Day trip in Utrecht

What's a better way to experience studying abroad than exploring the country you're in? When the sun is out one of my favorite activities I like to do with my friends is taking the train and exploring the Netherlands! And when it comes to the perfect day trip, Utrecht is a top choice just 30 minutes away by train, packed with endless things to do!

After arriving in Utrecht, my friends and I decided to visit one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the Netherlands, Castle De Haar . Just a short journey from the city center, this fairytale-like castle feels like stepping into another world. Castle de Haar was originally built in the 13th century but was rebuilt in the 19th century thus is very well retained.The castle opened to visitors in 2000. It has also hosted many famous guests including Coco Chanel, Maria Callas, Gregory Peck, Roger Moore, Yves Saint Laurent, Joan Collins and Brigitte Bardot. 

What’s interesting about the Castle is that you can not only navigate yourself to its stunning gardens and canals around it but you can also see the inside of it. At Castle De Haar, visitors have the option to purchase separate tickets for the park and the castle interior. We purchased the ticket for both and it was definitely worth it as we had the opportunity to walk inside the castle which felt like travelling to a completely different era.

After our visit in the castle we opted for a cozy cafe by the canals of Utrecht where we talked about this unique activity and our experience. The peaceful atmosphere, with boats passing by, made it the perfect spot to relax. 

Our trip to Utrecht and Castle De Haar was truly unforgettable, being the perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxation. From wandering through a fairytale-like castle to enjoying our coffee in a canal-side café, this trip was a reminder of why exploring new places is one of the best parts of studying abroad and a perfect getaway from studying. On our journey back home we already started planning our next adventure!

I hope you enjoyed the blog and it motivated you to explore Utrecht:)