Nature
A collection of places where you can relax & recreate in nature.
Wilhelminapark
This 122-year-old park is Utrecht's most favourite spot for a summer BBQ.- By Studentlife Team + 3
- Kees: “I have a very sweet dog who I love to walk and play with. When we go to the Wilhelmina Park together, she is as happy as a pup and runs/swims after everything.”
- Jiani : “We held our Welcome Week at this park, and there was plenty of space for a variety of outdoor activities. You can bring a blanket for a picnic, and there is also a beautiful view of the pond and trees, making it an exceptional place to enjoy a good time with friends in good weather! I met my classmates here, enjoyed some beer, and soaked up the sun on a lovely afternoon.”
- Studentlife Team: “It is a perfect spot for a date or quality time with friends. Located between the International Campus and the city centre, Wilhelminapark is always full of students having picnics or going for walks. In the summer you should definitely try ice cream from Vorst, which is just around the corner.”
Botanical Gardens
Great for a visit in between classes, as all UU students have free access to the gardens- By Hau + 7
- Stephan: “When the weather is nice, I like to come here and enjoy the beautiful gardens and the good weather.”
- Sarthak: “Hard to believe that such a place is right in the university! It's a perfect spot to go for a walk or chill with classmates, especially during the summer. Plus, it has the butterfly room.”
- Hau : “This is a wonderful place to take a walk or have lunch with your friends. Access is free for UU students.”
Griftpark
This park is a few minutes away from the the City Center University library and is a popular meeting spots for students.- By Ingmar + 5
- Studentlife Team: “Griftpark has so much to offer, from a basketball court to skate park and a “city petting zoo”!”
- Thomas : “A beautiful park, perfect for a picnic with friends. It also has an interesting history. Until 1960, it was the most polluted place in Utrecht due to the gas factory that was built there.”
- Ingmar: “Contrary to other parks in Utrecht, Griftpark entertains all walks of life from your casual dog walker to skater and basketball enthusiast. ”
Juliana Park
Park, playground and zoo all in one!- By Berne + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Visiting this park is the best way to reconnect with nature and boost your well-being by surrounding yourself with animals like chickens, sheep, and ducks.”
- Panagiota: “This is a park that you can enjoy all year round. The park has also several fenced areas that are home to a diverse fauna, including deers, llamas, pigs, and different kinds of birds!”
- Berne: “In every season the juliana park is a nice place to walk. And in the summer you can have a picnic among the chickens”
Nature Reserve Amelisweerd
Tip! Explore Amelisweerd with a canoe!- By Vito + 3
- Jamal: “It gives me the space to empty my head once in a while.”
- Valerie : “It's delightful to swim here in the summer! Besides, it's always nice to escape the city and take a walk to see adorable goats.”
- Vito : “In the summer it is really great to picnic here and swim in the Kromme Rijn. Bring a swimming ring and go with the flow!”
Juliana Park
Park, playground and zoo all in one!- By Berne + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Visiting this park is the best way to reconnect with nature and boost your well-being by surrounding yourself with animals like chickens, sheep, and ducks.”
- Panagiota: “This is a park that you can enjoy all year round. The park has also several fenced areas that are home to a diverse fauna, including deers, llamas, pigs, and different kinds of birds!”
- Berne: “In every season the juliana park is a nice place to walk. And in the summer you can have a picnic among the chickens”
Fortress bij Rijnauwen
Together with Amelisweerd, this is Utrecht's most popular outdoor area.- By Manu + 2
- Stephan: “I love to take a walk in the countryside and enjoy the beautiful weather.”
- Berne: “It’s hard to miss Fort Rijnauwen if you go on your morning runs around the forest in Amelisweerd. The history behind the walls adds a bit of character to the forest and its beautiful flora and fauna. The sunset walks there are amazing too, definitely check it out in the early months of May, when it’s the perfect weather”
- Manu : “The fort itself is really nice, and I also like the woods around it. There are often playful sheep around the fort!”