Looking inside a castle

Have you ever wondered what life was like in a real castle? How the inhabitants slept, ate and worked there? In the Netherlands, many castles open their doors to curious visitors. From medieval dungeons to stately ballrooms. A visit is a special experience and often fun for the whole family.

Step into another world

Walk into a castle and you immediately notice it. Cool stone walls, creaking wooden beams and that special smell of the past. The halls feel quiet and serene. For children, it’s extra magical. They immediately run around like knights or damsels and discover the hallways full of secrets.

From dungeon to ballroom

What makes castles so fascinating is the enormous variety of spaces. You come across dungeons and cellars, as well as stately reception rooms, salons and dining rooms. Take Hoensbroek castle. There you will find both a dark tower with dungeons and an elegant hall of a later date. These contrasts show how castles grew and changed over the centuries.

In the dungeons, you see the austere side of castle life. Narrow rooms and heavy chains make you imagine what it was like to stay there. On the other side are the reception rooms full of original furniture and art. In Castle de Haar, you can see in detail how a baron and baroness used to live. Each room tells a story about wealth, power and daily habits.

Hidden details and stories

Walk around at your own pace and pay attention to the small, noticeable details. Sometimes you will discover utensils or strange cutouts that have a funny or whimsical story attached to them. For example, there are castles where visitors were surprised by a very practical but bizarre custom from long-forgotten dinners. And, of course, ghost stories are not to be missed. Legends about residents who still haunt the castle add to the atmosphere and invite fantasy.

An outing for all ages

The administrators of the castles often know how to tell their history in an accessible way. For children, there are scavenger hunts, theme days and dress-up corners. For adults, there are themed tours, audio tours and exhibitions. Some castles give you a map or even a personal key upon entry, so you can walk around independently without rushing. That makes the visit ideal for families who don’t like set tour times.

The magic of original interiors

What makes Dutch castles extra special is that many interiors are still original. Furniture, paintings and accessories are unchanged or carefully restored to their original style. This allows you to really imagine how life used to be. In Amerongen Castle and De Haar Castle you will see rooms that are still furnished with items from the time of the last residents. That makes looking around extra lively.

Castles to admire from the inside

Below is a selection of castles in the Netherlands that can be visited publicly inside:

• Kasteel de Haar – Haarzuilens (Utrecht)
  Fairytale-like and richly decorated. Can be visited independently or with audio tour. Outside extensive gardens and mazes. Fun with children: treasure hunts and vacation workshops. Practical: park open all day.
• Castle Hoensbroek – Hoensbroek (Limburg)
  One of the largest castles in the Netherlands with furnished rooms, from kitchen to knight’s hall. Fun with kids: treasure hunts and theatrical activities. Practical: ample parking and tickets online.
• Rijksmuseum Muiderslot – Muiden
  Iconic castle on the river Vecht. Audio tours, herb garden and drawbridge. Fun with kids: knight weekends and family tours. Practical: open daily in summer; modified hours in winter.
• Castle Ammersoyen – Ammerzoden
  Medieval and surprisingly accessible. Archaeological finds and educational trails. Fun for children: activity tables and dressing up boxes. Practical: opening in high season more often than out of season.
• Heeswijk Castle – Heeswijk-Dinther
  Dive into almost a thousand years of history with library, armory and period rooms. Fun with children: treasure hunts. Practical: often open from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Amerongen Castle – Amerongen
  Stately house with stories about noble inhabitants. Guides on weekdays, often free to explore on weekends. Fun with kids: puzzle book and garden activities.
• Castle Duivenvoorde – Voorschoten
  Inhabited castle museum with portraits and porcelain. Marot room and library are worth a visit. Practical: check opening hours in advance, sometimes different.
• Doorwerth Castle – Doorwerth
  Sturdy water castle with changing exhibitions. Combine inside viewing with a walk on the estate. Practical: usually open Tuesday through Sunday.
• Doornenburg Castle – Doornenburg
  Castle feeling and historical atmosphere. Fun for lovers of medieval castles and seasonal activities. Practical: opening hours may vary, especially in summer extra activities.
• Rosendael Castle – Rozendaal
  Castle with famous landscape garden full of surprises. Inside guided tours, outside the Bedriegertjes. Fun with children: knapsack walks and treasure hunts.
• Castle Loevestein – Poederoijen
  Historical and adventurous. Cells and fortress walls tell stories about Hugo de Groot and the Waterlinie. Fun with kids: soldier activities and fortress games. Practical: often open daily.

Practical tips for your visit

• Always check opening hours in advance and whether you need to reserve a time slot or ticket online.
• A Museum Year Card often pays off if you plan to visit several castles.
• Put on comfortable shoes. Stairs and uneven floors are common.
• Photos are usually allowed without flash. Follow the rules inside the castle.
• Take time for the park or garden. These are often just as worthwhile as the interior spaces.

The Netherlands has plenty of castles that open their doors where you can enjoy the castle’s imagination and history.

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa