Oudewater(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oudewater, recommend staying at Hotel De Kromme Watergang, a boutique hotel housed in a historic building near the city center. It offers spacious family rooms, child-friendly amenities, and access to nearby attractions like the Oudewater Museum and National Nature Park. The hotel features a charming courtyard and provides free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore the scenic countryside trails. Its blend of traditional Dutch architecture and modern comfort makes it ideal for families seeking an authentic rural experience.

The city center of Oudewater is the best area for accommodation, offering walkable access to major landmarks such as Sint Nicolaaskerk Church and Town Hall Square. This district is filled with cozy cafés, local shops, and restaurants, providing excellent daily convenience. Many accommodations here are housed in restored 18th-century buildings, giving guests a genuine taste of Dutch village life. For a quieter stay, consider areas near IJsselmeer Lake, where peaceful lakeside views and nature trails enhance your retreat.

Visitors to Oudewater should attend the annual Traditional Farming Festival, where locals dress in 19th-century costumes and demonstrate ploughing, straw weaving, and artisanal cheese-making. The Oudewater Agricultural Museum offers hands-on workshops in milk production and butter churning. Additionally, the monthly Dutch Market features handmade ceramics, organic produce, and local honey—perfect for immersing in authentic rural Dutch culture.

Yes, Oudewater boasts an extensive network of cycling paths. A must-ride route follows the IJsselmeer coastline, offering stunning views of wetlands and migrating birds. The path passes through De Keson Forest and Berkel Lake, with well-placed rest stops and scenic viewpoints. Many hotels, including Hotel De Kromme Watergang, provide complimentary bike rentals, enabling easy exploration of this region known as the "Green Lung of the Netherlands".

Try Alkmaar cheese and homemade vanilla shortbread cookies, both specialties of the region. At the Market Square, sample fresh fried fish and chips (frikandel) and hearty stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables). Many guesthouses offer a "Country Breakfast Box" with locally baked bread, preserves, and farm-fresh eggs—ideal for experiencing true Dutch rural cuisine.

Must-see landmarks include Sint Nicolaaskerk Church, a 14th-century Gothic church whose tower dominates the skyline. Another highlight is the Old Town Hall (Oude Raadhuis), now a cultural center showcasing medieval agriculture and regional art. Also visit Brouwer's House, a well-preserved 17th-century timber-framed home displaying original furniture and daily life artifacts from the Dutch countryside.

Absolutely! Oudewater offers stunning photo opportunities with its preserved rural charm. Capture misty mornings along the canals, golden fields during harvest season, or sunsets over the De Keson Forest. Key spots include the stone bridge, the old windmill (Molen van Oudewater), and cherry blossom-lined pathways in spring. Some guesthouses even offer guided photography tours to hidden gems and seasonal lightscapes.

Evenings in Oudewater are peaceful and magical. Join the monthly Stargazing Lecture at the Town Hall Square, hosted by astronomers explaining northern constellations. Some hotels, like Hotel De Kromme Watergang, organize bonfire nights with hot chocolate and folk storytelling. For music lovers, visit Het Oude Theatertje for live acoustic folk performances reflecting local traditions.

Despite being a small town, Oudewater has excellent transport links. Trains from Utrecht arrive every 20 minutes, making it easily accessible. The town center is pedestrian-friendly with no car lanes, and a comprehensive bicycle network covers all major routes. Electric bike-sharing services are available, and most hotels offer free parking for self-drive visitors. The surrounding roads are also well-connected for day trips.

The ideal times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). Spring brings blooming cherry trees and golden rape fields, while autumn features harvest festivals and rich foliage. Summer can be warm but occasionally rainy; winter is chilly but festive, especially during the December Saint Nicholas Market. Avoid public holidays for a more tranquil experience.