Wijk bij Duurstede also known as Dorestad, is a very nice and charming city with a rich history and cultural significance. Dorestad was once a thriving medieval trading and commercial hub, known for its strategic location along the banks of the Rhine River. Nowadays, Wijk bij Duurstede preserves its historical charm with picturesque streets, historic buildings, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Charming, cultural, and historic Wijk bij Duurstede
You find Castle Duurstede on the banks of the river Rhine. Once Romans and Vikings ruled here now Blues musicians control the city. But Castle Duurstede remains a playground for fairies and knights. But the best thing is that romance comes to a climax when love is codified in Dorestad Castle at countless wedding parties.
Castle Duurstede: Stage for Blues Music at the River Rhine
Duurstede Castle is great. Watch the tower reaching for the sky. Clinging to its island. Once it was surrounded by walls as well. The castle is magic. It offers a stage for Jazz and Blues. But it also is a playground for fairies building castles in the sky. Moreover, the surrounding countryside and the city of Wijk bij Duurstede are awesome.
From Castle Duurstede in a kayak downstream the River Rhine
Picture yourself in a boat on a slow streaming river. Going downstream the Old River Rhine in a canoe. It is so quiet. It is oh so still. Birds are singing. Orchards and pastures are green as far as the eyes can see. You move under monumental skies. Where are you? Well, you paddle through the countryside of Holland from Wijk bij Duurstede to Utrecht. You pass by more castles and monumental parks. Finally arriving in the city center of Utrecht. You find yourself on one of the most beautiful canals in Europe. You are in the heart of Holland. You are in one of the five strongest economic regions of the European Union. Sit down, have a drink on a terrace on the banks of the canal, and get enchanted by the magical realism of Utrecht.
View from the Corn mill over the dikes along the River Rhine
What else is there to do in and around the city of Wijk bij Duurstede
- Rent a kayak in Wijk bij Duurstede and paddle to Utrecht.
➔ READ MORE – Utrecht, a century-old city in the center of the Netherlands - Enjoy the best ice cream in the region in the center of Wijk bij Duurstede.
➔ READ MORE – Best Ice Cream Wijk bij Duurstede, open from March till September - Visit the corn mill Rijn and Lek and climb to the top of the mill
➔ READ MORE – Visit Corn Mill Rijn and Lek - Visit a Sunday afternoon concert at Castle Duurstede
➔ READ MORE – Calender Events – Program Castle Wijk bij Duurstede - Do not miss the weekly market on Wednesday there is a nice market with fruit, vegetables, clothes, and other nice stuff. Once a year there is a special Geranium market. And so now and then there is a fleamarket.
- Rent a bike in Duurstede and explore the countryside.
- Do not miss the Cherry Museum and the Cherry Hut in Cothen, Groenewoudseweg 18.
➔ READ MORE – Cherry Museum, Cothen, near Wijk bij Duurstede - Museum Dorestad: Dive into the rich History of Dorestad. They do have quite a collection of Roman and Viking objects, sometimes more than 2000 years old, found during excavations. Museum Dorestad is temporarily closed due to the upcoming renovation. There will be a spectacular Dorestad Experience and a new exhibition.
➔ READ MORE – Museum Dorestad, Wijk bij Duurstede
Mill Rijn en Lek, Wijk bij Duurstede
The mill Rijn en Lek is a working corn mill that still grinds grain daily. Various types of flour are for sale in the mill shop. So if you like to bake your bread, this is the place to be to buy flour. The mill can be visited for free. Take the narrow stairs up, watch your head some parts are low, and see how the mill works. On some days the miller is present. The miller tells about the history of the mill and answers all your questions.
➔ READ MORE – Recipe for a suburb Dutch Waldcorn Bread
A short walk from Castle Duurstede to the River Rhine and the city center
From the castle, you either walk to the riverside of the Rhine or head directly to the two church towers in the center. From the bank of the river Rhine, you get a nice panoramic view of the city. Around Sint Jans church you find is the center of town. Here are restaurants, the Dorestad Museum, and two excellent ice cream parlors. Right beside the church, you find the regional tourist information office.. Bij the way, the locals say Wijk instead of Wijk bij Duurstede. After side seeing the city Wijk bij Duurstede you should go to one of the restaurants for a nice drink and a bite. In Wijk, the quality of the dishes is high. Go to Wijk bij Duurstede and you will have a great day.
There is more than plenty to do in Wijk bij Duurstede, for example, there are annual events such as the fair, the cherry festival, the lekko days, the sheep market, a colorful neighborhood, and the flea market in Dorestad.
➔ READ MORE – Calender events Wijk bij Duurstede
3,161 Comments