Beautiful castles in the Netherlands to visit

The Netherlands has many beautiful castles and each one has its own story. Fortunately, a lot of those castles can also be visited! In this blog we take you to all the beautiful castles in the Netherlands. Just make sure to reserve tickets prior to your castle visit.

Castle de Haar

Last summer we went to Castle de Haar with the kids. They enjoyed a fun scavenger hunt. If you visit this beautiful castle in Haarzuilens without children or with older children, you can also opt for a guided tour. Castle de Haar was built in the mid-thirteenth century and is therefore a medieval castle. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed in 1492 because of a feud between the bishop and the city of Utrecht. In the fifteenth century, the castle was rebuilt and took the form in which it can be seen today. In the 19th century it was completely renovated and although the castle looked medieval on the outside, on the inside it was actually very modern for its time. Not even the queen had so many luxuries! Highly recommended to visit.

The Muiderslot

The Muiderslot was built in 1285 by the Dutch Count Floris V. Because of its strategic location, the castle became a real defensive fortress. During a hunting party, Floris was kidnapped and murdered by his own nobles. They also destroyed his castle. Fortunately, the castle was then restored, strengthened and expanded as can be seen today. Many original pieces have been preserved and can be admired during one of the guided tours. The tours there are fun because they include many facts and humor. There is also a tour for children including a fun scavenger hunt. The gardens and the falconry show are also worth visiting. You will feel at home in the Middle Ages for a while! You will find the Muiderslot in Muiden in the province of North Holland.

Doorwerth Castle

Not only is Doorwerth Castle itself worth visiting, it is also beautifully located. You can enjoy hiking and biking there, so pick a nice day to go. The castle was built in 1280 and expanded in the 15th century. In 1560, Doorwerth Castle looked pretty much as we know it today. Unfortunately, the castle has not been well maintained over the years, and in 1944 it was even almost completely destroyed during the Battle of Arnhem.

Ironically, only the prison remained completely intact, complete with its infamous spiked ceiling. Part of the kitchen was also spared. In the 1950s it was decided to restore the castle to its former state. That took no less than 37 years! Besides a guided tour and a museum, there is also a fun and educational scavenger hunt for children and you can buy delicious local produce in the castle store. You can find Doorwerth Castle in Gelderland near the village of Doorwerth and Arnhem.

Castle Hoensbroek

In Limburg you will find the beautiful castle Hoensbroek. We have been there while on vacation just across the border from Belgium. Kasteel Hoensbroek is a beautiful and especially large castle. It is the best preserved and best accessible castle in the Netherlands. The oldest part of the castle dates back to 1360! Children can have fun with a treasure hunt in which they are given a magnifying glass and a notebook. They can also feel certain things, such as cannonballs, swords and chain mail. They can also dress up. There are also plenty of fun things to do in the outdoor area, such as medieval games. The surroundings are also beautiful and when the weather is nice it is great to walk around this castle.

Castle ruins Valkenburg

Also in Limburg, you will find the castle ruins of Valkenburg. These are the remains of the once imposing Kasteel Valkenburg aan de Geul that dates back to the 11th century. Because the castle is located high up, from the castle you have a beautiful view of the cozy town of Valkenburg. Because of its massive destruction, the castle has become an open-air castle, so keep an eye on the weather reports if you want to visit the ruins. The various rooms and halls have signs indicating what they used to be for. A visit to the castle ruins is also great fun for children because they can do the free ruins scavenger hunt. If you visit this place, also visit the velvet caves on which the escape corridors of the castle ended. These caves also played a big role later, in World War II.

Heeswijk Castle

Kasteel Heeswijk is the most beautiful castle in Brabant and stands in a place where many battles were fought. Therefore, this castle, mentioned as early as 1156, has an eventful history. Since that time, many Brabant nobles have lived in the castle. Very occasionally it was open to the public, until in the year 2000 the doors opened permanently. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday the castle and the castle brasserie “Het Koetshuis” are open to the public. You can book a guided tour with or without a package. During school vacations, the castle is also open on Mondays. Check the website for the exact days. Furthermore, the castle is a beautiful wedding location and a venue for parties and celebrations. It doesn’t matter if you have a big or a small party to celebrate.

Doornenburg Castle

Gelderland’s Doornenburg Castle is a truly sturdy, medieval family castle. It offers fun guided tours that are also easy for children to understand and hosts many events. Think of knight tournaments, the fairy tale festival and concerts. Doornenburg Castle is already mentioned in the 9th century and then served as a defensive castle against the Normans. The location of the castle is also special as it was built exactly at the junction of the Rhine and Waal rivers. Around the castle there is plenty to do and nature is beautiful, it is almost a magical place. In World War II, the castle was destroyed twice by air raids, but fortunately it has been fully restored. Combine your visit to the castle with Speeltuin Doornenburg so the kids can have a great time and you have a beautiful view of the castle.

Castle Loevestein

In Poederoijen, Gelderland (municipality of Zaltbommel) you will find the beautiful Slot Loevestein. This 650-year-old castle has had many functions, including that of a state prison. The castle was also in the hands of the Spanish occupiers for two years during the Eighty Years’ War because of its strategic location. The Water Beggars regained control of the castle through a ruse.

In 1572, Willen of Orange decided to additionally fortify the castle with ramparts and a moat. Thus the state prison was created. However, no normal criminals were imprisoned here, but political and religious dissenters. The most famous prisoner was Hugo de Groot, who managed to escape spectacularly in a book chest in 1621. The funny thing is, the castle has turned this event into an exciting attraction. In fact, there is an escape room in the castle! In addition, guided tours are given, weddings can be held, you can spend a romantic night in one of four rooms and all kinds of fun events are organized.