Which castles and country houses can you visit?

You can visit the Muiderslot, de Haar Castle and Amerongen Castle. Travel back to the Middle Ages and discover the Muiderslot. This picturesque castle is now a national museum where everyday utensils from that time are exhibited. De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands and is known for its spectacular gardens and many art treasures. Castle de Haar looks medieval, but was built in the early 20th century near Utrecht. Also admire the rich family history of Amerongen Castle. Here you can see the beautiful collection of porcelain, musical instruments and family portraits.

What are the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands?

Verwolde House, Het Loo Palace and Ruurlo Castle certainly fit the list of the most beautiful castles! Take a stroll through the garden and park of Verwolde House in Laren and enjoy the magnificent garden architecture. The classicist nobleman's residence from 1776 is known for its tastefully furnished rooms and the beautifully restored Chinese room. The royal Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn is also stunningly beautiful. The imposing palace has a large collection of historical objects. Ruurlo Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Achterhoek. The castle also houses Museum MORE where the collection of Carel Willink is displayed. Due to the many renovations, the castle has an interesting mishmash of architectural styles.

Which province has the most castles and country houses?

Gelderland is the province with the most castles; 286 castles in all! For an educational day out, you can visit Castle Wijchen! Visit the museum and the museum garden and see the exhibitions that the museum has to offer. Wijchen Castle also organises fun events and activities throughout the year. Doorwerth Castle is one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Gelderland and admire the oldest tree of the Netherlands at Doorwerth Castle. Cannenburch Castle is very suitable for a visit with children. The castle offers an audio tour so that children can explore the castle.

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!

René shows you the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands

Castle experiences for your Bucket list

Inside Holland’s castles

Step into a world of opulence and uncover a wealth of history and art in the castles of Holland.
Read more
Famous castle residents and guests

Get to know the famous inhabitants who’ve contributed to the compelling history of Dutch castles.
Read more
Holland’s castle gardens

Visit the beautifully-designed gardens that surround Holland’s historic castles and country houses.
Read more
De Graafschap

De Graafschap is a wooded area with dozens of castles. In the fall, many visitors come to enjoy the wonderful game packages.
Read more
10 stunning Dutch castle hotels

Wake up in a fairy tale with an overnight stay at a castle or country house hotel in Holland.
Read more
5 x castle dining in Holland

Dine like royalty at a castle or estate. See the best places for an elegant meal in regal settings.
Read more

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.

Category: Bring yourself

Painting a pretty picture of monumental castles

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.

Sietse van Berkel with bicycle in courtyard

Category: Bring yourself

The two castles of the Dutch Water Line

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

Category: Visit website

Imperial tour of Kasteel Amerongen and Huis Doorn

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

Category: Visit website

Royal tour of Kasteel Cannenburch and Paleis Het Loo

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.

Category: Visit website

Tour of Slot Zuylen - Kasteel de Haar

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.

Category: Visit website

Tour of Slot Loevestein - Kasteel Ammersoyen

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!

Category: Visit website

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.

Walking around Kasteel Amerongen

Kasteel Amerongen is one of the best preserved country estates from the 17th century. Download this route and explore the beautiful area on an 11 km hike.

Category: Visit website

Frequently Asked Questions

You can visit the Muiderslot, de Haar Castle and Amerongen Castle. Travel back to the Middle Ages and discover the Muiderslot. This picturesque castle is now a national museum where everyday utensils from that time are exhibited. De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands and is known for its spectacular gardens and many art treasures. Castle de Haar looks medieval, but was built in the early 20th century near Utrecht. Also admire the rich family history of Amerongen Castle. Here you can see the beautiful collection of porcelain, musical instruments and family portraits.
Verwolde House, Het Loo Palace and Ruurlo Castle certainly fit the list of the most beautiful castles! Take a stroll through the garden and park of Verwolde House in Laren and enjoy the magnificent garden architecture. The classicist nobleman's residence from 1776 is known for its tastefully furnished rooms and the beautifully restored Chinese room. The royal Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn is also stunningly beautiful. The imposing palace has a large collection of historical objects. Ruurlo Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Achterhoek. The castle also houses Museum MORE where the collection of Carel Willink is displayed. Due to the many renovations, the castle has an interesting mishmash of architectural styles.
Gelderland is the province with the most castles; 286 castles in all! For an educational day out, you can visit Castle Wijchen! Visit the museum and the museum garden and see the exhibitions that the museum has to offer. Wijchen Castle also organises fun events and activities throughout the year. Doorwerth Castle is one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Gelderland and admire the oldest tree of the Netherlands at Doorwerth Castle. Cannenburch Castle is very suitable for a visit with children. The castle offers an audio tour so that children can explore the castle.

View the other Holland Stories

Category: Discover
The Dutch Golden Age
Category: Discover
In the footsteps of Van Gogh

Castles & Country Houses

Castle experiences for your Bucket list

Inside Holland’s castles

Famous castle residents and guests

Holland’s castle gardens

De Graafschap

10 stunning Dutch castle hotels

5 x castle dining in Holland

Castles & Country Houses

A slice of world history in Doorn

Painting a pretty picture of monumental castles

The two castles of the Dutch Water Line

Dutch castles

Cycling Routes around Castles

Imperial tour of Kasteel Amerongen and Huis Doorn

Royal tour of Kasteel Cannenburch and Paleis Het Loo

Tour of Slot Zuylen - Kasteel de Haar

Tour of Slot Loevestein - Kasteel Ammersoyen

Bike Tour Sypesteyn

Free download

Walking around Kasteel Amerongen

Hernen Castle Walking Route

Verwolde House Walking Route

De Haar Castle Walking Route

Gems along the Vecht Cycling Route

Soestdijk and Drakensteyn Cycling Route

Cycle from De Kelder Castle to Huis Bergh Castle

Walking around castles

Frequently Asked Questions

View the other Holland Stories

Holland’s castles and country houses

Flowers

Liberation Route

Royal Holland

Land of Water

The Dutch Golden Age

Mondrian & De Stijl

Dutch Food and Cuisine

Hanseatic cities

In the footsteps of Van Gogh