In the Spotlight - These are the 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL castles in the Netherlands
In the Spotlight - These are the 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL castles in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its beautiful castles that have been built and preserved over the centuries. These castles are not only architectural masterpieces, but they also offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's history. Whether you are interested in medieval castles or Renaissance castles, the Netherlands has something for everyone. In this blog we will present you the 10 most beautiful castles in the Netherlands, from the majestic Muiderslot to the romantic Kasteel de Haar. Each location offers its own unique charm and history, and all are worth a visit for both locals and tourists from all over the world. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Dutch castles, let's get started!
10. Zuylen Castle
Slot Zuylen is located on the Vecht near Utrecht. The castle has a long and rich history dating back to the 13th century and is one of the most popular castles in the Netherlands. Visited by thousands of tourists each year, the castle and surrounding estate offer a fascinating glimpse into Dutch history and culture.
Visit the 18th century chapel
One of the highlights during a visit to Slot Zuylen is the beautiful chapel from the 18th century. This chapel was built by the then residents of the castle, the noble family Van Tuyll van Serooskerken, as a private chapel for the family and their guests. Guided tours tour the chapel and teach visitors about its history and significance. A visit to this chapel is an absolute must for anyone interested in religious art and history.
9. Vorden Castle
Vorden Castle, located in the charming Achterhoek landscape, is an impressive and historic castle that was already mentioned in the 12th century and was first sold in 1315, when Steven van Vorden handed over the castle and outbuildings to his uncle, Dirk van Vorden. The history of Castle Vorden begins with this family. Kasteel Vorden is one of the few castles in the Netherlands that is still privately owned and it is therefore a special experience to visit the castle and the surrounding estate.
Check out the round room
The round room of Castle Vorden is one of the most special and atmospheric rooms of the castle. Located on the top floor of the medieval residential tower, this room is surrounded by windows with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. What makes the round room so unique is the atmosphere that prevails there. The round shape of the room, the soft colors and the antique furniture make you feel immediately at ease. The room is beautifully decorated with tapestries, paintings and other works of art.
8. Heeswijk Castle
Kasteel Heeswijk is a castle located in the Brabant landscape, from here the lords of Heeswijk-Dinther governed their domain. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle has a rich history and is today open to the public. The castle and the surrounding landscape offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Netherlands and its inhabitants. In this text we will explore the history and sights of Kasteel Heeswijk and find out why it is such a unique and beautiful place.
Special library
One of the highlights of a visit to Kasteel Heeswijk is the library. This room, located on the first floor of the castle, is a special place full of impressive books and a rich history.
The library of Kasteel Heeswijk is one of the largest private libraries in the Netherlands and contains more than 20,000 books from the 15th to the 20th century. The books are organized into different categories, including theology, history, literature, and art.
7. Ruurlo Castle
Ruurlo Castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive structure and was later expanded and converted into a luxurious country house. The castle is surrounded by a moat and has a beautiful garden with a formal garden and a landscape garden. In the 19th century, Ruurlo Castle was bought by the influential Dutch Van Heeckeren family, who had the castle thoroughly renovated and modernised. After the restoration and renovation, Kasteel Ruurlo was opened to the public in 2017 as a museum for modern art.
Art collection
One of the highlights of a visit to Ruurlo Castle is the art collection on display. The castle houses part of the art collection of Hans Melchers and his wife, which consists of works by Carel Willink, Jan Toorop and Charley Toorop, among others.
These works are exhibited in a special way in the rooms of the castle, where the interior and the works of art reinforce and complement each other. It gives the visitor the feeling that he or she is getting a glimpse into the life of the former inhabitants of the castle, while at the same time enjoying the beautiful works of art.
6. Amerongen Castle
Amerongen Castle was commissioned by Godard Adriaan van Reede in the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in the Netherlands. The castle is built in the Dutch-classical style and consists of a main building with two wings and a large garden. The castle has had several owners over the centuries and has therefore undergone many changes, such as renovations in the Rococo style and Neo-Gothic style. During the Second World War, the castle was badly damaged by German troops, but after the war the castle was restored and opened to the public.
Symmetrical gardens
A special element of the garden is the rose garden. This consists of several beds with a wide variety of roses, from historical to modern roses. In the rose garden you can not only enjoy the beautiful flowers, but also the wonderful scents that the roses spread.
Another highlight of the garden is the pond, which is an important part of the symmetrical layout. The pond is surrounded by trees and shrubs, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. On warm days you can relax by the pond and enjoy the view and tranquility.
5. Doorwerth Castle
Doorwerth Castle is located in the Gelderland village of Doorwerth and was built in the 13th century. The castle originally served as a defensive structure and was later converted into a stately country house. The castle has a rich history and has had several owners over the centuries, including the dukes of Guelders, the Van Brakell family and the Dutch state. The castle has different styles and periods, such as medieval towers, gothic elements and baroque details. Castle Doorwerth has a special collection of weapons and armor, which played an important role in the defense of the castle in earlier times.
Exclusive weapon collection
The collection includes swords, halberds, muskets and cannons. You can also see different types of armor, which were worn by the knights and soldiers who defended the castle.
A special element of the collection is the so-called 'war artillery'. These are cannons and mortars that were used in ancient times to defend the castle. During a tour of the castle you can learn more about how these weapons were used and how the defense of the castle worked.
Another highlight of the collection is the 'quarters of Bylandt', a collection of weapons and armor that was donated to Kasteel Doorwerth in 1983. This collection consists of rare and valuable weapons and armor from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Bylandt Quarter is one of the most special and valuable collections of Kasteel Doorwerth.
4. Muiderslot
Muiderslot Castle is located in the North Holland village of Muiden and was built in the 13th century. The castle originally served as a defensive structure and later as a residence for various noble families. The castle has a rich history and has had several owners over the centuries, including Floris V, PC Hooft and the Dutch state. The interior of the castle is decorated with furniture, paintings and artifacts from different periods, including the Golden Age. Finally, Muiderslot Castle has a special collection of silverware, including unique pieces from the 17th century. There are also various tapestries and porcelain to admire in the castle.
Climb the Donjon
On the first floor of the Donjon you will find an exhibition about daily life at the castle in the Middle Ages. Here you can learn more about the living conditions, the kitchen and the different professions that were practiced at the castle.
On the second floor of the Donjon is an exhibition on the defense of the castle. Here you can see different weapons and armor and learn about the military strategies and the construction of the castle.
There is an impressive viewpoint on the third floor of the Donjon. From here you have a panoramic view over the moat, the garden and the surroundings of the castle.
3. Hoensbroek Castle
Hoensbroek Castle is located in the Limburg village of Hoensbroek and was built in the 14th century. There is much to discover inside the castle. There are over forty rooms open to the public, each with its own unique history and story. In these rooms you can see original furniture, artwork and decorations that give a glimpse into the life of the noble residents of the castle through the centuries.
Weapons and armor
The collection includes swords, halberds, muskets and cannons. You can also see different types of armor, which were worn by the knights and soldiers who defended the castle.
A special element of the collection is the so-called 'arms cabinet', which is located in the Knights' Hall. Here you can admire a large number of unique weapons, including a 16th-century halberdier rifle and a sword of the Knights of the Teutonic Order.
In addition to the collection of weapons and armour, Kasteel Hoensbroek also has a special collection of clothing and textiles. You can think of beautiful costumes and dresses from the 18th century, but also linen and bedding from different periods.
2. Loevestijn Castle
Slot Loevestein is a medieval castle located in the province of Gelderland, in the municipality of Zaltbommel. The castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive structure and later used as a state prison. During the Eighty Years' War, the castle played an important role in the defense of Dutch independence. In 1570 the castle was transferred to the State of the Netherlands, which then used it as a state prison. During the 17th century, the De Witt brothers, among others, were held here.
Slot Loevestein also has a special collection of weapons and armor, which can be seen in the weapon house. Here you can admire swords, halberds and muskets, among other things. And finally, you can also view a unique collection of books and writings from the 17th century, including works by the De Witt brothers and a unique copy of the Statenbijbel from 1637.
Unique book collection
A highlight of the castle is the unique collection of books and writings from the 17th century, which can be seen in the old library. Here you will find works by the De Witt brothers, who were imprisoned in the castle during the 17th century. One of the most special objects is a unique copy of the States Bible from 1637.
1. De Haar Castle
Kasteel de Haar is a castle located in the province of Utrecht, in the municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The medieval house De Haar was probably founded in the course of the 13th century on a higher levee along a branch of the Rhine. De Haar is first mentioned in writing in 1391. The castle has an impressive library, which contains more than 20,000 books. The library is designed in a neo-Gothic style and contains, among other things, a rare collection of medieval manuscripts. The castle is currently owned by the baron van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar, who is a direct descendant of the original builders of the castle.
Beautiful park
The park and gardens surround the castle. The park is over 55 hectares in size. Avenues and winding routes cross the park and gardens in different ways. The parkland woodland and former menagerie provide an attractive private walk. In addition, the maze, the large deer park, the romantic covered bridge and the picnic area by the pond also offer attractive destinations. The geometric gardens – such as the rose garden – provide a diverse scent, shape and color sensation.