The province Utrecht, small in size, on the edge of above and below sea level.
Where is it?
On the map below, you can see where to find Utrecht. On the south side the river Lek forms a natural border. On the north it touches the IJsselmeer and the woods and moors that characterise the South-East part of the province North-Holland.
Landscape
There is a division from North-West to South east. It goes about through the capital Utrecht of the province Utrecht. South and West of this line the polder landscape of the Green Heart continues the similar landscape you find in South-Holland. The other side of the line consists of meadows, woods and moors. You will find some remainders of the Ice Age here in the hills of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. These hills were formed by the glaciers of the Ice Age, pushing sand and stones southward.
This makes Utrecht on the very edge of land and sea. Half way the province, stretching from West to East you may notice another old border, the border of the Roman Empire, which touches towns like Nijmegen, Utrecht, Woerden and Leiden.
Utrecht has a lot of water. The important Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal connects Amsterdam with the river Rhine. On the South the river Lek is one of the branches that form the Rhine delta area. Several smaller rivers and canals cross the region as well.
Urban area
The province has two large cities. The city of Utrecht is very old and nice to visit. You cannot miss it, because it also the most important railway node of the country. Utrecht is an old city, with canals, many small shops and teraces. You may climb the Dom tower, which is the highest church tower of the country. For kids the National Railway Museum and the Museum From Musical Clock tot Street Organ (Museum Van Speelklok tot Pierement), with guided tours in English are very nice to visit. You also can take a tour by boat over the canals.
- Amersfoort is the second large city. By train only 10 minutes from Utrecht and also the second largest railway node. It is a nice town to visit but has not many specific attractions.
- Oudewater is small town in the South West. It is well-known because of the Heksenwaag. here you still can obtain a certificate that you are not a witch. It is nice for a short stop and to drink or eat something.
- IJsselstein is recognisable from a long distance because of the 340 metre high television tower. It is a nice small town, close to Utrecht.
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