I recently went on a CEA CAPA excursion to the city of Utrecht, the fourth largest in the Netherlands; this city is just a 30-minute bus ride from Amsterdam and is home to the Dom Tower and the Castle de Haar. We arrived in the city center around 9:30 a.m. on a Sunday and were met with a very quiet town scene filled only with the sound of church bells.  

Utrecht city center canal  

The first difference we noticed about Utrecht is that its canal system and infrastructure were built differently than the ones in Amsterdam. The city was built a story up from the canals, giving the city’s buildings storage space under the roads but at canal level. This offered stark difference to the aesthetic of Amsterdam, whose buildings are essentially in line with the canals. 

As we waited for our tour of the Dom Tower, we were able to explore St. Martin’s Cathedral, also known as Dom Church. The architecture of the courtyard and church were stunning to see in person. Each aspect of the walls had unique, detailed engravings. 

Dom Tower and church 

Courtyard details of Dom Church 

Our time in the cathedral courtyard was cut short by the start of the Dom Tower tour. The tallest free-standing tower in the Netherlands, formerly a part of the cathedral until being separated in a storm in 1674, had 465 steps for us to climb up! The first stop was in what used to be the private chapel for the bishop, 10 meters above the street. Historically accessed only by the Bishop of Utrecht, the room has become an event space, including a DJ booth in a window well, available to rent out.  

Continuing up the next set of stairs, we entered the room that was home to the tower guard. Our guide told us that the bell ringer used to have a bar inside that was only accessible by ladder, making you wonder how the patrons were able to make the 25-meter descent after their visits. The bell room, another 25 meters up the tower, houses 14 bells that require a total of 26 people in order to ring them all. This group of people are known as the Utrecht Bellringer Guild and they ring the bells every Sunday, and on religious holidays.  

One of the 14 bells that get hand rung every Sunday 

Above these bells is the large carillon which can be heard throughout the entire city made up of 50 bells. They are typically played automatically but once a week a carillonneur plays the instrument. The last stop of the tour was the very top of the tower, 112 meters and 465 steps up. Although it was freezing, the views were definitely worth it. It was breathtaking to look over Utrecht and see it all from a new perspective. 

The large carillon made up of 50 bells 

The view from the top of Dom Tower 

After more exploring of Utrecht’s city center, we explored the Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands. This was my first time ever exploring a castle and the interior definitely lives up to expectations. Immediately upon entrance we were greeted with ornate stained-glass windows, pillars, and balconies. Each room was filled with many artifacts and art that had been collected by the families that lived here.  

The exterior of Castle de Haar 

My favorite room was the ballroom that had a hidden balcony for a band to play and engravings throughout the room of people dancing together. From the floor to the ceiling there were intricate details that you could look at all day. The castle grounds also had a deer park, a maze, and even its own Grand Canal. 

The entrance of the castle 

The music balcony of the ballroom and its intricate details 

The Great Canal of Castle de Haar 

Spending the day in Utrecht was so fun and educational. I got to explore sites that I wouldn’t have been able to experience without this excursion. While learning about the Dom Tower was very interesting, I most enjoyed the castle. Being able to walk through each room, see the collections that have been built, and imagine the people that once lived in each room was very fascinating. There were so many elements to take in and even looking back on photos I am noticing new things that I missed previously. I didn’t expect to be as intrigued as I was, and I am so glad that I took advantage of this opportunity!