Places Around Maastricht: In Den Ouden Vogelstruys

Type of Place: Cafe

Location: Vrijthof 15; 6211 LD Maastricht

Website

We always call it “the ostrich place” because I can’t pronounce the name, but In Den Ouden Vogelstruys is actually a famous cafe that some believe is the oldest in Maastricht. The building with the golden ostrich on it has been around since 1309 and it is believed that some sort of food was served out of this building as early at the 1700s. The name itself comes from an ostrich egg reliquary that was kept in the St. Servatius Church. Exotic in its day, the shell drew pilgrims from all over to see it.

In Den Ouden Vogelstruys is a typical Dutch cafe located directly on the Vrijthof. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike, which can sometimes make it difficult to find a table. I’ve only been there for coffee, but it has a nice atmosphere and the inside is cozy and dark for those days when it’s too cold or rainy to be outside. It is also the only cafe on the Vrijthof with a menu in the local dialect rather than Dutch. Fortunately it isn’t too difficult to figure out. Next time I visit, I’ll be sure to try the vlaai.

One Response to “Places Around Maastricht: In Den Ouden Vogelstruys”

1. Aledys Ver says:

   September 3, 2010 at 8:51 pm

   I remember reading about this place and then seeing it in person when we visited Maastricht two years ago. We didn’t go in, though. It sounds and looks quite interesting. You should definitely try their vlaai and/or their lunch or dinner menu to see if the oldest café in Maastricht is also the best café in the city!

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