18 Best Castles in the Netherlands for History Buffs
We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›
Written by Kyle Kroeger
If you’re an avid traveler looking for a destination rich in history and culture, the Netherlands should be on your list. This small country is home to some of the best-preserved castles in 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 many reasons – one of the big ones is the country’s unique historical architecture. There are several castles there that are interesting for history lovers.
In addition, the castles in the Netherlands are often located in picturesque settings, adding to their charm. Let’s get into the best castles in Holland to add to your itinerary when visiting this amazing country!
Best Castles in the Netherlands to Visit
1. De Haar Castle (Castle De Haar)
)](https://admin.viatravelers.com/wp-content/uploads/castle-de-haar-utrecht-gothic-revival-architecture-grand-hall.jpg)
The imposing De Haar Castle is the largest 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 has been extensively renovated and remodeled. Today, it is a magnificent sight with towering turrets and spires.
To see the castle’s beauty, 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. Numerous rooms and halls 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, tour the castle’s interior, or enjoy the view from one of the many turrets. Watch our full video from our visit here:
See Related: Things to Do in Rotterdam
2. Castle Hoensbroek
Hoensbroek Castle is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. It is located in Limburg province, near Heerlen. The castle was built in the 13th Century but has been renovated and remodeled. Today, it is a magnificent sight, with its large size and sprawling grounds.
You’ll find beautifully decorated rooms and halls with old tapestries, paintings, and furniture inside. The castle also has a big collection of armor and weapons.
See Related: Best Castles in Slovakia to Visit
3. Kasteel Huis Bergh
Huis Bergh is a castle in ‘s-Heerenberg and one of the Netherlands’ largest castles. 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 Count van Bergh since then. The castle is open to the public and can be toured. It is also available for weddings, meetings, and other celebrations.
See Related: 19 Real, Magical Castles in Fairytales to Visit
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 want to visit Heeswijk Castle, you can tour or attend one of the many events. 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.
See Related: Holland vs. Netherlands
5. Muiderslot
Muiden Castle is a castle in the Netherlands 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 set in the Middle Ages.
The 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, but Amsterdam eventually acquired it 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, you should know a few things. First, the castle is only public from April to October. The castle is open to visitors and offers a variety of activities, including guided tours, children’s activities, and a museum.
See Related: Affordable Castle Hotels in Europe
6. Loevestein Castle
Loevestein Castle is a medieval castle in Zaltbommel, Gelderland, the Netherlands. The knight Dirk Loef of Horne built the castle between 1357 and 1397.
It served as part of the Hollandic Water Line, the main Dutch defense line 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 in the province of Gelderland, in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The castle consists of a main castle and a front castle, which are connected by a small wooden bridge.
Doornenburg Castle was almost 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 unique features, such as beautiful gardens, many turrets and towers, and a view of the river from the top.
See Related: Best Castles in Germany to Vist
8. Doorwerth Castle
Doorwerth Castle is a beautiful medieval castle built in 1402 on the River Rhine in the Netherlands. Picturesque forests and gardens surround the castle, 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.
9. Kasteel Ammersoyen (Ammersoyen Castle)
Ammersoyen Castle is a beautiful castle in the Netherlands. It was built in the 1350s and is a great place to visit if you are interested in castles. A moat surrounds the castle, making it 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. Shortly after its completion, the river was rerouted, leaving it encircled by a moat. The castle also offers many great photo opportunities.
See Related: Best Cheap Castles to Stay at in Ireland
10. Zuylen Castle
Zuylen Castle is a beautiful castle that is located in Utrecht, Netherlands. The castle’s ruins are situated on the river Vecht at the southern extremity of the Vechtstreek.
Lord van Suilen en Anholt built the castle as a simple donjon in the 13th century. It was completely demolished in 1422 during the Hook and Cod Wars, and rebuilding started in 1510.
The castle was last modified in 1752. 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.
See Related: Best Castle Hotels in Germany
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 between 1684 and 1686 as a tribute to William of Orange and his wife, Queen Mary III of England.
Nowadays, 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 a library dedicated to the dynasty and an official Dutch order for knightly orders.
See Related: Landmarks in the Netherlands
12. Radboud Castle
Radboud Castle is on the east bank of the harbor in Medemblik, North Holland. It was commissioned by Floris V, Count of Holland, and completed before 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. In 1572, the castle’s defensive function was reduced with the building of walls around the city of Medemblik. 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.
See Related: Best Castles in Austria to Visit
13. Duurstede Castle
Duurstede Castle is a medieval castle in Wijk bij Duurstede, in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It 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 interior. 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. It’s also located in a beautiful town with a lot of history, and it’s easy to access from Amsterdam.
14. Castle Rijckholt
Castle Rijckholt is a small but beautiful castle in Limburg province, near Roermond. The castle was originally built in the 14th Century and has been beautifully preserved over the centuries.
The castle’s interior 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 tour the interior or enjoy the view from the outside.
See Related: Best Castle Hotels in Austria
15. Castle Teylingen
Castle Teylingen is a beautiful castle in South Holland province, near the city of The Hague. It was originally built in the 17th Century and has been beautifully preserved over the years.
The castle’s interior is quite lavish, with many rooms and halls decorated with tapestries, paintings, and furniture from centuries past. The castle is also home to an extensive collection of armor and weapons.
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.
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, 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 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 many different families have occupied it over the centuries.
The municipality of Breda currently owns the castle, and it is open to the public. The castle has a beautiful garden 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.
Subscribe to our free travel newsletter for more tips similar to our historic castles in Holland.
See Related: Best Castles in the Czech Republic
FAQ
Does the Netherlands have castles?
Yes, the Netherlands has several beautiful castles, with De Haar Castle being the most luxurious and Muiden Castle being 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 and the late Middle Ages that seem straight out of a fairy tale.
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 in the early 15th century, the castle was rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. It is now a popular tourist destination for those exploring Dutch history and architecture.
Hans Brinker House is located in Amsterdam and is known for its windmill, a major landmark in the city. It was originally built as a private home in 1624. Still, it 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. It is situated just outside Utrecht, a half-hour drive away. It 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, purchasing your tickets in advance is always a good idea. 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 spring or summer. The weather is the nicest, and you’ll be able to enjoy all of the castle’s features. Plus, more events and activities usually occur during these months.
Related Resources
Please sign in to leave a comment.