse school].
# Also on Neude: the Thinker on the Rock, another bunny! Take a look and note what you're thinking.
# Find the 'Utregtse Kabouter' between all the cool graffiti on the biketunnel under Westplein.
# Figure out when the last bar closes on Nobelstraat.
# Eat your own lunch (or 'broodje [http://www.bigoli.nl/ Bigoli]') on the terrace of [http://www.dezaak-utrecht.nl/ de Zaak] (behind city hall).
# Enjoy cheese fondue, live music and recycled crappy old records at [http://www.pothuys.nl/ 't Oude Pothuys].
# Find everything you need and maybe some things you don't on [http://www.twijnstraat.nl/ Twijnstraat], the oldest shopping street of Utrecht.
# Take a break from shopping, eat cake and chocolates at [http://www.sector-3.nl/ Sector 3].
# Find as many art works from the Panorama 2000 art project as you can.
# Visit [http://www.sonnenborgh.nl/ Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh], an observatory and museum in a former bastion of the city walls.
# Enjoy the late afternoon sun on the stairs of city hall.
# Visit the lapjesmarkt on Saturday mornings in Breedstraat.
# See the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paushuize house], once owned by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adrian_VI only Dutch pope ever].
# Get stoned in a coffeeshop boat (smoke on the water!) on Wittevrouwensingel.
# Sing the official anthem of Utrecht from Herman Berkien: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PmLKXir9Y 'Als ik boven op de Dom sta'].
# Embark on a pub crawl filled with upcoming bands at [http://www.popronde.nl Popronde].
# Have great lunch sandwiches with drinks for only 5 euros at [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de Buren], in their nice movie theatre seats.
# Visit one of the notorious student house parties at [http://www.ibbu.nl/ Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan] (IBB).
# Learn about the history of mechanical musical instruments at museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement].
# See local bands at the big rehearsal studio [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ dB's].
# Be a guest at the live recordings of radio show 'Spijkers met Koppen' every saturday at English pub [http://florinutrecht.nl/florin/ Florin].
# See 3500 freshmen get drunk during the [http://www.utrechtseintroductietijd.nl/ Utrechtse Introductie Tijd] (UIT).
# Cry your eyes out at the tearjerkers festival [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappenfestival].
# Take a [http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/home/utrecht/ Tuk Tuk].
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=235292 Soestbergen cemetary], designed by J.D. Zocher jr. in an English landscape style. It became a national monument in 2000.
# Learn about the history of the Molukkans at the [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ Museum Maluku].
# Enjoy a free afternoon concert at the [http://www.domkerk.nl/zamimuziek/agenda.html Dom church]. You cannot enter or leave the church during the concert.

[[category:100_Things]][[category:Netherlands]]
{{IsIn|Utrecht}}

100 things to do in Utrecht

2012-05-05T11:09:28Z

Kilgoretrout:

You can also find the top 25 of the list on [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.0004774f658373cb1ca9f&ll=52.10893,5.068302&spn=0.071796,0.154324&z=13 Google Maps]

# Walk the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour], starting every saturday at 12:00 under the Dom tower
# Climb the mighty 112,5 meters [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=1842&taal=1&sId=123&click=1180&path=_0_1180&submenu=295 Dom Tower].
# See artists creations light up in the medieval centre when it get dark on the [http://www.trajectumlumen.nl/?p=portal Trajectum Lumen route]
# Discover the peace and quiet of Pandhof garden, next door to the Dom church, or [http://www.florashof.nl/ Flora's hof] behind the tower. Nice to escape the rush 'n bustle of Oudegracht, especially on a Saturday afternoon. Btw: Greek take-away [http://www.restaurantsirtaki.nl/mikro.php Sirtaki] is just around the corner.
# Choose from over 100 different great [[Belgium|Belgian]] beers at [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=GTS&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cafe+belgie+utrecht&fb=1&gl=nl&hq=cafe+belgie&hnear=utrecht&view=text&latlng=1592105389659294221 Kafé België].
# Celebrate Queen's Night strolling all night through the flea market in the north of the old town finding the craziest ways to make money on the night of the 29th of April!
# Go grocery shopping in the [[Turkey|Turkish]] shops on Kanaalstraat.
# Celebrate [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57224 midsummer night] with over 100 other couchsurfers.
# See bands play on boats in the canal at the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/cz/do.php?a=show_visitor_home Botenparade] in August.
# Go canooing in the surroundings of Amelisweerd and have a pancake at the historic wooden [http://m.iens.nl/restaurant.htms?r=3770 theehuis in Rhijnauwen].
# See the smallest building on the world heritage list, the [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-Schröder House].
# Enjoy a nice summerday, relaxing, picknicking and sporting at [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelminapark_en_omgeving Wilhelminapark].
# Join the Goth parade during the [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/2010/ Summer Darkness] weekend.
# Get lost in some narrow alleyways connecting Springweg to Oudegracht (find the pilgrim) and Oudegracht to Nieuwegracht.
# Have a cheap vegetarian (or vegan) meal, or enjoy the underground music scene at [http://www.acu.nl ACU].
# Come to the CS [[Utrecht]] monthly meeting at [http://www.averechts.nl café Averechts].
# See the best arthouse movies at [http://www.hoogt.nl/ 't Hoogt] (in a medieval looking builing), [http://www.springhaver.nl/ Springhaver] (with a nice café) or [http://www.louishartloopercomplex.nl/ Louis Hartloper Complex] (in a former police office).
# Go shopping in all the trendy and [http://couchwiki.org/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities vintage shops] on Oudegracht or Voorstraat.
# See the upcoming indie bands, or have a good value 3 course meal at [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko].
# Taste the best Autumn beers at the [http://www.bockbierfestival.nl/ Bockbierfestival].
# Go by pedal boat and explore the quaint canals of Utrecht.
# Take a bike ride along the line of fortifications around Utrecht which are all part of the national heritage of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ Hollandse waterlinie].
# Visit the [http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/ Railway museum].
# See famous bands perform at [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli].
# Join the Dutch national sport, go [http://www.vechtsebanen.nl iceskating].
# By your food of every thinkable nation, Chinese, Russian, Greek, African, Turkish, they all have their supermarket at Amsterdamsestraatweg
# Buy the best beers at [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Bert's Bierhuis].
# Visit the 100 years old, but built in medieval Disney-style, [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ Kasteel de Haar] and its park on a quiet nice day or on a day when it is filled with people dressed up in fantasy styles.
# Have a nice ice cream at [http://www.ilmulino.nl/ Il Mulino] or [http://www.lekkerijs.nl/ Roberto's].
# Taste delicious chocolate at Simon Levelt or Australian on Steenweg.
# See where [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ Nijntje], aka Miffy, lives.
# Look for Nijntjes traffic light.
# Visit the high-rise modernist buildings at Kanaleneiland and Overvecht and see for yourself if these neighbourhoods are ghettos or not.
# Follow CS Utrecht [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons].
# Visit [http://www.bio.uu.nl/bottuinen/ Botanical Gardens] built around a fortress at the Uithof.
# Go have a look at all the autographs from famous rockers on guitars and its famous painting of legendary dead rockers at the rock club: [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to Heaven]. Also great for budget dinners.
# Have a pub crawl set to live blues music at the [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ bluesroute].
# Check the Suster Bertken memorial stone in Choorstraat, near the crossing with Zadelstraat.
# Have a beer at Olivier's (in a church turned café-restaurant), or taste one of their lovely Belgian dinners with Flemish fries.
# Eat or have cocktails in [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a arabic loungy style in an old Bathing house, with fusion cooking and fresh mint tea.
# Visit one of the [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural Sundays], lots of different cultural acts in the city centre.
# Have a barbecue at the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maarsseveense_Plassen Maarsseveense Plassen].
# Walk along the Nieuwegracht in spring (or any time of the year really).
# Go to [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ De Ster], a windmill still working as a sawmill.
# Visit one of the largest festivals for medieval, renaissance and baroque music in the world: http://oudemuziek.nl/
# Enjoy canal side drinks, lunch, hand readings, (cocktail-)lounging, stitch 'n bitch, one of the country's best night clubs 'De Nachtwinkel', salsa matinées and more at [http://www.dewinkelvansinkel.nl/ Winkel van Sinkel]. Down at the warf you can read what disaster happened when the four big statues in front of the building were lifted up from the canal.
# Go [http://www.lasnueve.nl tango open air] behind city hall on Thursday nights (weather permitting) from April - September.
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=119738 Griftpark], see the sun set on the hill, sit on the stones, join the skaters, basketballers or other sporters or just chill by the lake.
# Visit the [http://www.bibliotheek-utrecht.nl/ public library], have a chai tea with milk in one of the comfortable chairs with streetview.
# See who's awarded the 'Gouden Kalf', the Dutch version of the Oscars at the [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ Dutch Film Festival].
# Have a picnic on the wharf along the Oudegracht.
# Have a picnic on Keulsekade in the south of Lombok, overlooking canals with houseboats, a park, fancy houses and the money museum.
# Find out everything about money at the [http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money museum].
# Join a [http://www.bevrijdingsfestival.nl free festival] at Liberation Day (May 5th).
# Find out everything about Aboriginal Art at the [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal Art Museum].
# Have an organic fruitshake at [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ de Blauwe Kameel].
# See the fancy post-modernist architecture at University campus the Uithof.
# Have a Broodje Mario on Oudegracht, close to Lange Viestraat.
# Be amazed at all the interesting and funny books at second hand bookstore [http://www.deslegte.com/ De Slegte] (which is much bigger inside than it appears from the outside). Full of squeeky winding stairs and narrow isles. Also on Oudegracht.
# Spot the UFO on the 'ink jar', head office of the national railways.
# Score a fresh stroopwafel at the market on Vredenburg on Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
# On sunny days, have a picnic in tiny Lepelenburg park and enjoy all the gaming, juggling and smiling people.
# See what underground has to offer at [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/main.php/sec3 Counter Culture festival].
# Go to a theatersports game at [http://www.parnassos.nl/ Parnassos], Theater aan de Werf, or Oudaen.
# See a Viking ship, the remains of the Art Nouveau building 'De Utrecht' or one of the many art exhibitions at [www.centraalmuseum.nl Centraal Museum].
# Get addicted to board games with the real board game fanatics at [http://dejokerutrecht.wordpress.com/ the Joker].
# Check the redevelopment plans for central station and its surroundings [http://www.cu2030.nl/projecten], visit the sites, see for yourself.
# Go to the rooftop terrace of the [http://www.vd.nl/ V&D] department store at [http://www.hoogcatharijne.nl/ Hoog Catherijne] for some of the best views over central Utrecht (including the Dom).
# In the summer, find a picnic table at the southern end of the Oudegracht terrace, get some food and drink from the nearby supermarkets and snackbars, and have a little gathering with your friends.
# Check the listings at [http://www.dnbforum.nl/index.php?action=partyagenda;year=2009;month=10 DNBforum], or the flyers in The Revenge shop on Vredeburg, and reach a drum and bass or dubstep rave at one of the many venues across the city.
# Visit the infamous 'red light district' for 'research purposes' at the Zandpad section of the Vecht river.
# Include your visit to Zandpad, as part of a cycle trip down the Vecht to its end in Muiden, passing through a beautiful landscape of windmills, aristocratic houses, castles and scenic villages like Oud-Zuilen and Maarssen dorp. If you're tough enough, go to Kanoverhuur Utrecht at Oudegracht 4, and make the trip in a canoe.
# Visit the [http://www.drogisterij-woortman.nl/index.htm Drogisterij Woortman], an old-fashioned shop from 1851 and buy some herbal tea or lip balm.
# Enter the old post-office on Neude to admire the grandeur of its interior in the style of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdamse_School Amsterdamse school].
# Also on Neude: the Thinker on the Rock, another bunny! Take a look and note what you're thinking.
# Find the 'Utregtse Kabouter' between all the cool graffiti on the biketunnel under Westplein.
# Figure out when the last bar closes on Nobelstraat.
# Eat your own lunch (or 'broodje [http://www.bigoli.nl/ Bigoli]') on the terrace of [http://www.dezaak-utrecht.nl/ de Zaak] (behind city hall).
# Enjoy cheese fondue, live music and recycled crappy old records at [http://www.pothuys.nl/ 't Oude Pothuys].
# Find everything you need and maybe some things you don't on [http://www.twijnstraat.nl/ Twijnstraat], the oldest shopping street of Utrecht.
# Take a break from shopping, eat cake and chocolates at [http://www.sector-3.nl/ Sector 3].
# Find as many art works from the Panorama 2000 art project as you can.
# Visit [http://www.sonnenborgh.nl/ Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh], an observatory and museum in a former bastion of the city walls.
# Enjoy the late afternoon sun on the stairs of city hall.
# Visit the lapjesmarkt on Saturday mornings in Breedstraat.
# See the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paushuize house], once owned by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adrian_VI only Dutch pope ever].
# Get stoned in a coffeeshop boat (smoke on the water!) on Wittevrouwensingel.
# Sing the official anthem of Utrecht from Herman Berkien: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PmLKXir9Y 'Als ik boven op de Dom sta'].
# Embark on a pub crawl filled with upcoming bands at [http://www.popronde.nl Popronde].
# Have great lunch sandwiches with drinks for only 5 euros at [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de Buren], in their nice movie theatre seats.
# Visit one of the notorious student house parties at [http://www.ibbu.nl/ Ina Boudier-Bakkerlaan] (IBB).
# Learn about the history of mechanical musical instruments at museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement].
# See local bands at the big rehearsal studio [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ dB's].
# Be a guest at the live recordings of radio show 'Spijkers met Koppen' every saturday at English pub [http://florinutrecht.nl/florin/ Florin].
# See 3500 freshmen get drunk during the [http://www.utrechtseintroductietijd.nl/ Utrechtse Introductie Tijd] (UIT).
# Cry your eyes out at the tearjerkers festival [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappenfestival].
# Take a [http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/home/utrecht/ Tuk Tuk].
# Visit [http://www.utrecht.nl/smartsite.dws?id=235292 Soestbergen cemetary], designed by J.D. Zocher jr. in an English landscape style. It became a national monument in 2000.
# Learn about the history of the Molukkans at the [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ Museum Maluku].
# Enjoy a free afternoon concert at the [http://www.domkerk.nl/zamimuziek/agenda.html Dom church]. You cannot enter or leave the church during the concert.

[[category:100_Things]][[category:Netherlands]]
{{IsIn|Utrecht}}

Utrecht

2012-04-15T20:02:13Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht Free Tour'''

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2012-04-15T20:00:50Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

If you are in Utrecht on a saturday, don't forget to do the [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Utrecht-Free-Tours/235031053204797 Utrecht Free Tour]

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-11-20T11:36:18Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Nightlife */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

* [http://www.stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl/ Stadsschouwburg]: the 'official' city theater which also has some 'light' music every now and then

* [http://www.werftheater.nl/ Werftheater]: mostly comedy, but also some music in this cozy basementtheater

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-11-20T11:26:39Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Nightlife */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.urock.nl/ U Rock!]: a very small bar that still has place for comedy and live music

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-11-20T11:24:43Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Nightlife */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

* [http://www.dbstudio.nl/ DB's]: rehearsal studio's with a small venue for mostly underground music

* [http://www.rasa.nl/ RASA]: a theaterstage for world music

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], Every Tuesday open mic and often singer songwriters and folk on fridays or sundays at this volunteers driven bar

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

* [http://www.ceesplace.nl/ Cees' Place]: an old basement for old Blues

* [http://www.stairway.nl/ Stairway to heaven]: sometimes live music in this Utrecht version of a hardrock cafe

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-10-22T07:29:32Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Nightlife */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. Every tuesday there is an open mic night. Is since years the place for the monthly meeting.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, was used in the past for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games.

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place.

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-10-21T13:54:49Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Getting around */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-10-21T13:50:25Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Getting around */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://vredenburg.nl/ Vredenburg]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* http://utrechttevoet.nl/ has a nice collection of interesting walking paths in and around Utrecht

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

List of hospitality exchange networks

2011-08-25T19:44:12Z

Kilgoretrout:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 85%; width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"
|-
! Network
! Founder
! Date created
! Number of members
! Legal form
! Income
! Software
|-
! [[Amigost]]
| ???
| 2006
| ???
| ???
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[Belodged]]
| ???
| 2007
| 8100
| Corporation (PanUnique AG)
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[BeWelcome]]
| [[BeVolunteer]]
| 2007
| 7948
| Non Profit
| Donations
| GPL
|-
! [[Comitas Inter Gentes]]
| [[Sascha Bretag]]
| 2007
| ???
| ???
| ???
| Joomla
|-
! [[CouchSurfing]]
| [[Casey Fenton]]
| 2004
| 3,000,000
| B corporation
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[couchsurfing.net - traveller's community for international connections|Couchsurfing.net]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Friendship Force]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[GlobalFreeLoaders]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Hospitality Club]]
| [[Veit Kühne]]
| 2000
| 330,000?
| Private website
| GoogleAdds
| Proprietary
|-
! [[HOSPEX]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Lesbian & Gay Hospitality Exchange International]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[MeetURplanet]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Pasporta Servo]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Place2Stay]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Schlafbuch der Erdenbürger]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Servas]]
| [[Bob Luitweiler]]
| 1949
| 14,000
| NGO
| Annual fee
| Paper based
|-
! [[Stay4Free]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Teachers Travel Web]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| Annual fee
| ???
|-
! [[Tripping]]
| [[Jen O'Neal]]
| 2009
| 700
| social entrepreneurship company / profit reinvested into site
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Warm Showers List]]
| ???
| 2005
| 10.000
| Limited Liability Corporation
| Donations
| Drupal
|-
! [[Welcome Traveller Network]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Women Welcome Women World Wide]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|}

[[Category:Hospitality Networks]]

List of hospitality exchange networks

2011-08-25T19:38:57Z

Kilgoretrout:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 85%; width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"
|-
! Network
! Founder
! Date created
! Number of members
! Legal form
! Income
! Software
|-
! [[Amigost]]
| ???
| 2006
| ???
| ???
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[Belodged]]
| ???
| 2007
| 8100
| Corporation (PanUnique AG)
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[BeWelcome]]
| [[BeVolunteer]]
| 2007
| 7948
| Non Profit
| Donations
| GPL
|-
! [[Comitas Inter Gentes]]
| [[Sascha Bretag]]
| 2007
| ???
| ???
| ???
| Joomla
|-
! [[CouchSurfing]]
| [[Casey Fenton]]
| 2004
| 3,000,000
| B corporation
| ???
| Proprietary
|-
! [[couchsurfing.net - traveller's community for international connections|Couchsurfing.net]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Friendship Force]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[GlobalFreeLoaders]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Hospitality Club]]
| [[Veit Kühne]]
| 2000
| 330,000?
| Private website
| GoogleAdds
| Proprietary
|-
! [[HOSPEX]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Lesbian & Gay Hospitality Exchange International]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[MeetURplanet]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Pasporta Servo]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Place2Stay]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Schlafbuch der Erdenbürger]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Servas]]
| [[Bob Luitweiler]]
| 1949
| 14,000
| NGO
| Annual fee
| Paper based
|-
! [[Stay4Free]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Teachers Travel Web]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Tripping]]
| [[Jen O'Neal]]
| 2009
| 700
| social entrepreneurship company / profit reinvested into site
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Warm Showers List]]
| ???
| 2005
| 10.000
| Limited Liability Corporation
| Donations
| Drupal
|-
! [[Welcome Traveller Network]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|-
! [[Women Welcome Women World Wide]]
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
| ???
|}

[[Category:Hospitality Networks]]

Utrecht

2011-08-10T09:46:55Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchsurfers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes, it is easy to organise one. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every second weekend in summertime: a [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ market] with regional products

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://www.badhu.nl Badhu], a Arabic restaurant in a very atmospherical former bathing house

* [http://www.ethiorest.nl/ Sunshine], Ethiopian food and customs in a nice non-formal setting

* [http://www2.thecolourkitchen.com/restaurant_utrecht/home The Colour Kitchen], located a little out of town, but the prices are good, the food is delicious an the restaurant's philosophy is heart warming

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

* Despite the ban on squatting in the Netherlands in 2010 the municipality of Utrecht is still pretty relaxed on squatters, the squatting scene is small though. For more information about squatting in Utrecht there is a so-called [http://ksutreg.squat.net/ 'kraakspreekuur']. Which is every wednesday in cafe ACU between 20:00 and 21:00.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://www.sjujazz.nl SJU]: a jazz club with always cool funk bands on friday

* [http://vredenburg.nl/]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* Once a month there is a market with regional products called [http://www.destreekmarkt.nl/ De Streekmarkt].

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-03-22T16:44:18Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchservers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* Every week on thursday there is a '''Spanish meeting''' at cafe Averechts. On fridays there are even Spanish lessons. For more info check the Utrecht-group and the meetingpage.

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Every month there is a gigswap evening at [http://www.kargadoor.nl/ Kargadoor], check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes. They will be organised more often in the future. For mre info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* April [http://www.city2cities.nl/ City 2 Cities] A literature festival connecting 2 cities

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlVegetarian restaurant Milky]

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://www.sjujazz.nl SJU]: a jazz club with always cool funk bands on friday

* [http://vredenburg.nl/]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-02-20T18:50:21Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Meetings & events */

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchservers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* Every week on thursday there is a '''Spanish meeting''' at cafe Averechts. On fridays there are even Spanish lessons. For more info check the Utrecht-group and the meetingpage.

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Every month there is a gigswap evening at [http://www.kargadoor.nl/ Kargadoor], check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes. They will be organised more often in the future. For mre info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Lucasbolwerk: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* Sundays in summertime: [http://www.zimihc.nl/lsa/index.htm Lazy Sunday] relaxed free festivals.

* Every first sunday of the month: a Camtate from [http://www.bachcantates-utrecht.nl/actueel.html Bach Cantate]

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* August / september [http://www.oudemuziek.nl/ Oude muziek], organises a festival but also concerts during the rest of the year on music untill 1750

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlVegetarian restaurant Milky]

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://www.sjujazz.nl SJU]: a jazz club with always cool funk bands on friday

* [http://vredenburg.nl/]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

Utrecht

2011-02-20T18:42:29Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

[[File:Utrecht4.jpg|200px|thumb|left|]]

'''Utrecht''' is the 4th city of the '''[[Netherlands]]''', right in the centre of the country, with close to 300.000 inhabitants, and a big railway-hub.

The history of Utrecht goes all the way back to the Romans. In medieval times Utrecht was the biggest city of the country. Nowadays this city has a big historic well preserved inner-city with lots of museums, monumental churches and some unique canal wharfs (Old wharfing areas along the canals). Utrecht is also known for modern architecture.

Utrecht has the largest University of the country and houses around 60.000 students, including a lot of international students. The presence of the students is very well felt in the inner-city with a lot of bars, art houses, clubs and festivities all through the summer. The city has a lot of history and modern culture and a lively art galleria / theatre and music scene. It's known for it's contemporary arts, movies, musical and historic festivals.

Outside of the city there is a lot of interesting nature. On the east of the city there are hilly-forests and an area with a lot of 19th century fortresses, on the north a few lakes, on the west a big area with polders and on the south some big and some smaller rivers. There are options for water recreation, biking, hiking, and even for bird lovers there are several areas worth while for spotting.

From Utrecht there are good connections with the rest of the country by train or car. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague take about 40 minutes by train, all other cities in the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam & Den Haag) are less then 1 hour by train. More remote cities like Maastricht and Groningen take only 2 hours.

A lot more info about travelling to Utrecht, tourist attractions, bars and restaurants can be found at [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/Utrecht Writing Travellers]. Here you find a [http://www.writingtravellers.com/tikiwiki/demo/utrecht.pdf printable version] of its Utrecht guide.

Check out the '''Utrecht'''-page on [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=nl&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.00045dda26f3b43cdde8f&z=12 '''Google Maps''']

==Meetings & events==
'''CS-Meetings'''

The community in Utrecht is active and there are a lot of different meetings:
* the '''monthly meeting''': every last Friday of the month over 40 couchservers meet up in cafe [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts]. Check for more info on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html meetingpage]. It gets more and more common that couchsurfers meet up before the monthly meeting to have diner together, watch the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more about that. For a lot of people the real party starts only after the monthly meeting, mostly where that will be - is decided at the meeting, but sometimes it is also wise to check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] for more info on this.

* Every week there are '''Dutch lessons''' in for couchsurfers in Utrecht. For more info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht] group if you sign in for a meeting at least one day in advance the adress will be sent to you.

* In 2008 Utrecht started hosting a big event on '''[[Midsummernight]]''' which was such a succes that it will probably be and annual event. If you want to help out please join the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meetings and events team].

* Every week on thursday there is a '''Spanish meeting''' at cafe Averechts. On fridays there are even Spanish lessons. For more info check the Utrecht-group and the meetingpage.

* '''Utrecht-guide''' meetings are there for hosts to get to know their city better, but other people are of course also welcome. Maps of past tours can be found in [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Utrecht#Sights_and_activities here].

* Utrecht is the birthplace of the notorious '''[http://www.gigswap.org/ Gigswapping]''', therefore if you are a musician it is very easy to arrange a gig in Utrecht. Every month there is a gigswap evening at [http://www.kargadoor.nl/ Kargadoor], check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7334 gigswapgroup] for more about that.

* '''Homediners''', are always a succes. They will be organised more often in the future. For mre info check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=18586 Veggie Cooking group].

* '''(board)gamesmeetings''': Utrecht is full of (board)gamefreaks, mostly gamesnights are posted spontaneously on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

Besides this there are always other opportunities to meetup; housewarmings, festivals, concerts birthdays or just '''spontaneously''' wanting to spend a good night out in town with a nice company. If you post it in the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup] it is very likely you'll have a good meeting.

For '''pictures''' of Cs-meetings, check the [http://flickr.com/photos/csutrecht/ CS-Utrecht Flickr-account] and of course the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrechtgroup].

'''Other Events'''

* [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Cultural sundays], every now and then the municipality fills the sunday with nice free cultural events, check the link for when and where.

* Every friday: [http://u-skateparade.nl/ skeelering/skating event] in summer, from the Jaarbeursplein: u-skateparade.nl/ Skating and skeelering are really good around Utrecht, because of the smooth bikepaths, a lot of them seperate from the main road / car lanes.

* feb. [http://www.festivalmooiewoorden.nl/ Mooie woorden], literature festival

* feb [http://www.stukafest.nl Stukafest] a festival in studentrooms all over the city.

* 3rd weekend of March [http://www.cafetheaterfestival.nl/ Cafe theaterfestival], free theaterpreformances in bars all around the city.

* Spring [http://www.tweetakt.net/ tweetakt festival], an experimental theaterfestival for young theatermakers

* 2nd easterday: the [http://www.jaarbeursutrechtmarathon.nl/ Jaarbeursmarathon]

* April 29 and April 30: Queensnight and Queensday: the whole country goes orange in the celebration of the birthday of the Queen. Utrecht is always very crowded in the night before, filled with a 2nd hand market, funfair, a lot of concerts, and people in orange going crazy.

* April [http://www.impakt.nl/ Impakt festival]

* May 5 [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalutrecht.nl/ Liberation day], music and more

* Early may [http://www.laff.nl/ Latin American Film Festival].

* Spring [http://www.springdance.nl/ Springdance festival], a festival of dance-preformance

* Spring [http://www.bluesroute.nl/ Bluesroute Utrecht]

* late may [http://www.festivalaandewerf.nl/ festival aan de werf] a festival with theater and live music in the city

* end of may [http://www.dagvanhetparkinutrecht.nl/ Dag van het Park]; festivities in parks all around the city

* may [http://www.festival-utrecht.nl/ Counter Culture], a free festival with underground culture

* June [http://www.midzomergracht.nl/ Midzomergracht], a midsummergayfestival on the canal

* end of June [http://www.jazz-a-palooza.nl/2009/index.html Jazz-a-Palooza], Jazz in Wijk C

* July [http://www.deparade.nl/ The Parade], an outside theater-circus

* August [http://www.culturelezondagen.nl/ Musical Boatparade], a sunday filled with music played from boats in the canals of Utrecht.

* August [http://www.summerdarkness.nl/ Summer Darkness], a 3-day festival throughout the whole city about gothic music and lifestyle.

* August [http://www.debeschaving.nl/ De Beschaving], popmusic and more

* Sept [http://www.uitfeest.nl/uitfeest/do.php?a=show_visitor_static&p=tatatataaa Utrecht Uitfeest], the opening of the cultural season

* Autumn [http://www.filmfestival.nl/ The Dutch movie festival]

* Autumn [http://www.atelierrouteutrecht.nl/ Atelierroute], artists who work in a old industrial area in the west of Utrecht open their working space for the public.

* Oktober [http://www.popronde.nl/2008/steden/index.asp?cityId=7 Popronde], free concerts all around the city

* Oktober [http://www.experienz.nl/flash/bokbier.swf Bokbierfestival], tasting 25 different brands of speical bokbier with music.

* Oktober [http://enff.nl/ Eastern Neighbours Filmfestival], Eastern European movies

* Autumn [http://www.smartlappenfestival.nl/Smartlap/ Smartlappen festival], a festival full of typical Dutch 'tearjerkers'

* November [http://www.leguesswho.nl/ Le Guess who?], new music!

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].

'''Bike'''

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them.

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here].

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand.

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

'''Walking'''

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and smallscale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops.

'''Bus and Tram'''

There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].

There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.

'''Car'''

Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht. When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

'''Hitchhiking'''

Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]

==Necessities==

'''Route'''

* At the trainstation you can find blue computer that can print out routes for free

* There are several maps of Utrecht available at bookstores and tourist offices, sadly free maps are really hard to find.

'''Internetcafe's'''

* In the multicultural area's jus outside of the centre there are a lot of phonehouses that also provide cheap internetservice (about 1 euro an hour). Several can be found on the Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and Amsterdamsestraatweg.

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=17 WZZRD]: an gaming basement [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vismarkt+21+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl right in the centre]

* Wifi: in several bars in the city it is possible to go online with your laptop, some are even for free check this [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1348&post=2727322#gpid2727322 message], this [http://www.mijnnl.nl/stad/draadloos_internetten/artikelen/8773 article] and [http://www.nlunlimited.nl/pdf/NL30_netwerkkaartje.pdf map] for more info (in Dutch). The best place is probably the public library (right in the centre opposite to the city hall), they have free wifi in a bar in the library.

'''Police'''

the central office [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&hs=T4S&q=Kroonstraat+25+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Paardenveld]:

==Food==

'''Organic'''

* [http://www.ekodrome.nl/ Ekodrome]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+Nachtegaalstraat+51a+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De natuurwinkel]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=+%09+Mariaplaats+6++utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Art D'EKO]

* [http://www.google.nl/search?q=Voorstraat+21+utrecht&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a Super EKO markt]

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Biltstraat+62-64,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Biologische eetwinkel Estafette]

'''Supermarkets:'''

In the centre you can find them [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Hof+van+St.+Jan+27+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here], [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Godebaldkwartier+149+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlhere] and [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=albert+heijn+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl here].

On '''sunday''' most shops are closed (except for the first sunday of the month, for a lits of shopping sundays check [http://www.centrumutrecht.nl/binnenstad/openingstijden here]). Between 16:00 and 21:00 there are several supermarkets opened though, mostly [http://www.ah.nl/albertheijn/winkelinformatie/ Albert Heijn's], but also smaller cornershops around the city.

'''Restaurants and Fast Food'''

* De [http://www.blauwekameel.nl/ Blauwe Kameel] in de Donkerstraat is a very tiny bar with good quality fruitshakes and other organic snacks.

* [http://www.deoudemuntkelder.nl/index2.htm De oude Muntkelder]: for the typical Dutch pancakes

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Rhijnauwenselaan+16+bunnik&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Theehuis Rhijauwen], you can eat pancakes in here on a beautifull natural area, close to the university and just next to the youth hostel of stayokay. The restaurant is a perfect option when you go canooing on the 'Kromme Rijn'.

* [http://www.ekko.nl EKKO] has a very well priced vegetarian menu on thursday and friday, reservations are needed

* [http://www.cafe-olivier.be/ Olivier]: a big Belgian bar in an old Church. Allthough it is big it is also really popular so it can be really crowded. For just drinking a beer it is mostly too crowded.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl De Werfkring], a nice vegetarian restaurant down by the canal.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=zakkendragerssteeg+22+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wlVegetarian restaurant Milky]

==Accomodation==

Utrecht houses quite a lot of couchsurfers while Utrecht is a relatively unknown city to the tourist-crowds. Therefore it is very easy to find a couch in Utrecht. A lot of people will reply to couchrequests within a few hours.

'''Want more guests?'''

Like everywhere, also in Utrecht couchsurfers are not evenly distributed over hosts. more experienced Cs-members mostly get the most guests. If you want to have more guests you can put your profile name here:

Let's say you cannot find a couch in Utrecht (we are talking theoretically here), this is the best option to go to:
[http://www.strowis.nl/ Strowis]

For lovers of nature, right outside Utrecht, in a beautiful area with a river and forest there is also a hostel situated in a beautiful [http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356028 countryhouse].

'''Permanent accommodation'''

When you've found out Utrecht is so cool that you actually want to live there, watch out; due to the popularity of the city housing is expensive and hard to find. Insane prices are being paid for rent.

* More info about housing for Utrecht University students can be found in [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/studying/livinginutrechtn/aplacetostay/students/41112main.html here]. This site is provided by Utrecht University and it has some practical informations about visas, residence permits, accommodation...whatever you want

* The [http://www.sshu.nl/index3.asp?ID=95 SSHU] is a social housing organisation that provides so called 'short stay solutions'. They own several buildings in the city where they house mostly students. Opions on them change, but they are mostly the only option.

* The [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=16235 "Looking for a house/room in Utrecht"-group] could help finding a room, but there is no guarantee.

* There are several commercial websites that could help like [http://www.kamertje.nl kamertje.nl] [http://www.kamerhulp.nl kamerhulp.nl] and [http://www.kamernet.nl kamernet.nl]. Most is in Dutch, but that doesn´t have to be hard to understand.

Good luck!

==Nightlife==

Since Utrecht is a city with a lot of cultural and artistic students there are always special things going on. For a actual view of nightlife in Utrecht you should always check the [www.uitloper.nl Uitloper], which is a weekly guide containing the movie schedule, concerts and other nightlife-events. The paper version is available in most bars (check close to the exit or around the toilet area, it's a long folded piece of paper usually in a stand hanging on the wall). It's Of course you could check the [www.uitloper.nl website] in advance (click Podia for nightlife events).

'''Bars'''

Bars can be found all around the city centre, some popular bars are in crowded nightlife locations like Neude, Nobelstraat and het Wed, best spots are less easy to find. The bars below are places where you'll have a big chance to meet other couchsurfers:

* [http://www.averechts.nl/ Averechts], outside of the 'official' city centre, but still very close. It is a bar run by volunteers, which means a friendly atmosphere, good beer an fair prices. We just started to have monthly meeting in this bar, it could develop to being the Utrech Cs-zone.

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Oudegracht++196,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Belgie]: the biggest collection of Belgian beer ever and a relax, alternative atmosphere

* [http://www.ledigerf.nl/ Ledig Erf]: The place to be on the terrace when the sun shines, big collection of Belgian beers

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Nieuwstraat++47+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Dorstig hart]: a cosy place in a quiet part of the old centre, is used several times for couchsurf-meetings

* [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Lange+Jufferstraat+62,+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Tilt]: a cool place with funky music and a lot of games, is used occasionally for couchsurf-meeting

* [http://www.pothuys.nl/ Oude Pothuis]: Live music every night and a small restaurant in a small, old place

'''Concerts'''

* [http://www.tivoli.nl Tivoli]: a lot of famous bands played here

* [http://www.ekko.nl Ekko]: for the indie-bands

* [http://www.acu.nl ACU]: the anarchist-club with a lot of punk music

* [http://www.sjujazz.nl SJU]: a jazz club with always cool funk bands on friday

* [http://vredenburg.nl/]: a big venue with a lot of classic, but also popular music

'''Cinema'''

* [http://www.hoogt.nl 't Hoogt]: a small art house with a big bar

* [http://www.springhaver.nl Springhaver]: a art house with a cosy bar & restaurant

* [http://www.lhc.nl Louis Hartloper complex]: a big art house in a historic police office

For the program of all the cinema's look [http://www.filmladder.nl/ here]

'''Clubbing'''

All the concert halls mentioned above have good nights with dj's in a lot of different, mostly alternative, styles. DJ's with a more popular / commercial style are mentioned below:

* [http://www.filemonenbaucis.nl/ Filemon ]: Free entrance. Dancing on Wednesday - Saturday till late. Can be crowded and there can be a line outside! Popular music played by a DJ. Student card required on wednesday and thursday.

* [http://www.grasvandeburen.nl/ Gras van de buren]: Free entrance. Dancing on Friday and Saturday till late. Popular music played by a DJ.

* [http://www.nieuwedikkedries.nl/(Nieuwe) Nieuwe Dikke Dries]: Free entrance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from around 10 o'clock. Mostly party-music, typical Dutch folk, classic oldies and popular house. If you're up for beers, singing (or shouting) along and dancing, this is good for you.

* [http://www.hofman-cafe.nl Hofman Cafe]: Right next to Filemon. Grand Cafe during daytime, dancing at night in the weekends. Try the cocktailnight (almost every Wednesday). Several cocktails for 3,50 euros. Check the 'Agenda' section on the site to see if there's a cocktail night and what cocktails are cheap that week.

* [http://www.havanautrecht.nl Havana]: Right across the street from Dikke Dries. Also free entrance, dancing from around 10 o'clock. Try the cocktail bar in the back, Mojito's and Long Island Ice Teas here are pretty good (about 6 euros).

* [http://www.heerenplein.nl/ Heerenplein]: DJ's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Mondaynight is student night with beers for only 1,25 euro. You'll need some sort of student card to get in!

* [http://www.ausderreihederrick.nl/ De Derrick]: 70's, 80's & 90's discotheque. On Thursday free entrance beers for 1,50 euro, on Friday and Saturday the entrance is 2,50 euro. When you want to score on more elder people this is your place.

Very close to Heerenplein are several bars on the Nobelstraat like De Kneus, Het Pandje and De Zotte. They can be pretty crowded and stay open till very late.

==Sights and activities==

Check [[100 things to do in Utrecht]]

'''Utrecht-Guide'''

Utrecht guide is a series of meetings ment for hosts in Utrecht to get to know their city better (though others are of course also welcome).
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000461a268067c9cc4507&z=15 route 1], the central medieval part
[http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=106188463800846203144.000464f0222f8180160df&z=14 route 2], the Museumkwartier

'''Monuments'''

* The [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=museumkwartier%20utrecht&w=all&s=int '''Museumkwartier'''] (the area south of the Dom Church) is the best preserved part of the medieval centre. It has a very friendly, small scale atmosphere and is ideal to wander around in. Most monuments of Utrecht are found in this part:

* Utrecht was (according to some still is) the centre of Catholicism in the Netherlands. Therefore the centre is loaded with churches. Info about these churches can be found in [http://www.kerkenkijken.nl/english.aspx here].

* The '''Dom Church''' (official the Saint Martinschurch) is Utrechts landmark. The 112,5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Tower_of_Utrecht '''Dom Tower'''] is the highest of the country and can be seen all around the city. 7,50 for [http://www.domtoren.nl/default.asp?action=pagina&pagina=2055&taal=1&sId=123&click=1426&path=_1180_1426 climbing] it can seem expensive, but it is worth it. You'll get a guided tour with a lot of info and the view from up the tower is unique. The entrance to the church is free (allthough gifts are very welcome). From the inside the church might seem small, this is mainly because half of it collapsed (separating the church and tower and creating the Domsquare). Don't forget the teahouse, you'll have a nice view to the monastry-garden in there.

* '''The wharfs''' (lower level of the canals) are unique in the world and might be world heritage in a few years. In the museumkwartier the wharfs are quiet and mostly untouched by modern times, in the centre most warf are filled with bars and restaurants.

* At the campus of the Utrecht-university there is a lot of interesting '''modern architecture''', more about architecture in Utrecht in [http://www.aorta.nu/en/ here]

* Some '''districts''' outside of the centre are also very worth to stroll around in. The '''Vogelenbuurt''', just north of the centre was the first district outside of the city walls, most of it looks so small scale and friendly you might forget that you left the medieval city. Best part of the district is the walk from across the Gruttersdijk, Bemuurde Weerd to the Windmill de Adelaar on the Adelaarstraat '''Lombok''' shows multiculturalism in a positive way, allthough a lot of yuppies moved in recently, the district is still known as small Turkey. The Kanaalstraat is the booming central shoppingstreet of this district. Along the Leidscheweg you'll find 19th century posh-mansions, a [http://www.houtzaagmolen-de-ster.nl/ working windmill] ending up with a great view on the Leidschekade. '''Wittevrouwen''' is know as the rich neighbourhood where mostly doctors and lawyers work in beautifull houses. Also a lot of students live in those houses and therefore on nice summerdays the central park, [http://www.wilhelminapark.com/ Wilhelminapark] is full of activity. Other nice parks are '''Lepelburg''' (small but right in the centre), '''Griftpark''' (built over the waste of a old factory) and '''park Oog in al''' (in a Brittish country-style).

'''Shopping'''

A lot of Dutch people know Utrecht as a good city to shop in, for a big deal this is caused by 'Hoog Catharijne'; the big shopping mall around the train station which all people from Utrecht claim never to go to, but is always crowded. Best places for shopping are to be found outside of Hoog Catharijne. Keep an eye out for the small streets just next to the big shopping streets.

* '''Oudegracht''': on the south side of the Oudegracht there are a lot of shops known as geekshops (games, fantasy, comics, etc), but also some secondhandstores like [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] and [http://www.secondsas.nl/ secondsas] On this part of the Oudegracht there is a big shop with professional [http://maps.google.nl/maps?hl=nl&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&q=Oudegracht+260+utrecht&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl Hiking gear]

* '''Voorstraat''': this street has shown a lot of development in recent years. There are a lot of interesting Vintageshops in the nowadays [www.sussies.eu/ Sussies], Cents Modes, Label Lidwien, .

* '''Kanaalstraat''': The centre of the multicultural district [http://www.lombox.nl/index.html Lombok], in here you can find all the Turkish and Marrokan food you want for excellent prices. Persepolis has a great supply of Iranian products, but is a little bit less cheap than the Turkish shops. In [http://www.mortys.nl/ Mortys] you'll find some excellent cheeses amongst some organic products.

* '''Amsterdamsestraatweg''' was founded by Napoleon as a fast, paved, route directly to Amsterdam. The southern part of the street is now a very multicultiral shoppingstreet. Next to a lot of turkish shopws there is also a big Asian shop, Greek shops and even a Slavic/Russian shop.

* '''Twijnstraat''' on the southern end of the Oudegracht is a cosy small-scale shoppingstreet. There are some vintage-stores (like Transit), a iceshop, a cheeseshop, a organic shop, but the most famous shop is [http://www.bertsbierhuis.nl/ Berts Bierhuis], a small place that sells a very big supply of international (and local) Beers.

* Near Neude there is a good shop with [http://maps.google.nl/maps?q=Vinkenburgstraat+7+utrecht&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl Travel books]

* The biggest '''market''' is on the central square of 'Vredenburg' on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

* As written before there are several '''Vintage'''-stores can be found in the Voorstraat, Twijnstraat and Oudegracht. Also Springhaver can be interesting for 2nd had shopping. The Vintagestores are not always cheap. Cheapest 2nd hand can be found at [http://www.kringloopcentrumutrecht.nl/ A.R.M.] on Oudegracht and Verlengde Hoogravense weg and [http://www.emmaus-utrecht.nl/ Emmaus] on several places all around the city (for locations check the section ´vestigingen´ on their website).

'''Musea'''

Utrecht hasn't got the impressive big museums that Amsterdam offers, but still a lot of nice ones that are worth to visit.

* The [http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageID=69&mode=&version=&MenuID=0 '''Centraal Museum'''] offers a lot of modern art (but also the remains of a Viking ship and has very good temporary exhibitions. A combi ticket is for sale with which you can also visit the Nijntjehuis and Rietveldhuis.

* '''Nijntje''' is a famous rabbit from Utrecht starring in a lot of childrens books that are very big in Japan as Miffy. Nijntje is still being drawn in Utrecht by Dick Bruna who is in his 80s now. Just next to the central museum Nijntje has it's own [http://www.dickbrunahuis.com/ museum of house]. The Nijntje-house is very suitable for young children and adults in a silly mood (don't forget the crazy amount of merchandise).

* '''The [http://www.rietveldschroderhuis.nl/ Rietveld-schroderhuis]''' is one of the most famous creation of the 20ies modernist purist movement 'De Stijl'. The house is on the worldheritagelist and is now a museum for designer Gerrit Rietveld.

* '''The [http://www.aamu.nl/ Aboriginal art museum]''' not a anthropological museum but a museum about the art being created by the native inhabitants of Australia. The museum is a potential eye-opener in the way to look at other cultures.

* Utrecht is THE train hub of the Netherlands so the obvious place for a museum about the '''[http://www.spoorwegmuseum.nl/en/index.html/ Dutch railways]'''

* Utrecht was an important creator of coins, in the building used to make coins there is now a museum about '''[http://www.geldmuseum.nl/ money]'''.

* A lot of scientific stuff is shown on the [http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/4192main.html University museum]

* '''Wijk C''' is a very small park of the old centre with a very special folk atmosphere, a [http://www.wijkc.nl/documents/volksbuurtmuseum.html museum] tells about it's history.

* The Moluks are a part of Indonesia, aftewr the indepence-wars in the 40ies, a lot of '''Molukkans''' fought on the Dutch side and left for the Netherlands in hope for their future independance (which never came), a [http://www.museum-maluku.nl/ museum] tells their story.

* Museum [http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/ Speelklok tot Pierlement], about mechanical musical instruments, is located in a old church.

'''Tourist Info'''

* There is a tourism office located in the Domplein: VVV Utrecht - Domplein 9 - UTRECHT [http://www.vvv.nl/vvvkantoor.aspx?vvvid=3624 VVV Utrecht] Here you can get information about Utrecht, walking routes, tickets to climb the Dom tower, cute and nice (but not cheap) souviners, calenders and books - historical, regional, national in dutch and english.
* [http://www.utrechtyourway.nl Utrecht your way] In english too.
* Or for more info about tourism in Utrecht [http://www.goutrecht.nl/uk.html here]

'''Around Utrecht'''

* the Gothic fake-castle [http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/ de Haar] and the pittoresque village of [http://www.haarzuilens.net/ '''Haarzuilens''']

* Fortresses of the [http://www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/ '''nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie''']

* '''Nature''' around Utrecht, like [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelisweerd Amelisweerd] (with an [http://www.veldkeuken.nl/?content=page&id=5 organic farm])

'''Sporting activities'''

* [http://www.rijnstroom.nl/ Canoeing] on the Kromme Rijn

* [http://www.recreatiemiddennederland.nl/terreinen.html Water recreation]

* [http://www.canal.nl/bike/en/utrecht Waterbiking]

* [http://www.fietspad.nl/Fietsroutes/Utrecht/ Biking]

* [http://www.wzzrd.nl/?page=44 GPS cat and mouse game]

==Background==

'''History'''

''Romans''

The history of Utrecht goes back to the Romans. In those days the river Rhine was kind of a natural nothern barrier for the roman empire. The place where Utrecht is situated was located at a bend in the Rhine which was relatively easy to cross. Therefore on 47 AD the Romans built a fortress and called it 'Trajectum' (=crossing). The name Trajectum evolved into Utrecht. When the romans left northern Europe hardly anything was left in Utrecht.

''Middle ages''

In 670 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willibrord Saint Willibrord] arrived in Utrecht. He built a church on the former ground of the Roman castellum, dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours Saint Martin]. This chuch evolved to the present Dom Church. Utrecht became a centre of Baptisement and got filled with a lot of churches and monestries. The citizens had to protect themselves against invasions of the vikings on several occasions.

Long after the treat of the Vikings, in 1122 Utrecht was granted city rights (among them the right to build a city wall). Utrecht was one of the first Dutch cities who got city rights. The walled city was relatively big because there were a lot of monastries around Utrecht who also wanted to be within the city wall.

At the end of the middle ages Utrecht was one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Like all big cities the city tried to impress other with building a big cathedral. In Utrecht people started with it in 1254, and built on till 1517.

At the end of the middle ages the economy of Utrecht started to decline. The water level was more and more controlled in the west of the Netherlands and was lowered to be able to reclaim more land from the sea. In Utrecht this meant the level of the canals lowered to. People in Utrecht had to build warfs at the new water level. Cities in the west had a better position for the more and more internationalising trade and took over the position of Utrecht.

''The Dutch republic (1588 - 1794)''

One of the starting points of the war with Spain was the treaty of Utrecht where the provinces of the North declared to stick together against the Spanish leaders. The treaty got signed in the 'Kapittelzaal' a room next to the Dom church which is now part of the university. The economic hart of the country came more and more to Holland, especially to Amsterdam. Utrecht became a university city in 1634, the second in the Netherlands, after Leiden.

The role of Utrecht as religieus centre changed quite a lot in this period. Although there was a freedom of thought in the Netherlands, it was not allowed anymore to practice Catholicism. The country was gouverned by protestants, although there were still a lot of Catholics everywhere. Utrecht was a city full of Catholics, but mainly under protestant rule. The Protestants liked to insult the Catholics. They for instance put a monument of sea hero Michiel de Ruijter on the most sacred place of the (very Catholic looking) Dom church.

The Domchurch had a hard time in this period. This already started around 1500 during the rise of the Protestantism. Suddenly building big and expensive churches was not that popular anymore. It got quite hard to gain enough money to finish the church. The builders saved money on the construction. The connection of the chuch and tower was done in aquite poor way. So poor that a storm in 1674 was able to destroy the middle part. The protestant government didn't really care and left the pieces laying on the ground, so a big part of the church became a ruin. A big scandal appeared on this spot in 1730, the authorities found out that the ruins had turned in to a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utrechtse_homoseksuelenaffaire meeting place for gays]. After that the ruins were turned into an empty squire. This and other affairs concerning gays were the reason for a big inquisition against gays. Nowadays there is a stone an the Domsquire in which the local government tells that now gay people in Utrecht shouldn't be scared anymore to be persecuted. The city became so famous for this affair that Utrechtenaar (= to be from Utrecht) became synonymous for being gay. Nowadays people from Utrecht still refer themselves not as Utrechtenaar, but as Utrechter.

During the whole period of the Dutch republic Utrecht hardly developed. Around 1800 the cities was hardly bigger than 300 years before. Only around the 'bemuurde weerd' people were living outside of the city walls from the middle ages. Utrecht hardly profited from the huge wheath in the west in the so called 'Golden age of the Netherlands'. The only nearby influence were all the country-houses rich people from Amsterdam built in the period along the Vecht, on the north of Utrecht.

''Industrialisation''

In the 19th centre Utrecht started to grow again. The old city wall was removed and turned into a big romantic park. Utrecht became a centre of the Dutch railways and therefore interesting for Dutch companies. A lot of people from the poor countryside moved to Utrecht. In this period Utrecht gets divided in rich and poor. In the middle ages the rich people were living along the rich canals and the poor on the alleyways next to them. Now the rich turned east to the higher regions, while most poor people settled on the swamplands in the west. This separation between rich and poor still largely exists.

Utrecht also became a place of military importance. The Dutch way of defending the country was with waterlines, pieces of land that would be flooded during invasions. In the 19th century a [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuwe_Hollandse_Waterlinie new waterline] was created just to the east of Utrecht. The waterline was never used but it the reason that no houses were built on the far east of the city in this period. There are still a lot of fortresses on the east of Utrecht, a lot of them have cultural, artistic or touristic uses.

In the first half of the 20th centre Utrecht flourishes culturally. Utrecht was one of the leading cities of the modernist movement [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl 'de stijl']. The Utrechter Gerrit Rietveld became very famous with his designs for, among others, chairs and houses. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rietveld_Schr%C3%B6der_House 'Rietveld Schroderhouse'] in Utrecht-east has entered the world heritage list.

A black page in the history of Utrecht, like most European places, is world war II. Utrecht was home to a lot of fascists. The Dutch Fascist party (NSB) had their headquarters in Utrecht on the Maliebaan.

''Modernism and post-modernism''

The city grew very fast after WOII. A lot of foreign workers were needed to do the dirty work. Utrecht became a multicultural city with a lot of people from [[Turkey]] and [[Morocco]]. Modernist architects had a chance to realise a lot of their plans in the late 50s and 60s. In Kanaleneiland and Overvecht huge area's with skyscrapers appeared. These districts weren't very popular and slowly turned into migrant-area's. There were also a lot of plans to 'modernise' the city centre. The only part that was really built was the new train station with a big shopping mall. A lot of the old city was destroyed for this, even a part of the canal surrounding the medieval city. After that there was a ever growing call to preserve what was left of the city centre. A lot of the old buildings where in decay but got renovated.

In the 60s the Dutch became a rich country. A lot of young people suddenly had money to study. The university of Utrecht turned into the biggest of the country. Utrecht became very crowded with students. all the students got a big impact on the city, Utrecht more and more turned into a culturally rich, leftish city. The university got to big for the city centre and most faculties turned to a new campus on the east of the city. After some standard modernist buildings, the university builds now mainly post-modern architectural landmarkt on the campus by famous Dutch architects like Rem Koolhaas.

A lot of ex-students stayed in Utrecht after graduation. The people from Utrecht have a relative high average education. A lot of them moved to the old 19th and early 20th century houses. Those houses were renovated and improved. Best example is the district of Lombok which was mainly inhabited with migrants, but has been Gentrified considerably. The central street of this dirstrict (Kanaalstraat) still houses mostly Turkish and Marokkan shops, but most people around are of Dutch origin.

''Future''

Utrecht keeps on growing and the popularity of the city makes the houses quite expensive. On the far west a new part of the called ' Leidsche Rijn' is being built. Leidsche Rijn is a combination of a lot of architectural styles and will house around 80.000 people.

Now the city is growing and more and more people from outside of Utrecht use the Utrecht train station, the train station is getting to small. The shopping-mall around it was never popular anyway. It was a political struggle of around 15 years to decide what to do with it but now finally the work has started. It will take quite some years before the area around the train station will be [http://www.cu2030.nl/ organised again], but when it is finished there will be a new cultural music centre, all water in the canals will be back en there will be a lot of new apartments and offices around. Time will learn is Utrecht will really look better with it.

[[Category:Netherlands]][[Category:Utrecht]]
{{IsIn|Netherlands}}

CS Organisation Netherlands

2010-07-06T07:18:27Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Rotterdam */

{{Netherlands}}

== List of Dutch Ambassadors ==
===Country Ambassadors===
[[:cs:users/LIZZIE82ISH|Liza van Kuijk]] (Utrecht)
+ Support Dutch City ambassadors and the rest of the Netherlands CS community.
+ Member of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3581 New Member Welcome group], greeting new members in Utrecht and around.
+ Organising meetings and activities in Utrecht and assisting in others in the Netherlands.
+ Explore the other CS communities in the Netherlands and the rest of the world by surfing and going to meetings
+ Member of workinggroup for reorganising groups of the Netherlands
+ Mentor/Buddy for new ambs in the centre of the Netherlands
+ Moderator of:
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=238 Netherlands CS group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=5031 Netherlands CS organisation group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3486 Last minute couch in the Netherlands group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group]

[[:cs:users/VATO_LOCO|Henri Geerman]] (Arnhem)
+

===City Ambassadors===

=====[[Amsterdam]]=====
[[:cs:users/mab84|Menno]]
+

[[:cs:users/SPREEKER|Stephan Preeker]]
+

[[:cs:users/JP1978|JP1978]]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=5031&post=1334189#post1512749 post on the CSNL Group]

[[:cs:users/ANIAFLYNN|Ania Wolna]]
+

=====[[Rotterdam]]=====
[[:cs:users/ROSSI IN ROTTERDAM|Annemarie Rossi]]
+

[[:cs:users/mariejose74|Marie Jose]]
+

[[:cs:users/GERALD_ROTTERDAM|Gerard Bosman]] (Lansingerland municipality)
+

=====[[Utrecht]]=====
[[:cs:users/KILGORETROUT|Jasper Haenen]]
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meeting and events team group].
+ Member of Cs working groups: [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=10128 Events & Outreach - Event Organizers] & [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3727 couchsurfing Wiki]
+ Wikiholic; editing Wiki's of among others [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands]] and [[Dutch ambassadors]]
+ Organisation of meetings in Utrecht
+ trying to keep track on Dutch groups and Ambassadors groups, posting there when necessary
+ Trying to keep contact with other communities in the Netherlands
+ Trying to go to meetings in and outside Utrecht when I can

[[:cs:users/SANNEBONGERS|Sanne Bongers]]
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht group].
+ Organiser of the Utrecht CS Dutch Lessons.
+ Organiser of several events in Utrecht.
+ Going to many meetings in Utrecht and trying to go to meetings in other communities.
+ Spreading the word, be a good host/surfer.

[[:cs:users/KIWIA|Tim Straatsma]]
+

=====[[Den Haag]]=====
[[:cs:/LIN.|Linda]]
+

=====[[Groningen]]=====
[[:cs:users/GPIKKIO|Giuseppe Cimo']]
+ Active Couchsurfer.
+ Moderator of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=4416 Groningen CS group].
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=12745 CS Groningen Organization group].
+ Moderator and active member of many groups.
+ Event organizer in [[Groningen]].
+ Editor of the [[Groningen]] CS Wiki page.
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/contact.html Contact Us Team].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7043 Groups Management operators].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/organization.html?gid=4401 Location Fixing Team].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3581 New Member Welcome group].
+ Member of a number of CS Organization Working Groups.
+ ([http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=6 Old]) translator of the CS site.
+ Mentor for new ambassadors and volunteers in the north Netherlands.
+ CS addicted :)

=====[[Tilburg]]=====
[[:cs:/susyq|Susanne van Erp]]
+

=====[[Maastricht]]=====
[[:cs:/LEONAH|Leona Reuter]]
+

=====[[Eindhoven]]=====
[[:cs:/KONL|Konstantin Youdenko]]
+

=====[[Leiden]]=====
[[:cs:users/LINFORCER|Tommy Quist]]
+

=====[[Haarlem]]=====
[[:cs:users/COUCHISTA|Klaas]]
+ moderate Haarlem group at http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=6774
+ organise meetings such as http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html?mid=9214
+ maintain CS Wiki page about Haarlem at http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Haarlem
+ promote CS in my social network

=====[[Amersfoort]]=====

[[:cs:users/-MARTINA-|Martina]]
+

=====[[Delft]]=====
[[:cs:users/vontaks|Lukas Taks]]
+

=====[[Dordrecht]]=====
[[:cs:users/REMUS86|Remco Matthias Kwint]]
+

=====[[Oss]]=====
[[:cs:users/lourenssenm|Maikel Lourenssen]]
+

===Other Ambassadors===

[[:cs:users/onsplekkie|Maarten, Ilse + Lilou Duijvesteijn]] (De Lier) (Family)

[[:cs:users/CYDOREN|Cynthia Doren]] (Amsterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/IPELLEBOER|Ineke Pelleboer]] (Oldelamer) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/SERENDIPITOUS|Serendipitous]] (Roger Thompson) (Schaijk) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/SUPERANDERSAO|Anderson Ferreira]] (Rotterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/NAT-CHO|NAT-CHO]] (Amsterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/jeroenek|Jeroen Geerdink]] (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/Alison Cebulla|Alison Cebulla]] (Nomadic)

==Ambassadors meetings==

=== Calendar ===

Ambassadors and other volunteers organize many meetings and happenings all around the country. Check the Dutch CS events on our [http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=couchsurfingnl%40gmail.com&ctz=Europe/Amsterdam Calendar]

=== Minutes ===

Here you'll find reports of the meetings with the City and Country ambassadors in the Netherlands.

[[Minutes 1st Dutch Ambassadors meetup]], march 15th 2008, Utrecht

[[Minutes 2nd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], june 14th 2008, Utrecht

[[Minutes 3rd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], september 6th 2008, Groningen

[[Minutes 4rd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], january 10th 2009, Oss

[[Minutes 5th Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], september 27th 2009, Haarlem

[[Minutes 6th Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], january 17th 2009, Arnhem

== Dutch Ambassador Welcome kit ==

The [[Dutch Ambassador Welcome kit]] has usefull information for new ambassadors in the Netherlands.

== Things to do==

[http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Ambassadors#Tips_for_Ambassadors Tips for ambassadors]

'''Wiki Netherlands'''

The [[Netherlands|Dutch wiki page]] is in progress! Please feel free to add any useful information!

{{IsIn|Netherlands}}
[[Category:CS Organization Netherlands]]
[[Category:Netherlands]]

CS Organisation Netherlands

2010-07-06T07:16:19Z

Kilgoretrout:

{{Netherlands}}

== List of Dutch Ambassadors ==
===Country Ambassadors===
[[:cs:users/LIZZIE82ISH|Liza van Kuijk]] (Utrecht)
+ Support Dutch City ambassadors and the rest of the Netherlands CS community.
+ Member of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3581 New Member Welcome group], greeting new members in Utrecht and around.
+ Organising meetings and activities in Utrecht and assisting in others in the Netherlands.
+ Explore the other CS communities in the Netherlands and the rest of the world by surfing and going to meetings
+ Member of workinggroup for reorganising groups of the Netherlands
+ Mentor/Buddy for new ambs in the centre of the Netherlands
+ Moderator of:
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=238 Netherlands CS group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=5031 Netherlands CS organisation group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3486 Last minute couch in the Netherlands group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht group]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group]

[[:cs:users/VATO_LOCO|Henri Geerman]] (Arnhem)
+

===City Ambassadors===

=====[[Amsterdam]]=====
[[:cs:users/mab84|Menno]]
+

[[:cs:users/SPREEKER|Stephan Preeker]]
+

[[:cs:users/JP1978|JP1978]]
+ [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=5031&post=1334189#post1512749 post on the CSNL Group]

[[:cs:users/ANIAFLYNN|Ania Wolna]]
+

=====[[Rotterdam]]=====
[[:cs:users/ROSSI IN ROTTERDAM|Annemarie Rossi]]
+

[[:cs:users/GERALD_ROTTERDAM|Gerard Bosman]] (Lansingerland municipality)
+

[[:cs:users/mariejose74|Marie Jose]] (Lansingerland municipality)
+

=====[[Utrecht]]=====
[[:cs:users/KILGORETROUT|Jasper Haenen]]
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=8029 Utrecht meeting and events team group].
+ Member of Cs working groups: [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=10128 Events & Outreach - Event Organizers] & [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3727 couchsurfing Wiki]
+ Wikiholic; editing Wiki's of among others [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands]] and [[Dutch ambassadors]]
+ Organisation of meetings in Utrecht
+ trying to keep track on Dutch groups and Ambassadors groups, posting there when necessary
+ Trying to keep contact with other communities in the Netherlands
+ Trying to go to meetings in and outside Utrecht when I can

[[:cs:users/SANNEBONGERS|Sanne Bongers]]
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1348 Utrecht CS group] and [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=14572 Dutch lessons in Utrecht group].
+ Organiser of the Utrecht CS Dutch Lessons.
+ Organiser of several events in Utrecht.
+ Going to many meetings in Utrecht and trying to go to meetings in other communities.
+ Spreading the word, be a good host/surfer.

[[:cs:users/KIWIA|Tim Straatsma]]
+

=====[[Den Haag]]=====
[[:cs:/LIN.|Linda]]
+

=====[[Groningen]]=====
[[:cs:users/GPIKKIO|Giuseppe Cimo']]
+ Active Couchsurfer.
+ Moderator of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=4416 Groningen CS group].
+ Moderator of [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=12745 CS Groningen Organization group].
+ Moderator and active member of many groups.
+ Event organizer in [[Groningen]].
+ Editor of the [[Groningen]] CS Wiki page.
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/contact.html Contact Us Team].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=7043 Groups Management operators].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/organization.html?gid=4401 Location Fixing Team].
+ Member of the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=3581 New Member Welcome group].
+ Member of a number of CS Organization Working Groups.
+ ([http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=6 Old]) translator of the CS site.
+ Mentor for new ambassadors and volunteers in the north Netherlands.
+ CS addicted :)

=====[[Tilburg]]=====
[[:cs:/susyq|Susanne van Erp]]
+

=====[[Maastricht]]=====
[[:cs:/LEONAH|Leona Reuter]]
+

=====[[Eindhoven]]=====
[[:cs:/KONL|Konstantin Youdenko]]
+

=====[[Leiden]]=====
[[:cs:users/LINFORCER|Tommy Quist]]
+

=====[[Haarlem]]=====
[[:cs:users/COUCHISTA|Klaas]]
+ moderate Haarlem group at http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=6774
+ organise meetings such as http://www.couchsurfing.com/meetings.html?mid=9214
+ maintain CS Wiki page about Haarlem at http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Haarlem
+ promote CS in my social network

=====[[Amersfoort]]=====

[[:cs:users/-MARTINA-|Martina]]
+

=====[[Delft]]=====
[[:cs:users/vontaks|Lukas Taks]]
+

=====[[Dordrecht]]=====
[[:cs:users/REMUS86|Remco Matthias Kwint]]
+

=====[[Oss]]=====
[[:cs:users/lourenssenm|Maikel Lourenssen]]
+

===Other Ambassadors===

[[:cs:users/onsplekkie|Maarten, Ilse + Lilou Duijvesteijn]] (De Lier) (Family)

[[:cs:users/CYDOREN|Cynthia Doren]] (Amsterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/IPELLEBOER|Ineke Pelleboer]] (Oldelamer) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/SERENDIPITOUS|Serendipitous]] (Roger Thompson) (Schaijk) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/SUPERANDERSAO|Anderson Ferreira]] (Rotterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/NAT-CHO|NAT-CHO]] (Amsterdam) (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/jeroenek|Jeroen Geerdink]] (Nomadic)

[[:cs:users/Alison Cebulla|Alison Cebulla]] (Nomadic)

==Ambassadors meetings==

=== Calendar ===

Ambassadors and other volunteers organize many meetings and happenings all around the country. Check the Dutch CS events on our [http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=couchsurfingnl%40gmail.com&ctz=Europe/Amsterdam Calendar]

=== Minutes ===

Here you'll find reports of the meetings with the City and Country ambassadors in the Netherlands.

[[Minutes 1st Dutch Ambassadors meetup]], march 15th 2008, Utrecht

[[Minutes 2nd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], june 14th 2008, Utrecht

[[Minutes 3rd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], september 6th 2008, Groningen

[[Minutes 4rd Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], january 10th 2009, Oss

[[Minutes 5th Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], september 27th 2009, Haarlem

[[Minutes 6th Dutch Ambassasors meetup]], january 17th 2009, Arnhem

== Dutch Ambassador Welcome kit ==

The [[Dutch Ambassador Welcome kit]] has usefull information for new ambassadors in the Netherlands.

== Things to do==

[http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Ambassadors#Tips_for_Ambassadors Tips for ambassadors]

'''Wiki Netherlands'''

The [[Netherlands|Dutch wiki page]] is in progress! Please feel free to add any useful information!

{{IsIn|Netherlands}}
[[Category:CS Organization Netherlands]]
[[Category:Netherlands]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:25:33Z

Kilgoretrout: /* New Ambassador program */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

!!!voor Floris: ik heb op 1 juli je een paar foto's gestuurd voor bij dit bericht!!!

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly no more important than any other CouchSurfer. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment there have been no new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2F1VS00/3335724_l_d85db16f40ffdea54f3a7d0afc596f91.jpg picture]

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/urbian/ Urbian Fritz-James]==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2J65MU/22306_l_7430622ba1bc22932dc363dec4e0cb4f.jpg picture]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:23:44Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Castlefest - Festival of Light */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

!!!voor Floris: ik heb op 1 juli je een paar foto's gestuurd voor bij dit bericht!!!

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2F1VS00/3335724_l_d85db16f40ffdea54f3a7d0afc596f91.jpg picture]

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/urbian/ Urbian Fritz-James]==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2J65MU/22306_l_7430622ba1bc22932dc363dec4e0cb4f.jpg picture]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:23:25Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Castlefest - Festival of Light */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

voor Floris: ik heb op 1 juli je een paar foto's gestuurd voor bij dit bericht

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2F1VS00/3335724_l_d85db16f40ffdea54f3a7d0afc596f91.jpg picture]

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/urbian/ Urbian Fritz-James]==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2J65MU/22306_l_7430622ba1bc22932dc363dec4e0cb4f.jpg picture]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:22:13Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Interview with Urbian Fritz-James */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2F1VS00/3335724_l_d85db16f40ffdea54f3a7d0afc596f91.jpg picture]

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/urbian/ Urbian Fritz-James]==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2J65MU/22306_l_7430622ba1bc22932dc363dec4e0cb4f.jpg picture]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:20:35Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Dodging bullets in Syria */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

[http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/2F1VS00/3335724_l_d85db16f40ffdea54f3a7d0afc596f91.jpg picture]

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:18:33Z

Kilgoretrout: /* New Ambassador program */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. The Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:17:30Z

Kilgoretrout: /* New Ambassador program */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

Maybe you already saw profiles of CouchSurfers that have a strange yellow flag on their profile, those people appear to be [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list ambassadors]. All CouchSurfers are equal, so ambassadors are certainly more important than any other CouchSurfers. Ambassadors are only more visible. Quite often they are the people involved in the internal organisation of CouchSurfing, welcoming new members, organising events or just answering questions about CouchSurfing. Find all about what it means to be an ambassador on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website].

The last few months the CouchSurfing headquarter in San Francisco has been busy on improving the ambassador program. This ment for over half a year there have been no new new ambassadors added for over half a year. We cannot give any details yet, but soon it will be possible again for people to apply for the new ambassador system. Of course, the Dutch CouchSurfing organisation is looking forward to welcome new people, so if you like CouchSurfing and want to do more with it don't hesitate! You don't need any superpowers to become an ambassador.

Are you interested?
Contact [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/kilgoretrout/ Jasper] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-05T21:03:53Z

Kilgoretrout: /* The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow! */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 1st: Barcelona, Spain: [http://hitchgathering.org/barcelona Pre Gathering for the 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 6th: Sines, Portugal: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chantel_bleu/ Chantel]

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own [http://www.unityexpress.eu website]. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

THe ambassador program has been put on hold for about half a year now. We cannot give any clear details yet, but soon it will be possible again to apply for becoming an city- nomadic- or familyambassador. You can find more info about what it means to be an ambassador on CouchSurfing on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website.

Are you interested?

Contact any of your [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list local ambassadors] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:46:31Z

Kilgoretrout: /* The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow! */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

THe ambassador program has been put on hold for about half a year now. We cannot give any clear details yet, but soon it will be possible again to apply for becoming an city- nomadic- or familyambassador. You can find more info about what it means to be an ambassador on CouchSurfing on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website.

Are you interested?

Contact any of your [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list local ambassadors] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:46:17Z

Kilgoretrout:

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

THe ambassador program has been put on hold for about half a year now. We cannot give any clear details yet, but soon it will be possible again to apply for becoming an city- nomadic- or familyambassador. You can find more info about what it means to be an ambassador on CouchSurfing on the [http://www.couchsurfing.org/amb_levels.html CouchSurfing website.

Are you interested?

Contact any of your [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list local ambassadors] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:43:00Z

Kilgoretrout: /* News from CS Netherlands */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

==New Ambassador program==

THe ambassador program has been put on hold for about half a year now. We cannot give any clear details yet, but soon it will be possible again to apply for becoming an city- nomadic- or familyambassador. Are you interested contact any of your [http://www.couchsurfing.org/ambassador_list local ambassadors] for more info!

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:38:55Z

Kilgoretrout: /* The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once.
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Lelystad. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:38:22Z

Kilgoretrout: /* The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL */

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once .
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Almere. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

Fotolinks:

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7869872_l_d4aa32afa3c87006c610c513658f1e5f.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770295_l_671ade1bfeaaa2ea00c51695fefbaf1b.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770316_l_22883d7bfb73dd66771e51bf5046575e.jpg

http://images.couchsurfing.us.s3.amazonaws.com/1X9GA8A/7770213_l_8603c1f3667916c4116bd86b6bf63f50.jpg

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:33:38Z

Kilgoretrout:

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once .
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Almere. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-02T20:32:50Z

Kilgoretrout:

Old newsletters:

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.1]]

[[CS Newsletter for the Netherlands 2010.2]]

Draft 3nd newsletter

=Heading=

=CouchSurfers meeting up=

==Grote zomermeetings in Europa==

More and more CouchSurfing communities are organising couchsurfing events this summer. Wherever you go, you can meetup with local couchsurfers.

Below is a selection of interesting events:

July 16th - July 18th: Oostende, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=62713 CS Beach Weekend]

July 16th - July 18th: Champ-du-Boult, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=53351 Normandy Summer camp]

July 16th - July 21th: Brussels, Belgium: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72244 Brussels CS summer event]

July 23th - July 25th: Dundee, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74886 Dundee Calling]

July 23th - July 26th: Paris, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=71291 Paris Rendez Vous]

July 28th - August 1st: Pescosolido, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=48567 Italy summer camp]

July 30th - August 2nd: Aberdeen, Scotland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=66899 a summer camp on the stunning balmedie beach]

August 2nd - August 8th: Tokaj, Hungaria: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=56737 Canoe tour]

August 6th - August 8th: Spychowo, Poland: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72666 II CS International Family Weekend (IFW)]

August 13th - August 22th: Barcelona, Spain (& Portugal): [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=69794 3rd European Hitchhiking Gathering]

August 27th - August 29th: Karisilla, Estonia: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=74663 Summer camp in Setumaa]

September 2nd - September 5th: Milano, Italy: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=57923 This is FO(u)R MI!]

September 3rd - September 5th: Lille, France: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=72089 The Braderie de Lille]

September 10th - September 12th: Prague, Czech Republic: [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=58166 Cz3echsurfing]

==overzicht van regular meetings==

In more and more Dutch cities CouchSurf-meetings are being held on a regular basis. If you want to know when to go where, you can check this [http://couchwiki.org/en/Netherlands#Regular_meetings list].

==[http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=60151 Castlefest] - Festival of Light==
6, 7, 8, August, Lisse, The Netherlands

People from all over the world come to visit this, I would call it...
Medieval, hippy, folk, family, fantasy festival.

International world, pagan, celtic & folk music, encampment of medieval Re-enactors, a medieval & fantasy market. Art, theatre, visitors dressed up in most beautiful clothing.
All sort of things to do: Balfolk, Sword fighting, painting, poi. Food is all Biological!!

It's a festival of enjoyment, relax & amazement. And I love it...would be awesome to have a CouchSurf meeting here!

Place to be:
Every year there is a Wickerman burning on Saturday. A hugh wooden construction, filled with the wishes, dreams and gifts from all visitors. You can put your own dreams as an offer inside. The perfect spot to meet!

I’m working as a volunteer (coordinator backstage) on this festival ever since the beginning and I love to show you people around. The most fun part is to explore the festival your self, so I suggest we meet Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14:00 hours for a drink in front of the Wickerbeast, and share our adventures of couchsurfing! After a drink, I can take the people who are interested for a short backstage tour.

Relax & hope to see you there!
Chantel

More info: http://www.castlefest.com

==The best way to spend a Kruidvat train ticket: 18 hours of train travelling in NL==

“Would it be possible?”
“Hmm. If we start early and do some smart planning, yes, why not?”
“Let’s do this!”
I imagine the initiators of the idea came to the idea like this. The idea of the 24-hour train race project. The ambitious idea to visit all 12 provincial capitals of The Netherlands in just one day. Probably one of the few countries where such a thing is possible.
Many CS members, armed with a special Kruidvat train ticket to be able to travel for the whole day, would accomplish this mission on the 22nd of May. First train: 6:10am from Amsterdam, on to Haarlem and The Hague.
The fun started right from the beginning: the Dutch Railways (NS) decided that not our train, but the one 150 meters down the platform, would be the train that leaves.
And that’s how you create a delay: we started the journey with already 10 minutes off-schedule. “Off to a good start”!
Fortunately we caught up pretty quick, and, frankly, practically didn’t experience any delays for the rest of the day! Thank you, NS! There, I said it, something positive about the NS. They deserved it for once .
People were encouraged to join us during the journey whenever they wanted. And boy they did! “Are you guys from the 24-hour train race?” et voila: we had once again a bigger group of train travellers on a mission.
A few hardcore people made it all the way to the last stop: Almere. 0:18am the train arrived at the station! To make the last miles less painful we sang songs and people were already dreaming about their bed out loud... The other passengers thought we were gone nuts, I’m sure.
Once on the platform, we started praising the station signs and kissed the ground in true Pope style.
Relieved, proud and tired as hell, we could finally say we visited all 12 provincial capitals. Not only that, but we did it in one day!

===The Netherlands today, Europe tomorrow!===
For me personally, the 24-hour train race was a learning experience as well, because I’m involved in a project that is a bit bigger than just The Netherlands. The project is called The Unity Express, and is about a journey across as many as 24 European countries in a single, privately chartered train, with stops in major cities along the way, for a period of four weeks in the summer of 2011.
The train has room for more than 400 people on board simultaneously. When traveling, people literally live in the train: eating, sleeping, partying, laughing, learning, discussing... It all happens there.
The main goal of this project is to create unity among as much European citizens as possible. By bringing all those people together, on the train and in cities we attend, we create a better understanding for each other, so we can live more peacefully with each other.
This project will launch in mid July on CouchSurfing and with its own website, www.unityexpress.eu. Want to help? This project cannot exist without your help! We need every profession you can think of: paramedics, chefs, security, writers, programmers, entertainers, DJ’s, organizers, thinkers, planners and many more! Go to the website or do a quick search on CouchSurfing to find the working group where you can get involved!
Want more information about the project before the launch? Send an E-mail to coen@unityexpress.eu with your questions and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Cheers,
[www.couchsurfing.org/people/riddergraniet Coen]

=News from CS Netherlands=

=Nomadic adventures=

Do you have a nice travelstory? Tell us!

==Dodging bullets in Syria==

Somewhere on the edge of Europe lies an invisible line. Many people on the European side are afraid to go across this line. But those adventurers who do dare to risk their lives by passing this invisible line will be rewarded with their own weight in gold. Beyond this line, most media based presumptions which try to tie you up in your own state, turn out to be foolish. One of the random people I told about my upcoming visit to Syria and Jordan answered with a serious tone, that he preferred to visit places where less bullets were flying around. That was before I told him I would go there hitch-hiking.

Xenophobia; I stumble upon it a lot, during my travels as well as at home. Mostly the xenophobia is directed at the neighboring country. Sometimes even on fellow inhabitants of ones' own country. In Turkey, on my way from the Netherlands to Syria, I was soaked with warnings about how often I would get killed once I would reach Eastern Turkey. They almost scared me, but assuming it would still be human beings living there, I went nonetheless. Now, two months later, I can tell you that the Eastern-Turkish people are just as hospitable as the people who warn you for them. I've got too many examples to offer, like this man who spontaneously took me home in the middle of the night, sparing me a long night in my tent at the outskirts of Antakya. Next day, wandering through the dark streets of an unknown village in Northern Syria, the first man I say 'good evening' to, interrupts his walk to the mosque and let's his son take care of me. The whole evening they've been treating me with tea, food, stories and Internet, inviting me the next day to come back any time I like. I didn't even get a chance to return to them the next evening; on my way to their village a man on a motorcycle persuades me to stay at his place instead.

Syrians compete for their guests, doing everything to prevent you from visiting someone else. That's what I call hospitality. They're just amazing. Though even they, who should be aware of the Middle Eastern generosity, will warn you for their neighbors. Obviously they aren't afraid for their visitors; no xenophobia in that sense, yet they are for the strangers just over the horizon. I believe that CouchSurfing, or simply traveling, is the way to decrease this. Say 'no' to xenophobia!

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/chiel/ Chiel]
(read more about Chiel's travels on his [http://www.manvandewereld.blogspot.com blog])

==Interview with Gido?==

1. How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

2. How did you participate in CS until now?

3. How do you combine traveling with your professional life?

4. What is the most special experience you ever had through CouchSurfing?

5. What is the most special place you ever visited?

6. What is your favorite means of travel?

7. What should every traveler bring in his/her suitcase?

8. what would your advise be to other (new) travelers?

=Exotic couches=

Do you have a nice hosting story? Tell us!

==Interview with Urbian Fritz-James==

1 How did you find out about CouchSurfing?

In 2005 I went to Krakow. I wanted to meet local people in Krakow so i start to google "meet local people". First I ran into to the site virtual tourist and than this guy said to me to go to couchsurfing.com and contact this lady in Krakow. So i decided to contact her. ( I really dont know her name and she is not on cs anymore) Well I contacted her but finally we didnt meet because she was busy. But I liked the idea of hosting people, so when I came back to Holland i immediately started hosting people and now I have been a member since 2005.

2 What makes your couch special?

Well lets start with me and my girlfriend. People make the difference and being our guest, we really want to make people feel like they are at home. You can drink and eat whatever we have in our home (except for the champagne). Further we have a separate bedroom with AAA quality mattresses, so a goodnight rest is guaranteed. And on top of everything we have a jacuzzi on our rooftop. Furthermore we live on a island just in the middle of Rotterdam which make it just perfect for your stay in Rotterdam.

We don't accept everyone. We have a preference for ladies and couples. I also have assignments written down in my profile so I know for sure that people have written my profile carefully instead of hitting the ctrl+c and ctrl+v button.

3 Tell about a special person you hosted?

Well we hosted a lot of special persons since 2005. But Leila Messaoudi was one of the most special persons we hosted. The first time she came to my place she planned to stay for 3 days but it ended up for 2 weeks. Spending christmas together. We also went to a cs meeting in Paris were we had a lovely time. Leila became my little sister and i adopted her. She visited our place again for 4 times.

4 What place near your couch would you recommend everybody to visit?

Go to Kinderdijk (windmills) to get some of that nostalgic feeling of Holland

5 What do you like to see in a good CouchSurf request?

I would like to see some humor in it and please amaze me with something original and wicked. And when you write me a request you should at least have the words "qwerty", "smoke" and "jacuzzi" in your request. That is because of the assignments I have in my profile.

6 Which sort of guests do you prefer?

We prefer couples and ladies. For the rest you will have to be able to speak english and dont be shy.

7 Which host should we interview in the next newsletter?

[http://www.couchsurfing.org/profile.html?id=CI8LAF Pieter Ter berg]

==verhaal over CouchSurfers uit Bangladesh==

Linda ?

==CS house==

'''CouchSurfing house #2 – Casa Robino in Amsterdam'''
Jasper heeft Robin gevraagd, reactie is niet helemaal duidelijk

alternatief [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=22671 Mawa Hata] in Utrecht?

=traveltip=

{{IsIn|CS Organisation Netherlands}}
[[category:CS Newsletters]]

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-01T09:29:08Z

Kilgoretrout: /* Dodging bullets in Syria */

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-01T09:28:51Z

Kilgoretrout:

CS newsletter for the Netherlands

2010-07-01T09:19:27Z

Kilgoretrout: