14 breathtaking castles and palaces in the Netherlands

When it comes to destinations with historic castles, the Netherlands might not immediately spring to mind. However, the Dutch have some pretty breathtaking castles that you shouldn’t miss out on!

Grab your glass slippers and your best camera. Here’s a quick guide to 13 of the most beautiful castles and palaces the Netherlands has to offer.

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1. De Haar Castle, Utrecht

De Haar Castle in Utrecht is considered the most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. Dating all the way back to 1391, the castle grounds cover more than 135 acres. Even though many of the original gardens were destroyed during World War II, they’ve now been restored to their former glory.

You can find multiple beautiful lakes and charming bridges scattered across the castle’s grounds. The highlight of the garden, however, is a remarkable maze.

READ MORE | The 18 most magnificent lakes in the Netherlands (near Amsterdam and beyond)

The castle also functions as a venue for multiple festivals and events. The most exciting (and dorky) one is the Elfia, an elf fantasy fair, where participants dress up as magical creatures and party all night long. 🧚‍♀️

2. Muiderslot Castle, Muiden

The Muiderslot Castle in Muiden is a medieval castle built in 1370. It’s located close to Amsterdam, so it’s perfect for a quick visit if you happen to be in town.

The castle is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has been featured in many movies and TV shows set in the Middle Ages (sadly, not Game of Thrones).

Today, Muiderslot operates as a national museum and is open to the general public for tours. To make the visit even more exciting, the castle has been restored to look as it would have during the 17th century.

3. Ruurlo Castle: Museum MORE

Looking for some artistic fulfilment along with your mystical castle trip?

Ruurlo Castle is a truly unique building: dating back centuries, it’s been owned by the same nobles, the Van Heeckeren family, since the 15th century. With its historic architecture and idyllic location, you’ll truly feel like you’re in a storybook.

What’s more, the castle currently houses the renowned Museum MORE, which focuses on modern realist art from 1900 to the present. At the moment, Kasteel Ruurlo presents works by the renowned Carel Willink, alongside a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions. Your cultural cravings are sure to be sated with art from both the Netherlands and abroad.

4. Doorwerth Castle, Arnhem

The Doorwerth Castle near Arnhem is located along the river Rhine and is now home to three separate museums. It has a wealth of beautiful forests and meadows, and fields are located just behind the castle, where visitors can cycle or hike.

Unfortunately, the castle suffered great damage during World War II, but the interior has been restored to its 18th-century glory.

Doorwerth is also rumoured to be haunted! 👻 The TV show “Most Haunted” featured it on an episode in 2004 in an attempt to find paranormal activity.

Today, the castle operates as a hotel and a restaurant. So, if you’re looking for a bit of a thrill and maybe want to see a ghost, this is your chance!

5. The Royal Palace, Amsterdam

The Royal Palace is the largest and most distinguished building from the Golden Age, located right in the heart of Amsterdam.

It’s one of the most cherished monuments in the Netherlands and has set the stage for many of the country’s greatest events, like King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima‘s wedding reception.

READ MORE | Forgotten women painters of the Dutch Renaissance and Golden Age

When it’s not used for extravagant royal events, the palace opens its doors to visitors. You can listen to an audio guide as you wander the historic corridors, staring in awe at the imposing architecture.

6. Duurstede Castle, Wijk bij Duurstede

The one thing that really makes Duurstede Castle stand out is its tower (which looks like it should be housing Rapunzel). This 13th-century castle is located in Wijk bij Duurstede, in the province of Utrecht.

Originally built as a defensive structure, the castle now operates as a catering firm. The castle is still surrounded by a moat, so the only way you can access it is via the drawbridge (or by swimming, of course!).

The castle technically isn’t open to the general public. However, if there are no events taking place on Sundays, you can grab a bite and sit in the castle’s courtyard.

7. Duivenvoorde Castle, Voorschoten

When your Instagram account needs a little spice, head to the Duivenvoorde Castle. This beauty and the surrounding grounds make for a picture-perfect backdrop. It’s one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands, dating back to 1226.

Several noble families have lived here, but for the first five centuries of its existence, it was owned by just one family — the Van Duivenvoordes.

To this day, the castle has never been sold. Instead, its last private owner left the castle to a foundation upon her death in 1965.

If you visit, an audio tour will inform you of the castle’s long and rich history. Be sure to spend some time in lovely gardens as well.

Another important note: while the grounds are already open for admiring, the general castle and interior tours are not open until April 16th.

8. Loevestein Castle, Zaltbommel

Loevestein Castle, or Slot Loevestein as it’s called in Dutch, roughly translates to “Loef’s stone house”. Historians believe the castle was constructed between 1357 and 1397, but there’s no official documentation to prove it.

Loevestein Castle’s initial function was to collect tolls from trading ships passing through the river. However, with time, the construction grew bigger until it became a full-blown castle.

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The castle’s museum features three important eras in the structure’s history: the Middle Ages, the State Prison period, and the Dutch Waterline period. The castle houses multiple events throughout the year, the most popular being the Winterfeest celebration during the holiday season.

It also has a famous history with Hugo de Groot, so you might want to read up on that. 👀

9. Rosendael Castle, Arnhem

Just outside Arnhem and the Veluwe National Park, Rosendael Castle is a beautiful place to visit for a good and heavy dose of both history and nature. Built by the Duke of Guelders more than seven centuries ago, this impressive castle is chock-full of extravagant surprises.

READ MORE | The 8 greatest forests in the Netherlands for a nature escape

The castle fell into disrepair after being struck by a bomb during WWII. Fortunately, it’s since been through a full restoration and is now open to the public. You can learn about this (and more) during a guided audio tour as you browse the impressive display of silver, porcelain, and furniture.

10. Huis Bergh, ‘s-Heerenberg

We don’t know much about the history of Huis Bergh (but we do love a bit of mystery). But what we do know is that the castle dates back to the 13th century and is among the biggest castles in the Netherlands. It’s also surrounded by a moat, which defended the castle in the Middle Ages.

Currently, Huis Bergh is home to a large collection of early Italian paintings and extraordinary medieval handwriting. The castle also hosts weddings, so it’s perfect if you want your special day to be like a fairy tale.

Unfortunately, the castle is currently closed for renovations. Some activities are still possible!

11. Zuylen Castle, Utrecht

Just north of Utrecht, in the village of Oud-Zuilen, you’ll find this dreamy 13th-century castle. The lush garden is perfect for a stroll, and the castle will wow you with its rich history of feminism, literature, weaponry, and robbery.

READ MORE | Welcome to Nyenrode’s Breukelen campus (and yes, it’s in a castle)

Zulyen Slot’s biggest claim to fame, however, is probably the fine tapestry it holds. It was made by the prestigious Dutch carpet weaver, Maximiliaan van der Gught. He was one of the best in Europe, supplying tapestries to the royal houses of Poland and Sweden, among others.

12. Paleis het Loo, Apeldoorn

Paleis het Loo was built between 1684 and 1686 for the stadtholder-king at the time, William of Orange, and his wife, Mary II of England.

The palace is today a state museum that is open to the general public at all times. Its interior displays original furniture, as well as objects and paintings of the House of Orange-Nassau.

READ MORE | Why do the Netherlands love orange? The full explainer

Paleis het Loo is also home to a library devoted to the House of Orange-Nassau. It also houses the Chancellery of the Museum of the Netherlands Orders of Knighthood, displaying books and other items, such as decorations and medals.

The palace has been appointed a national monument and is among the Top 100 Dutch Heritage Sites. The palace’s Dutch Baroque garden is often referred to as the “Versailles of Holland” because it’s been constructed in perfect symmetry, with fountains, basins, and statues scattered across its grounds.

13. Kasteel Doornenburg, Doornenburg

Kasteel Doornenburg in Gelderland has the largest outer bailey or courtyard-surrounding wall of any castle in the Netherlands. It also has a wooden bridge connecting another smaller castle, Herberg de Doornenburg — hieperdepiep, two castles for one visit!

The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 14th century, and it has two vaulted cellars. This medieval castle sits on acres of sprawling farmland, which is why there is a medieval farmhouse and all those koeien (cows) strolling about.

Visiting the main castle is only possible with a guided or audio tour, so make sure to check availability before loading up the car.

14. Valkenburg Castle, Valkenburg aan de Geul

Unfortunately, what remains of Valkenburg Castle is only ruins. It dates back to the 11th century and is considered unique in the Netherlands since it’s the only castle built on a hill.

Over the years, Valkenburg Castle was destroyed multiple times during sieges, and its final destruction occurred on December 10, 1672, at the hands of Stadtholder Willem III.

READ MORE | 19 best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide

Today, the castle’s remains are open to tours, allowing visitors to walk through what was once a proud fortress in the Geul Valley. It’s the perfect place for a day trip!

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There are some truly beautiful castles in the Netherlands! 🏰 Spanning tens of different centuries, each one has its own quirks and history, and we are truly enamoured.

What’s your favourite castle in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!