Museum MORE & Kasteel Ruurlo
© Rutger Hollander via Museum MORE

Castles & Country Houses

With its enormous diversity of historic castles, stunning gardens and countless estates, the Netherlands is a land of castles. These impressive castles and country estates were not just status symbols of the wealthy of the past; these icons exude more luxury and grandeur than ever in the 21st century. Stand amazed and join our exploration of the past and present!

Castles & Country Houses

The Dutch castles and country estates are more than just beautiful relics from the past. Even today these majestic icons fulfill an important role in our culture. Meet the people who live with the Dutch castles and keep them relevant by giving them a modern twist in all sorts of ways.

Jeroen Simonis walks in front of Huis Doorn
Category: Bring yourself

A slice of world history in Doorn

How did the exiled German Emperor Wilhelm II spend the last 20 years of his life? Jeroen welcomes you to the manor house where time has stood still since 1941.

De Haar Castle is the largest and most beautiful castle in the Netherlands. Paul Hoogstraten grew up with the castle and is now in charge of all the paintwork.

BMX athlete Sietse van Berkel seeks inspiration from contrasting juxtapositions as he bikes around the ancient castles of the centuries-old Dutch Water Line.

Cycling Routes around Castles

This route of nearly 40 km leads to cultural villages and fantastic castle gardens, Huis Doorn and imposing Kasteel Amerongen.

Just over 32 km through a stunning castle region in Gelderland. The route starts and ends at Kasteel Cannenburch and Paleis Het Loo is one of the highlights along the way.

This 40 km bike tour starts and ends at Slot Zuylen and leads to several impressive castle museums and the fairytale-like Kasteel De Haar.

This route of nearly 50 km leads through the river region, across old dikes and through picturesque villages, but Slot Loevestein abd Kasteel Ammersoyen are without a doubt the highlights on this tour.

A side view of castle Sypesteyn and its garden
Category: Visit website

Bike Tour Sypesteyn

This 33 km bike tour takes you to beautiful estates and elegant country houses, including Boekesteijn and Hilverbeek. The absolute highlight of the route is Kasteel Sypesteyn!

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Free download

Are you curious about the cycling and walking routes near castles? About the distances and the great things to see? Download this mini map and see all of the castles at a glance.

Category: Visit website

Hernen Castle Walking Route

Hernen Castle is the only castle in the Netherlands with covered parapet walkways. Download the 8 or 16 km walking route.

Category: Visit website

Verwolde House Walking Route

A beautiful walk through the Achterhoek region's bocage landscape. Download the 11 km walk around Verwolde House country estate.

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De Haar Castle Walking Route

A surprising walk along the green outskirts of Utrecht. Download the 11 km walk around De Haar Castle.

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Gems along the Vecht Cycling Route

A beautiful 51 km cycling route from Muiderslot to Rupelmode.

Cycle through the green countryside of this 39 km castle route and see Soestdijk Palace and Drakensteyn Castle.

Cycle through the beautiful Kruisbergse forest and admire the lovely sights such as De Kelder Castle and Keppel Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions