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Municipality in Utrecht, Netherlands
Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Oudewater is a lovely little town of 10,000 people (2019) in the Western Netherlands. Halfway between Utrecht and Gouda and once an important industrial center of the rope industry, this small place is both easily accessible and packed with historic charm.
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The 15th-century Waag, or weigh house, is also called the "witches' scale", as it was used to weigh women and determine whether or not they possessed witchcraft in the 16th to 18th century. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V gave the Oudewater Waag the privilege to perform such test, making it the only official with weight in Europe at that time. There's no proof of anyone ever being convicted for witchcraft here, though, and only a small number of women were weighed there to prove their innocence. Today, it's one of the town's main attractions. The top floor of the building is now a small museum, housing the witch weigh and offering "certificates" to visitors, confirming them to not be witches due to the test results.
The town's city hall was extensively renovated and renewed in 1887, but was built as early as 1588. On the roof there's a small bell tower, with a 1699 bell made by Pierre Hemony. The building is used for marriage ceremonies but otherwise not open to the public.
Rope Museum
This small museum has a nice collection on the product that was so vital for Oudewater's development: rope. It's closed in winter, but if you're willing to pay extra (about €25) they will often open, also in the evening (evening openings in weekend cost €50). Make sure to arrange any special openings in advance, however.
A boat trip through the compact network of canals in the city comes with a nice explanation of the historic buildings you pass. It's a fun and relaxing way to see the town and understand its history. The tours are carried out with small group boats, take about 40 minutes and leave opposite the tourist information center, which is the place to arrange them. It's best to make arrangements ahead if you want to join an English language tour.
This casual place serves French inspired dishes. You can either opt to have them in the form of a normal menu, or as a tapas menu, for which the same (but more) dishes come in small portions.
Nice bistro dishes. Vegetarian options are limited and waiting times between courses can be a bit on the long side, but all in all a popular place with many satisfied customers.
Part of the Hotel Abrona, the staff of this restaurant also consist in large parts of people with disabilities. The service is very friendly and enthusiastic and the food remarkably good.
This cosy hotel is run by people with mental disabilities, offering them a chance to learn skills that might allow them to work in the regular hotel world. Rooms are simple but well-maintained and the staff is very friendly. The hotel has 24 double rooms, all with private bathrooms and free wifi. There's also an on-site restaurant and room rates include breakfast.
Out of town, this is a good place for those who have their own means of transport or care for a hike. It's a lovely, family-run place with gardens around. The rooms are modernly decorated and the whole thing is housed in a historic farm building.
This traditional sweets store takes you back in time, both through its old interior and the traditional candies it sells. Some typical Oudewaternaatjes (chocolates) or witch hat licorice are a perfect gift to bring back home.
This third generation family-run bakery has several local delicacies for sale, some traditional ones and some reinvented, as well as a wide range of fresh breads.
The N228 passes right through Oudewater on its way from Utrecht to Gouda, and both cities are about a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, take the A12 highway from Utrecht, and exit Nieuwerbrug.
Read in the guideThe town is small and getting around is best done on foot. If you're coming here by car, you'll find plenty of free parking facilities in and directly around the center.
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Rotterdam · International · RTM
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