Wijk bij Duurstede: Viking-Age Trading Post on the Lower Rhine
Wijk bij Duurstede has about 17,465 residents and lies in the province of Utrecht where the Lower Rhine splits into the Lek and the Kromme Rijn. The town occupies the site of Dorestad, one of the most important trading settlements in early medieval northwestern Europe. Dorestad flourished between the 7th and 9th centuries before Viking raids and shifting river courses led to its decline. Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive remains from this period.
The current town dates from the late medieval period. Kasteel Duurstede, a partly ruined castle with a striking round tower, overlooks the old town from the riverbank. The Grote Kerk and the narrow streets around the Markt form a compact historic centre. The Lek river ferry connects Wijk bij Duurstede to Beusichem across the water. The surrounding Kromme Rijnstreek is agricultural, with orchards and dairy farms.
Utrecht is about 20 kilometres west. Amerongen lies roughly 8 kilometres east. Culemborg is approximately 10 kilometres south across the Lek.
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Wijk bij Duurstede has about 17,465 residents and lies in the province of Utrecht where the Lower Rhine splits into the Lek and the Kromme Rijn. The town occupies the site of Dorestad, one of the most important trading settlements in early medieval northwestern Europe. Dorestad flourished between the 7th and 9th centuries before Viking raids and shifting river courses led to its decline. Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive remains from this period.
The current town dates from the late medieval period. Kasteel Duurstede, a partly ruined castle with a striking round tower, overlooks the old town from the riverbank. The Grote Kerk and the narrow streets around the Markt form a compact historic centre. The Lek river ferry connects Wijk bij Duurstede to Beusichem across the water. The surrounding Kromme Rijnstreek is agricultural, with orchards and dairy farms.
Utrecht is about 20 kilometres west. Amerongen lies roughly 8 kilometres east. Culemborg is approximately 10 kilometres south across the Lek.
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