If you’re an avid traveler looking for a destination that’s rich in history and culture, the Netherlands should be high on your list. This small country is home to some of the best-preserved castles in all of Europe. Here are the most impressive castles in the Netherlands that are worth adding to your itinerary.
People who like to travel should go to the Netherlands for a ton of reasons – one of the big ones is the country’s unique historical architecture. There are several castles there that are interesting for history lovers.
The Netherlands is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved castles in all of Europe, which makes it a great destination for travelers looking for a dose of history and culture. In addition, the castles in the Netherlands are often located in picturesque settings, adding to their charm.
Best Castles in the Netherlands to Visit
Let’s get into the best castles in Holland to add to your itinerary when visiting this amazing country!
See Related: 26 Most Famous Historical Landmarks in the Netherlands
1. De Haar Castle (Castle De Haar)
The imposing De Haar Castle is the largest castle in Holland. It is located in the province of Utrecht, near the city of Haarzuilens.
The castle was originally built in the 13th Century, but it has been extensively renovated and remodeled over the years. Today, it is a magnificent sight to behold, with its towering turrets and spires.
To see the beauty of the castle you must get a De Haar Castle ticket with a park entrance ticket.
The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the exterior. There are numerous rooms and halls which have been beautifully decorated with tapestries, paintings, and furniture from centuries past. The castle is also home to a large collection of armor and weapons.
There are plenty of things to do at De Haar Castle. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take a tour of the interior of the castle, or simply enjoy the view from one of the many turrets.
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2. Castle Hoensbroek
Hoensbroek Castle is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. It is located in Limburg province, near the city of Heerlen.
The castle was originally built in the 13th Century, but it has been extensively renovated and remodeled over the years. Today, it is a magnificent sight to behold, with its massive size and sprawling grounds.
The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the exterior. There are numerous rooms and halls which have been beautifully decorated with tapestries, paintings, and furniture from centuries past. The castle is also home to a large collection of armor and weapons.
There are plenty of things to do at Hoensbroek Castle. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, take a tour of the interior of the castle, or simply enjoy the view from one of the many turrets.
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3. Kasteel Huis Bergh
Huis Bergh is a castle in ‘s-Heerenberg and is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. It is an important tourist attraction because it is a well-preserved example of a late medieval castle and its historic art collection is one of the largest in the country.
The castle was built in the 13th Century and has been owned by the Count’s van Bergh since then.
The castle is open to the public and can be toured. It is also available for events such as weddings, meetings, and other celebrations.
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4. Heeswijk Castle
Heeswijk Castle is a moated castle near Heeswijk in the Dutch province of North Brabant.
The castle has a long history and was first built in the 13th Century. It has been rebuilt and renovated several times since then. Today, it’s open to the public for tours and events.
If you’re interested in visiting Heeswijk Castle, you can take a tour of the castle, or attend one of the many events that are held there.
If you’re traveling to Heeswijk Castle from Amsterdam, you can take the train to Den Bosch and then take a bus to Heeswijk Castle.
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5. Muiderslot
Muiden Castle is a castle in the Netherlands that is located at the mouth of the Vecht River. It is one of the better-known castles in the Netherlands and has been featured in many television shows that are set in the Middle Ages.
Muiderslot Castle has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was built by Count Floris V as a Motte-and-bailey castle. The castle changed hands a few times over the years, but it was eventually acquired by the city of Amsterdam in 1885.
The castle is built in the Gothic style and is surrounded by a moat. It has a drawbridge, a keep, towers, and outer walls. There are also several gardens on the grounds.
If you’re interested in visiting Muiderslot, there are a few things you should know. First, the castle is only open to the public from April to October. Second, there is an admission fee. Lastly, there are a number of guided tours available in both Dutch and English.
The castle is open to visitors and offers a variety of activities, including guided tours, children’s activities, and a museum. Muiden Castle is a popular destination for both Dutch and international tourists.
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6. Loevestein Castle
Loevestein Castle is a medieval castle in the municipality of Zaltbommel, Gelderland, the Netherlands. The castle was built by the knight Dirk Loef of Horne between 1357 and 1397.
It served as part of the Hollandic Water Line, the main Dutch defense line that was based on flooding an area of land south and east of the western provinces.
The castle is now used as a medieval museum and function center.
7. Doornenburg Castle
Doornenburg Castle is a well-preserved 13th-century castle located in the province of Gelderland, in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The castle consists of the main castle and a front castle which are connected by a small wooden bridge.
Doornenburg Castle was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. The Germans were thought to have blown it up, but it had actually been hit by a British bombardment in March 1945.
It is one of the biggest and most beautiful castles in the Netherlands. The castle has many features that make it unique, such as the beautiful gardens, the many turrets and towers, and the view of the river from the top of the castle.
If you are interested in visiting Castle Doornenburg, there is a small entrance fee. However, it is definitely worth it to see this luxurious castle!
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8. Doorwerth Castle
Doorwerth Castle is a beautiful medieval castle built in 1402 and is located on the river Rhine in the Netherlands. The castle is surrounded by picturesque forests and gardens, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in history and architecture.
Doorwerth Castle is one of the many Dutch castles that suffered massive damage during the Second World War but has since been preserved and is an underrated tourist attraction.
There are also some great restaurants and cafes near the castle, so it’s a perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.
If you’re visiting the Netherlands, Doorwerth Castle is definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the best castles in the country and it’s a great place to learn about Dutch history and culture.
9. Kasteel Ammersoyen (Ammersoyen Castle)
Ammersoyen Castle is a beautiful castle located in the Netherlands. It was built in the 1350s, and it is a great place to visit if you are interested in castles. The castle is surrounded by a moat, and it is a great place to explore.
The precise origin of the castle is uncertain; some sources claim it was built as early as the 12th Century. The majority of experts, however, believe that the Van Herlaer family completed the castle in the 1350s.
The castle was constructed along a branch of the Maas River. The river was rerouted shortly after the castle’s completion, leaving it encircled by a moat.
There are also a lot of great photo opportunities at the castle. If you are interested in visiting castles, then Ammersoyen Castle is definitely one that you should add to your list.
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10. Zuylen Castle
Zuylen Castle is a beautiful castle that is located in Utrecht, Netherlands. The ruins of the castle are situated on the river Vecht at the southern extremity of the Vechtstreek.
The castle was originally built in the 13th Century by Lord van Suilen en Anholt as a simple donjon. In 1422 during the Hook and Cod Wars, the castle was completely demolished. In 1510 rebuilding started.
In 1752, the castle was modified for the last time. The tapestry by the Delft carpet weaver Maximiliaan van der Gught is one of the main attractions in Zuylen Castle. Its past inhabitants include Steven van der Hagen and Belle van Zuylen.
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11. Paleis het Loo
Paleis het Loo is a popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands, thanks to its beautiful architecture and rich history. The palace was originally built in 1684-1686 as a tribute to William of Orange and his wife Queen Mary III of England.
These days, it’s an international museum open to the public, with exhibits featuring furniture, art, and other artifacts from the Orange-Nassau dynasty.
The palace also has its own library dedicated to the dynasty, as well as an official Dutch order for knightly orders. If you’re interested in Dutch history, Paleis het Loo is definitely worth a visit.
12. Radboud Castle
Radboud Castle is a castle on the east bank of the harbor in Medemblik, North Holland.
The castle was commissioned by Floris V, Count of Holland, and was completed before the St. Lucia’s Flood of 13 December 1287. The castle is among the best places to visit in the Netherlands.
On 24 June 1517, the castle saved some of the Medemblik townsfolk from the raids of Grutte Pier and his Arumer Zwarte Hoop (a band of marauding pirates).
On 12 August 1588, the castle surrendered to Diederik Sonoy and the Geuzen.
The defensive function of the castle was reduced with the building of walls around the city of Medemblik in 1572. Due to both dismantling and lack of maintenance, there was attrition of the castle buildings. However, the castle has been restored and is now a museum.
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13. Duurstede Castle
Duurstede Castle is a medieval castle in Wijk bij Duurstede in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands. The castle was first built in the 11th Century and has been rebuilt and added to over the years.
Today, the castle is open to visitors, who can explore the grounds and the inside of the castle.
The easiest way to get to Duurstede Castle from Amsterdam is by taking the train to Wijk bij Duurstede. The castle is a short walk from the train station.
If you’re visiting the Netherlands and are interested in castles, Duurstede Castle is definitely worth a visit. The castle is located in a beautiful town and has a lot of history. Plus, it’s easy to access from Amsterdam.
14. Castle Rijckholt
Castle Rijckholt is a small but beautiful castle that is located in Limburg province, near the city of Roermond. The castle was originally built in the 14th Century, and it has been beautifully preserved over the centuries.
The interior of the castle is quite simple, but it is still very charming. There are a few rooms that have been decorated with tapestries and paintings. The castle also houses a small collection of armor and weapons.
There are a few things to do at Castle Rijckholt. Visitors can take a tour of the interior of the castle, or they can simply enjoy the view from the outside. Either way, this castle is definitely worth a visit.
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15. Castle Teylingen
Castle Teylingen is a beautiful castle that is located in South Holland province, near the city of The Hague. The castle was originally built in the 17th Century, and it has been beautifully preserved over the years.
The interior of the castle is quite lavish, with many rooms and halls that are decorated with tapestries, paintings, and furniture from centuries past. The castle is also home to a large collection of armor and weapons.
There are plenty of things to do at Castle Teylingen. Visitors can take a tour of the interior of the castle, or they can simply enjoy the view from the outside. Either way, this castle is definitely worth a visit.
See Related: Most Beautiful Villages in the Netherlands
16. Duivenvoorde Castle
Duivenvoorde Castle is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist destinations for a reason – its architecture is strikingly beautiful and unique, and its history is intriguing.
The castle has been inhabited since the 13th Century and has undergone many alterations and renovations over the years.
Today, it’s a fascinating place to visit, with plenty of charm and character. Plus, its location – just a short drive from Amsterdam – makes it easy to get to.
17. Valkenburg Castle
Valkenburg Castle is located in the province of Limburg, in the southeast of the Netherlands. It was first built in 1150, making it one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands.
The castle was destroyed in 1672 by city holder Willem III and has been left as a ruin for tourists to explore. The castle is situated on the hills and offers beautiful views over the Geul valley.
It’s an ideal location for day trips, and there are plenty of other beautiful castles in Holland to visit too.
18. Breda Castle
The castle of Breda is located in the province of North Brabant, in the south of the Netherlands. It was built in 1225 by Count Hendrik I, and it has been occupied by many different families over the centuries.
The castle is currently owned by the municipality of Breda, and it is open to the public. The castle has a beautiful garden, and it is surrounded by a moat.
If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam, Breda Castle is worth a visit to explore other places in the Netherlands.
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Final Thoughts
There are many Dutch castles for avid travelers to visit. Some of the best ones include De Haar Castle, Muiderslot Castle, and Loevestein Castle.
These castles offer a unique glimpse into Dutch history and culture. They are also all beautiful fortresses that provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, be sure to add at least one of these Dutch castles to your list.
They all offer something unique and special, whether it’s the history and culture behind them or their stunning architecture and views. No matter which castle you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable time checking the attractions in the Netherlands.
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FAQ
Does the Netherlands have castles?
Yes, the Netherlands has several beautiful castles, with De Haar Castle being the most luxurious while Muiden Castle is the most fortified manor with its impressive moat.
Are there castles in Holland?
Yes, there are pretty impressive castles in Holland, including castles from the middle ages to the late medieval period that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
The magnificent aforementioned De Haar Castle is the most magnificent and opulent manor in the Netherlands, located not far from Haarzuilen in Utrecht. A church was built on-site, which is now encircled by gardens.
Although it was destroyed in a fire during the early 15th century, the castle was rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. The castle is now a popular tourist destination for those who want to explore Dutch history and architecture.
Hans Brinker House is located in Amsterdam and is known for its windmill, which is a major landmark in the city. It was originally built as a private home in 1624 but was turned into a museum dedicated to Hans Brinker, a fictional character who became famous for his novel The Silver Skates.
The museum features interactive exhibits about life in the Netherlands during the 19th Century.
What is the largest castle in the Netherlands?
De Haar Castle is Holland’s largest castle and is situated just outside Utrecht and a half-hour drive. The de Haar castle offers the typical features of castles: spires, turrets, moats, gates, and bridges.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance to visit a castle in the Netherlands?
Yes, it is always a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. This will ensure that you get into the castle of your choice and avoid any sold-out days.
What is the best time to visit castles in the Netherlands?
The best time to visit castles in the Netherlands is during the spring or summer. This is when the weather is the nicest and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the castle’s features.
Plus, there are usually more events and activities taking place during these months.
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