Castles to visit in the Netherlands

Throughout history there have been many castles in the Netherlands. Lots of them have unfortunately gone to ruin. However, if you’re looking for your fix of pixie dust and cool stories, a few castles remain that will still give you that magical experience. Although our next-door neighbor Germany is most famous for it’s castles, we have a few of our own that you should put on your to do list for the Netherlands! During my recent travels through my own charming country, I had the pleasure of visiting several of these castles, each offering a unique glimpse into the past. Let me take you on a journey through some of the most captivating castles in the Netherlands, where medieval history, stunning architecture, and serene landscapes combine to create an unforgettable experience.These are my five favorite castles in the Netherlands.

De Haar Castle

My adventure began at Kasteel de Haar, the largest and most opulent castle in the Netherlands, located just outside of Utrecht. As I approached the castle, I was immediately struck by its fairy-tale-like appearance, with its soaring turrets, drawbridges, and a moat that seemed straight out of a storybook. The castle’s history dates back to the 13th century, but it was extensively restored and expanded in the late 19th century by the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. De Haar castle is about an hour away from Amsterdam and only 30 min. from Utrecht. This castle is very rich in stories! It was once owned by family van Zuylen and celebrities like Coco Chanel and Richard Moore used to visit the castle. If you’re not convinced yet, the cheesecake in the restaurant is too die for!

Practical info: Opening hours: Castle is open Monday-Sunday from 11:00-17:00. The garden is open from 9:00. Enttance fee: Adults: € 16,00, Children from 4-11: €10,00.

Muiderslot/ Castle Muiden

Muiderslot is one of the Netherlands oldest Medieval castles. The Middle Ages weren’t a great time for mankind, but they sure left us with some pretty castles. Throughout the years the Muiden castle has had different functions. This medieval fortress sits at the mouth of the Vecht River and has played a crucial role in the country’s history since its construction in the 13th century. The castle’s strategic location made it an important stronghold, and it has seen its fair share of battles and sieges over the centuries. There are a few different tours you can take in the castle that highlight its history and occasionally there is also a falconer in the garden.

Practical info: Entrance fee: Adults: € 15,50, Children from 4-11: €9,00. See website for opening hours as it changes per season.

Castle Duurstede

The quaint little town ‘wijk bij Duurstede’ is home to a few castles, but this one is the most famous. There isn’t lots to do in the town, but most tourists come here to walk or cycle. This town is near Utrecht and can be reached by taking a bus from Utrecht Central Station. Castle Duurstede originates from the Middle Ages. These days the castle can be booked for weddings or events and the castle now hosts a cafe where you can enjoy a nice drink.

Practical info: Open from 27 march-1 november on Tuesday until Sunday, but subject able to change when they have events.

Loevestein Castle

Every time I looked up pictures of this place, I felt a little underwhelmed by Loevesteins looks. However, in real life the castle is beautiful! That’s why I really wanted to get a different perspective to show you the beautiful surroundings. Loevestein castle is famous for it’s role in Dutch history and specifically because of the escape of one individual. Hugo Grotius (in Dutch: Hugo de Groot) was sentenced to life imprisonment during a religious dispute in the Netherlands. He was locked up in this castle, but his family send him lots of books to read. The books were delivered in a big chest. Hugo de Groot managed to escape by hiding himself in the chest. This is probably one the most well known castles in the Netherlands.

Practical info: Check the website for opening hours, because it differs per month. Entrance fee: Adults: € 13,50, Children from 4-18: €9,00 and children from 0-3: free.

Heeswijk Castle

Heeswijk castle looks like it came straight out of a story book. They restored the castle in 2000 and it reopened as a museum. I found this castle to be one of the prettiest in the Netherlands, but somehow it’s not among the most famous ones. It ones started as a wooden fort around 1000-1100. Throughout time it’s been destroyed in wars and rebuild, until finally in 1835 it was sold to baron André van den Bogaerde who restored it to an expansive Medieval castle.

Practical info: The café and castle are open to public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. Entrance fee: Adults: € 10, Children 4-18: €6,00