The Oudegracht and Its Water-Level Wharves

The Oudegracht crosses the centre of Utrecht from north to south and has something no other canal in the country has: two levels. At street level, shops and bridges; below, beside the water, the wharves (werven) where goods were unloaded, with vaulted cellars that run under the street. Many are now restaurants, cafés and terraces at water level.

The walk

Walk the whole length from north to south, from the Oudaen tower house to the Tolsteegbrug, going down to the wharves by the steps next to the bridges. It is about two kilometres. The Schuttevaer boats leave beside the Viebrug. At dusk, with the cellars lit up, is when the atmosphere of the city is most noticeable.