Oudegracht — Local services in Utrecht

The Oudegracht, or 'old canal', runs through the center of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It begins in the southeast of the city. Here, the Kromme Rijn (the original main bed of the Rhine) and the Vaartse Rijn (a medieval canal reconnecting Utrecht to the newer main stream of the Rhine, the Lek) meet the original moat of the fortified city, and the Oudegracht leads from there into the city center. The water level of the Rhine in Utrecht fell because of the new dam at Wijk bij Duurstede. Soil was excavated and used to raise the sides of the canal, reducing the risk of flooding. By the time the city's lock system was completed in 1275, the water level was constant, allowing the construction of permanently dry cellars and new quays at water level, hence the typical wharves below street level. Warehouses used to line the canal, but today many of these warehouses have been converted into...

Quote sad to find such a beautiful canal with flooting rubbish. People litter there, which is very bad. Did not see patrolling police or a better organized way to supervise that the canal is kept clean and untouched. Nethertheless is a wonderful trip to do, peacefully. For some reasons I did not see much of wildlife, only a bunch of ducks eating dome of the floating rubbish. Probably the pollution? The water looks green and dirty. Saw a couple of people swimming there. Still a great experience to do, visit the canal and rent a boat to sail around. Boats (pedal type) for renting cost 36 euros for 90 minutes (May 2025), quite expensive, but can take 4 people, which makes it...

A bit crowded, but generally a pleasant experience.

The area boasts numerous pubs, pastry shops, and bars with prices for all budgets.

For those interested in a water excursion, there are various options available, from tours on one of the many cruises to renting a smaller boat for a more intimate experience.

While the area is dotted with historical buildings, it's unfortunate that some of them are inaccessible to visitors. Additionally, popular attractions like the Dom Tower of Utrecht tend to be heavily crowded and, if you don't purchase your tickets at least a day in advance, you have no chance of...