Over the centuries Dutch nobility builds many mighty and beautiful castles in the Netherlands. Definitely, a castle appeals to the imagination. Thus, entering a castle, makes you relive old times. For example, you can reenact kings and queens, princes and princesses, knights and damsels! Can you imagine anything more romantic? Well, the opposite might be closer to the truth as well. Because many historic castles did not survive the ravages of time.
Previously, in the turbulent past castles were destroyed during storms, floods, wars, and outbursts of popular anger. Fortunately, many a beautiful and impressive castle survived the test of time. Finally, the Dutch restored and rebuild their national heritage.
➔ Must See Holland – Castles in the Netherlands
Maintenance of a castle is a costly business. Subsequently, many a castle transforms into a museum, conference center, hotel, or festival location. Castle De Haar e.g. is famous for its fairy fairs. Moreover, you can rent many a castle for a wedding, business party, or in company training. We highly recommend a visit to a historic or modern Dutch castle. As I have said before, you do not want to miss it. To demonstrate the possibilities, we proudly present a list of the most beautiful and impressive castles in the Netherlands.
Castle de Haar at the village Haarzuilens is 10 km from Utrecht
This castle is one of the most famous beautiful and luxurious castles in the Netherlands. The famous architect Pierre Cuypers rebuilds the Castle in the 19th century. Since then, romantic gardens surround the property.
➔ Kasteel de Haar, Castle de Haar at the village Haarzuilen
➔ Where to stay near Castle de Haar?
➔ Book here Hotel Logement aan de Vecht, this is a beautiful residence on the banks of the river Vecht.
Castle Muiderslot at the village Muiden
You find Castle Muiderslot on the banks of a lake in the cute village of Muiden. The river Vecht runs through the center of the village and empties into the lake. In this case, a lock is needed to allow shipping to pass through to the lower hinterland. The lock is great fun. Subsequently, terraces and restaurants surround the lock in the middle of Muiden. In the summertime, hilarious moments play out here when amateur skippers move their boats north to the Ijsselmeer or south to the major rivers.
This castle Muiderslot dates back to the 13th century. Of course, it has a moat and drawbridge and nowadays a park surrounds the castle.
➔ Kasteel Muiderslot, Castle Muiderslot at village Muiden
➔ Where to stay near Castle Muiderslot?
➔ Book here Hotel Villa Trompenberg, a super nice villa with top rooms and a super breakfast. The owner is present and tells about the history of this beautiful villa.
Castle Loevestein near the river Waal
This castle used to have a military function. Indeed, it is a sturdy fortification. Dating back to the 14th century. Moreover, Loevenstein played an important role in Dutch history as a prison during the Eighty Years’ Dutch-Spanish War. Hugo de Groot, one of the prisoners of Castle Loevestein, is a founder of International Law. In fact, Hugo de Groot’s most famous works are “Mare Liberum” (on the law of the free sea) and “De Iuri Belli ac Pacis” (on the law of war and peace).
At the beginning of the 17th century, there are religious riots in the United Netherlands. Prince Maurits and the army restore order. Prince Maurits puts the governors Johan van Olde Barneveld, Hugo de Groot, Rombout Hogerbeets, and Gilles van Ledenberg in prison. A new era begins.
Surprisingly, the philosopher Hugo de Groot escapes to Paris. Undoubtedly, his getaway is unique and spectacular. He regains freedom hidden in a bookcase. Above all, Hugo de Groot is known for his ideas about peace, freedom, and justice.
In the 18th century, Castle Loevestein becomes part of the Dutch ‘Waterline’. In fact, this defense system is a UNESCO World Heritage since 2022.
➔ Castle Loevestein, UNESCO
➔ Stay the night near Castle Loevestein and book a room on the historic fortification Vuren. It is a great experience to stay on a historic fortification. On this occasion, you step back in time. The rooms and apartments are great, and the beds and facilities are luxurious. Moreover, breakfast is splendid and the environment is fantastic. So, If you love history and silence, this is the place to be.
Beautiful Castles: Ammersoyen is about 15 km north of Den Bosch
In the Bommelerwaard, an area in the east of the Netherlands near the river Maas, lays the village Ammerzoden. Here you find the beautiful Ammersoyen Castle. In the year 1029 serfs start the construction process. Ultimately, they create one of the best-preserved medieval moated castles in the Netherlands. For example, with the quadrilateral towers, this castle is an example of good defensibility. In fact, de construction of this castle is so special because it covers divergent periods and styles. Originally the castle touches the banks of the river Maas. Surprisingly, not for long as the course of the river changes. Nevertheless, ever since, a moat surrounds the main castle of Ammersoyen.
Beautiful Castles: Heeswijk is 20 km south of the city of s’Hertogenbosch
Castle Heeswijk is almost a thousand years old. Without reservation an absolute top monument. Definitely worth visiting. Experience the history of this beautiful castle, walk through the richly decorated castle halls, climb the castle towers, and enjoy the lovely castle garden. Castle Heeswijk is located in the province of North Brabant. It dates back to the 11th century. It has a moat and drawbridge and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
➔ Castle Heeswijk at the village Heeswijk
Beautiful Castles: Duurstede is in Wijk by Duurstede on the river Rhine
Castle Duurstede is a beautifully restored castle. One of the oldest in the Netherlands. The castle is located on a fairytale castle island and is surrounded by a moat and a beautiful park. The entrance is via a real drawbridge that lies over the moat. The castle has two towers. Walk across the moat into the castle and experience the castle feeling. Without a doubt in wintertime, it is a great joy to visit this lovely castle.
➔ Castle Duurstede at the lovely village Wijk bij Duurstede
Castle Keukenhof
“Kasteel de Keukenhof” is a beautiful castle located in a wonderful environment. As an illustration, this castle is right next to the world-famous Keukenhof Garden. The Keukenhof estate has a beautiful garden in which countless flower beds and art sculptures can be admired. The castle garden is freely accessible. The castle can be visited during opening hours.
➔ Castle Keukenhof near flower park Keukenhof
City Castle Oudaen in the city center of Utrecht
Oudaen city castle is located in the center of Utrecht. Right on the world-famous Oude Gracht. In the 13th century, Kasteel Oudaen arises in the center of the city. Then the castle experiences turbulent times. It dilapidates. Squatters occupy the castle. Subsequently, completely restored the castle dominates the city center of Utrecht nowadays.
Presently, the castle houses a luxury hotel, a tasteful restaurant, and a meeting center. Outside at the top of the canal is a terrace. Here you can watch the boats and tour boats pass by. Several city castles were built on the Oude Gracht in Utrecht in the Middle Ages. Most of them appeared and disappeared. Finally, some of the facades undergo a restoration process to be definitely preserved and restored.
➔ Stadskasteel Oudaen, City Castle Oudaen in the city of Utrecht
Beautiful Castles: must see Olt Stoutenburght, at the village Blesdijke in Frysland
This fantastic structure is a fantasy castle under construction. Starting in the early 1990s, Gerry Halman, a resident of the village of Blesdijke, built this special castle next to his home. The castle’s name Olt Stoutenburght is a derivation from Toutenburgh. Once the medieval castle barracks in the Lands of Vollenhove. The castle is built from demolition material. The construction of the castle is a dream come true, according to the builder.
➔ Fantasy Castle Olt Stoutenburgt at Blesdijke in Frysland
Castle Ruurlo and Museum MORE
Castle Ruurlo is a beautiful castle located in the province of Gelderland. It dates back to the 14th century. It was recently restored and now houses an art museum. Definitely, this castle is one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.
Castle Ruurlo is connected to the Museum More. Both locations, the castle, and the Museum are owned by Hans Melchers. Melchers is among many other things, a wealthy Dutch art collector with a passion for realistic art. He shares his passion with everyone in his museum.
Museum More and Castle Ruurlo have a more than extravagant art collection of Modern Realism. Castle Ruurlo is specialized in the work of the realistic painter Carel Willink and the fashion designer Fong Leng. Museum MORE exhibits the work of Carel Willink, Jan Mankes, Pyke Koch, and Charley Toorop, and furthermore, the most fantastic exhibitions of modern realistic Dutch artists take place in this museum.
➔ Castle Ruurlo, Vordenseweg 2, at the village Ruurlo
➔ Museum MORE, Hoofdstraat 28 at the village Gorssel
Beautiful Castles: Stekelenburg
Riding around your bike or car in our lovely little country can run from one surprise to another. The Netherlands is incredibly beautiful and has a rich history. Next, to all the beautiful big cities, the Netherlands exudes rural beauty. In the most unexpected places, you come across a castle or estate. There are places everywhere that might impress you. There are an unprecedented number of castles, estates, and historic country estates to admire, most of them can be visited and the gardens are often accessible for free.
For instance, the beautiful Castle Stekelenburg is near the city of Utrecht. The Castle has a lovely orchard and in the garden are monumental trees to admire. The environment offers lots of possibilities like walking and biking. Moreover playing a game of golf or visiting one of the lovely villages in the area is a good idea. If you like you can even spend the night at this castle or in one of the cottages at the estate.
➔ Kasteel Stekelenburg
