Nature
A collection of places where you can relax & recreate in nature.
Botanical Gardens
Great for a visit in between classes, as all UU students have free access to the gardens- By Smaranda + 3
- Laura : “You can truly relax in the botanical gardens. It comes highly recommended whether you take a short stroll or stay there for hours.”
- Hau : “This is a wonderful place to take a walk or have lunch with your friends. Access is free for UU students.”
- Smaranda : “The botanic gardens are great for unwinding with nature walks, but also for studying outdoors in one of their comfy bean bags”
Griftpark
This park is a few minutes away from the the City Center University library and is a popular meeting spots for students.- By Laura + 4
- Miguel : “Best park in the city. Beautiful lake and animal farm inside where you can pet the animals.”
- Studentlife Team: “Griftpark has so much to offer, from a basketball court to skate park and a “city petting zoo”!”
- Laura : “The ideal place to have a BBQ with your friends in Utrecht, and you certainly won't be the only one!”
Wilhelminapark
This 122-year-old park is Utrecht's most favourite spot for a summer BBQ.- By Luiza + 1
- 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.”
- Luiza: “I have a soft spot for this place as many social events during my first year in Utrecht took place there.”
Park Oog in Al
Experience the enchanting allure of Park Oog in Al: a captivating city park with wildlife, historical traces, and a culinary oasis at Landhuis in de Stad.- By Lobke + 1
- Luiza: “It's a paradise for animal lovers, featuring a deer enclosure in the heart of the park. Additionally, the park is home to Landhuis in de Stad, a charming spot where you can enjoy excellent coffee and pastries.”
- Lobke: “This is a beautiful park in Lombok. I lived nearby and took many walks here during the pandemic. It is a place for all animal lovers, as there is a deer enclosure in the middle of the park with various animals. Additionally, the park is also home to Landhuis in de Stad, a place for great coffee and pastries.”
Juliana Park
Park, playground and zoo all in one!- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Benjamin: “Juliana Park is one of Utrecht's many parks, yet it stands out by offering a retreat from the noise of traffic and the city, all within a short distance from the city center. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it perfect for reading and escaping the stress of university life. In Juliana Park, you can feel at one with nature while still being in the heart of Utrecht.”
- 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.”
Fortress bij Rijnauwen
Together with Amelisweerd, this is Utrecht's most popular outdoor area.- By Nicole + 1
- Manu : “The fort itself is really nice, and I also like the woods around it. There are often playful sheep around the fort!”
- Nicole : “This is a favorite spot of mine because of the beautiful area with cozy cafes in the middle of nature. I enjoy going for a walk or a bike ride with friends here because of the peaceful surroundings.”
Juliana Park
Park, playground and zoo all in one!- By Benjamin + 1
- 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.”
- Benjamin: “Juliana Park is one of Utrecht's many parks, yet it stands out by offering a retreat from the noise of traffic and the city, all within a short distance from the city center. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it perfect for reading and escaping the stress of university life. In Juliana Park, you can feel at one with nature while still being in the heart of Utrecht.”
Nature Reserve Amelisweerd
Tip! Explore Amelisweerd with a canoe!- By Thomas + 1
- 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!”
- Thomas : “Living in the science park means living a bit far from the city but quite close to nature. Taking walks around the science park it is a good way to reconnect after a long week.”