7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Utrecht

As a digital nomad living in Utrecht, you have the unique opportunity to blend work and travel seamlessly. The central location of Utrecht in the Netherlands makes it an ideal base for exploring the country's diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems off the beaten path, there's a weekend getaway to suit every taste. Here are seven destinations that promise to enrich your nomadic lifestyle with new experiences, all within easy reach of your Utrecht home base.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a must-visit for anyone living in Utrecht. Just a short train ride away, the city offers a plethora of activities, from exploring world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to taking a leisurely boat tour along the iconic canals. The bustling streets, historic architecture, and lively nightlife make Amsterdam a perfect weekend escape.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Amsterdam from Utrecht is by train. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Amsterdam Central Station, with frequent services running throughout the day.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House, where you can learn about the history of World War II and the story of Anne Frank. It's a moving experience that offers a deep reflection on the past.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at The Hoxton, Amsterdam, which offers a cozy atmosphere and is centrally located. For a unique experience, check out the Crane Hotel Faralda, a luxurious hotel situated in a converted crane.

Where to Eat: For a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine, head to The Pantry, known for its stamppot and poffertjes. For a more upscale dining experience, try Restaurant C, which specializes in dishes categorized by temperature.

Giethoorn

Often referred to as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a picturesque village where the tranquility of nature takes center stage. This car-free village is best explored by boat, which you can rent to navigate the peaceful canals. Thatched-roof cottages and charming bridges add to the fairy-tale ambiance of this unique destination.

How to Get There: Giethoorn is about a 1.5-hour drive from Utrecht. Alternatively, you can take a train to Steenwijk and then a bus to Giethoorn, which takes around 2 hours in total.

Travel Tip: Visit the Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus to learn about the village's history and see how locals lived in the past. It's a fascinating glimpse into rural Dutch life.

Where to Stay: De Dames Van De Jonge Hotel Restaurant offers a comfortable stay with beautiful canal views. For a more intimate experience, consider a bed and breakfast like De Galeriet Giethoorn.

Where to Eat: Grand Café Fanfare is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Dutch pancakes. For a waterfront dining experience, try Restaurant De Lindenhof, which offers exquisite dishes and scenic views.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam stands in stark contrast to the traditional Dutch towns with its modern architecture and innovative design. The city is a hub for art, culture, and food, with attractions like the Cube Houses, the impressive Markthal, and the Erasmus Bridge. Rotterdam's vibrant energy and forward-thinking spirit make it an exciting weekend destination.

How to Get There: Rotterdam is easily accessible from Utrecht by train, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Rotterdam Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, which features a diverse range of animals and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Where to Stay: The nhow Rotterdam offers stunning views of the Maas River and the skyline, while the Hotel New York is a classic choice with a rich history, once serving as the headquarters of the Holland America Line.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, try FG Food Labs, which offers an experimental approach to cuisine. For a more casual setting, Fenix Food Factory provides a variety of food stalls in a converted warehouse.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

For a nature-filled retreat, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is an exceptional choice. This expansive park offers a mix of forests, sand dunes, and heathlands, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park by bike, enjoy a picnic, or visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses a significant collection of Van Gogh paintings.

How to Get There: The park is about a 1-hour drive from Utrecht. Alternatively, take a train to Arnhem or Ede-Wageningen and then a bus to the park entrance.

Travel Tip: The park offers free white bicycles for visitors to use within its boundaries, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the area on two wheels.

Where to Stay: The Hotel de Sterrenberg is a stylish option located near the park entrance, featuring a wellness center and an indoor pool. For a more rustic experience, consider staying at the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus.

Where to Eat: The Park Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that changes with the seasons, focusing on local and sustainable ingredients.

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum that brings the 18th and 19th centuries to life. Just north of Amsterdam, this charming village is famous for its well-preserved windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal workshops. Visitors can watch clog-making demonstrations, taste traditional Dutch cheese, and learn about the historic windmills that once powered the local industry.

How to Get There: Zaanse Schans is about a 1-hour drive from Utrecht. You can also take a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the museum.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Zaans Museum, which offers insights into the industrial heritage of the Zaan region and the history of the iconic Dutch chocolate and biscuit brand, Verkade.

Where to Stay: For a traditional experience, stay at the Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans, offering charming rooms with views of the windmills. Another option is the nearby Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam, known for its striking façade made up of a stack of traditional Zaan houses.

Where to Eat: The Restaurant De Hoop Op d'Swarte Walvis provides a historic setting and a menu featuring modern interpretations of classic Dutch dishes.

Thorn

Thorn, known as the "White Village" due to its distinctive white-painted houses and monumental buildings, is a lesser-known gem in the province of Limburg. This small town offers a peaceful escape with its cobblestone streets, rich history, and the beautiful Abbey Church. Thorn is perfect for those seeking a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle.

How to Get There: Thorn is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Utrecht. Public transport options include taking a train to Roermond and then a bus to Thorn, which takes around 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit the Thorn Museum to delve into the town's unique history as a miniature principality ruled by a community of noblewomen.

Where to Stay: The charming Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant La Ville Blanche offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of Thorn, complete with a terrace and a French-inspired restaurant.

Where to Eat: For a cozy dining experience, try De Pannekoekenbakker Thorn, which specializes in a wide variety of pancakes, both sweet and savory.

Texel

Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Sea Islands and an unusual destination for those looking to explore nature and enjoy some tranquility. The island features stunning beaches, dunes, and nature reserves, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and bird watching. Texel also offers a unique cultural experience with its local breweries, seafood, and the Ecomare seal sanctuary.

How to Get There: To reach Texel, drive to Den Helder (about a 1.5-hour drive from Utrecht) and take the ferry, which takes about 20 minutes. Public transport involves a train to Den Helder and a bus to the ferry terminal.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Texel Brewery to sample some local beers and learn about the brewing process on this charming island.

Where to Stay: Hotel de Lindeboom in the heart of Den Burg offers a historic setting with modern amenities. For a beachside option, consider Strandhotel Noordzee, located right on the dunes.

Where to Eat: Gastropub 't Pakhuus is renowned for its fresh seafood and harbor views. For a casual bite, try the beach pavilion Paal 17, which serves a variety of dishes with a great view of the sea.