Domtoren (Cathedral Tower).

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Domtoren

Top choice in Utrecht


Utrecht's most striking medieval landmark, this 112m tower is worth the 465-step climb for unbeatable city views: on a clear day you can see Amsterdam. Visits are by guided tour only, departing at least hourly on the hour. Buy tickets at the tourist office across the square or prebook online (advisable in summer). The tower was originally part of a splendid 14th-/15th-century cathedral complex whose nave was blown down by a freak hurricane in 1674.

It was never rebuilt, which has left the tower disconnected from the remnant transept and chancel of the Domkerk. Where the nave should be is now the open square of Domplein.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Utrecht attractions

1. Flora's Hof

0.01 MILES

This petite walled garden, tucked behind the Steven Sterk bookshop, makes a peaceful retreat from which to stare up and observe the Domtoren.

2. Dom Under

0.02 MILES

Talented volunteer guides and fascinating educational films with CGI effects set the historical scene. Then it's your turn to become an amateur…

3. Domkerk

0.05 MILES

The cathedral's eastern end survived the 1674 hurricane and now forms a curiously truncated – if still impressive – place of prayer.

4. Pandhof

0.06 MILES

Between the Domkirk and Academiegebouw, a gateway leads through to this charming little formal garden ringed by 15th-century Gothic cloisters.

5. Academiegebouw

0.06 MILES

Behind a distinctively spired, neo-Renaissance facade dating from 1892, lie the much older ceremonial buildings of Utrecht's multisite university. The…

6. Museum Speelklok

0.08 MILES

Within an old church, discover a colourful collection of self-playing organs, musical boxes and assorted mechanised noise-makers dating from the 18th…

7. Paushuize

0.12 MILES

You can't usually go inside unless attending a conference here, but it's well worth admiring the exterior of this splendid 500-year-old mansion which was…

8. Sint-Willibrod-Kerk

0.13 MILES

Easily missed, this 1877 neo-Gothic church has a gorgeously colourful interior with splendid stained glass, pattern-painted columns and plentiful gilt…