Utrecht is bursting with cozy hotspots, but there is one location that has been stealing the hearts of locals and visitors since 1898: Wilhelminapark. Designed in the classic English landscape style, this monumental city park in Utrecht-Oost (Utrecht East) is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are looking for a brisk walk, a touch of culture, or a fine dining experience, this park truly has something for everyone.

Want to make the most of your visit? We have lined up the best tips for the loveliest and most beautiful park in Utrecht.

1. Admire the Monumental Trees and the Pond
Wilhelminapark is famous for its stately atmosphere. At the heart of the park lies a large, picturesque pond featuring an impressive fountain. Take a stroll around the water and pause to admire the ancient trees. Some of the oaks and beeches have been here since the park first opened, offering the perfect shaded canopy on a warm summer day.

2. Discover Hidden History
The park is steeped in history. Keep an eye out for the characteristic central sundial, or look for the ‘Wilhelmina Tree’, which was planted in 1898 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina. The former tea pavilion and the historic bathing carriage house also serve as beautiful reminders of the rich past of this Utrecht gem.

3. Culinary Delights by the Water
A visit to Utrecht’s most beautiful park isn’t complete without a culinary break. Nestled in the greenery, with stunning views over the pond, you will find Restaurant Wilhelminapark. Here, you can enjoy refined dishes in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Whether you opt for a leisurely 3- or 4-course lunch during your walk, or a romantic dinner at sunset, the seasonally-inspired menu changes regularly.

4. Perfect for a Summer Picnic or a Run
Feeling active? The park’s outer path is ideal for a jog under the trees. Prefer to take it easy? Bring a blanket. The spacious lawns surrounding the pond are the place in Utrecht for a cozy picnic with friends or to read a book in peace.

5. Combine Your Visit with the Maliebaan
Wilhelminapark directly borders the Maliebaan, one of the oldest and widest avenues in the Netherlands. After your stroll through the park, you can easily walk onto this grand avenue, which leads you past stunning mansions toward the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) or the bustling city center.

Wilhelminapark is worth a visit in every season. From the fresh blossoms of spring and balmy summer evenings to the golden leaves of autumn, this green oasis rightfully remains the most beautiful park in Utrecht. Will we see you on our terrace soon for a well-deserved lunch after your walk?

Staring for hours at a whiteboard in a chilly, gray office space: we all know it. Often the walls fly at you after a while and the inspiration runs out. Luckily, that can be done differently. More and more companies are discovering the power of ‘meeting in the green’. But why does a meeting or brainstorming session in a natural environment actually work so much better?

Away from the daily hustle and bustle and surrounded by nature, the best ideas arise. We put the most important advantages in a row for you.

1. More creativity and better focus
Nature has a proven positive effect on our brain. Scientific research shows that a green environment improves cognitive functions. It lowers the stress level and ensures that we process information better. Instead of stuck thinking patterns, the peace of the park provides fresh focus and creative insights. Making big decisions or brainstorming out-of-the-box? In the green, it goes almost by itself.

2. A relaxed and open atmosphere
A different environment does something to the dynamics in a team. As soon as the formal office atmosphere falls away, space arises for openness. Conversations flow more smoothly and the mutual connection grows. Whether it concerns a business training, a strategic session, or a teambuilding day; meeting in the green brings the informal, constructive atmosphere that is needed for real result.

3. Fresh nose during the break
The big advantage of a meeting in a park environment is the possibility to step outside for a moment in between. Instead of a break at the coffee machine, you walk straight into nature for a short walk. A fresh nose between the presentations through recharges the battery in no-time again, because of which the well-known ‘afternoon dip’ stays away.

Meeting tailor-made at Restaurant Wilhelminapark
Are you looking for the perfect location for a business meeting in Utrecht? In the middle of the monumental Wilhelminapark, we combine peace, space, and professional hospitality. Our location offers an inspiring view over the greenery and the pond, while the city center of Utrecht is still surprisingly close by.

We unburden your team from A to Z with modern facilities and a high-quality culinary implementation. From a welcome with coffee and luxury delicacies to an extensive 3- or 4-course lunch to recharge the battery again: our menu changes regularly and moves along with the seasons. Close the intensive meeting day off with an informal drink with our unique drink packages and bites, or slide cozy at the table for a refined dinner.

Behind every menu lies a story, and behind every dish lies the passion of the kitchen. If you ask our head chef about his absolute favorite, he doesn’t have to think twice. While some might opt for a tender steak or a refined vegetarian masterpiece, our chef’s heart belongs to the south of France. His absolute favorite dish? A rich, steaming, and authentic bouillabaisse.

To him, this classic French fish soup is not just another item on the menu; it is pure nostalgia, craftsmanship and a love for fresh ingredients, all captured in a single bowl.

The secret to the perfect broth

A great bouillabaisse stands or falls by its base. “It’s a process that requires patience,” the chef explains with a smile. The base of our soup is simmered from a rich blend of fish bones, fresh herbs, fennel, juicy tomatoes, and a generous splash of pastis to add that subtle, signature hint of anise. We owe its deep, golden-orange color to carefully selected saffron.

For hours, the kitchen fills with the aromas of the Mediterranean, long before the soup even reaches the table. The result is a robust, velvety broth that offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herbal flavors.

Caught daily, prepared with love

Originally, bouillabaisse was a humble fisherman’s stew, made by the fishermen of Marseille using the catch they couldn’t sell at the market. Today, it is a true delicacy. Every morning, our chef personally selects the finest fish from our local suppliers.

“An authentic bouillabaisse deserves nothing but the very best ingredients. No frozen stock, but real, day-fresh fish,” says the chef.”

In our version, you will find a rich variety of fish and shellfish. Think of firm pieces of cod, tender red mullet, king prawns, and mussels. Each type of seafood is cooked separately and timed to the exact second, ensuring the texture remains perfect and the fish melts in your mouth.

Come and taste it in our restaurant

Whether you are a seasoned lover of French cuisine or simply looking for a heartwarming dinner, our chef’s bouillabaisse is a must-try. It is the ultimate dish to take your time over during a cozy night out, paired with a fine glass of wine.

Will you be joining us soon to taste our chef’s passion? Reserve your table today and let us take you on a culinary journey to the French coast.