Top 10 Castles to Visit in the Netherlands


 

The Netherlands is home to some pretty impressive castles throughout history. Some of the medieval castles have not survived, but the ones that stood the test of time and war, are absolutely magnificent. Apart from the beautiful historic architecture, each of them has richness in history as an experience.  Let’s get on with the top ten castles to visit in the Netherlands:

1. Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot_by_Edi_Weissmann Wikemedia Commons

Muiderslot_by_Edi_Weissmann Wikemedia Commons

It is also  known as The Muiden castle.Located in the Netherlands at the mouth of the Vecht river, almost 15 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam stands this interesting square castle.Impressively, it houses a national museum, a moat and a drawbridge. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold, rich in historical architecture built by Count Floris V  in 1280.

2. De Haar Castle

De_Haar_Castle_South_in_the_Netherlands by Wolfgang Moroder. Wikimedia commons

De_Haar_Castle_South_in_the_Netherlands by Wolfgang Moroder. Wikimedia commons

It is attributed to be the largest and most luxurious castle of the Netherlands. Its home is in Utrecht. The  De Haar family received it in 1391up until 1440 when the family lost it to Van Zuylen family because the last male heir died childless.

Inside it, you will find a chapel surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens. It boasts extremely devine interior and exterior architecture. It also hosts  the Elf Fantasy Fair annually which is the perfect opportunity to come dressed as any fantasy character.

3. Doornenburg Castle

Doornenburg_Castle_along_the_Rhineriver_in_evening_sunshine by Henk Monster. Wikimedia Commons

Doornenburg_Castle_along_the_Rhineriver_in_evening_sunshine by Henk Monster. Wikimedia Commons

It was known as the Villa Dorenburc up until the 13th century when it converted to a proper castle. It is located near the village of Doornenburg. It happens to be one of the most well preserved and biggest castles in the Netherlands. It consists of two castles, the main castle and a front castle that are connected by a narrow wooden bridge.Apart from it being two structures, It contains sleeping quarters, a chapel and a farm.

4. Doorwerth Castle

by Bert Kaufmann fromDoorwerth - the Netherlands by Roermond, Netherlands. Wikimedia commons

by Bert Kaufmann fromDoorwerth – the Netherlands by Roermond, Netherlands. Wikimedia commons

Having lived a previous life as a wooden structure and rebuilt in stone and in 1280 this second castle was again besieged and this time the bailey was burned down. This castle’s life is full of character with a story behind it of supernatural things and ghosts. Apparently it houses the spirit of a girl that stayed in the castle, who starved to death but this does not deter tourists at all.

In its current life, the castle is an operational hotel with a restaurant and serves as an ideal location for parties, weddings and other lovely events.

5. Radboud Castle

Medemblik - Kasteel Radboud / Radboud Castle 1288 - By Txllxt TxllxT Wikimedia Commons

Medemblik – Kasteel Radboud / Radboud Castle 1288 – By Txllxt TxllxT Wikimedia Commons

There is not a straight record of when exactly this castle was built, but it was commissioned by Floris V for protection against the infiltration in the area of the Frisians. However, there is information supporting that it was completed before the St. Lucia’s Flood of 13 December 1287.Sitting on the east bank of the harbor in Medemblik it boasts a splendid architectural design, and a beautiful water body that surrounds it, along with a lush green garden.

6. Ammersoyen Castle

Ammersoyen Castleby Kasteelbeer Wikimedia Commons.

Ammersoyen Castleby Kasteelbeer Wikimedia Commons.

Originally, this castle was designed as a defensive fortress. Built in the 1300s, the castle suffered considerable damage in WWII and has had numerous renovations since then reinstating it to its former glory.

Located on the west of the Gelderland province, this castle is known for its absolute beauty. Surrounded by water, this castle stands out also accessorised with lush greenery.

7. Slot Loevestein

Slot_Loevestein by Niels from Amsterdam, NL. Wikimedia Commons

Slot_Loevestein by Niels from Amsterdam, NL. Wikimedia Commons

It is a water castle built strategically in the middle of the Netherlands by the knight Dirc Loef van Horne in 1361.

This castle now houses a museum which would give you a history lesson Hugo de Groot, the Middle Ages and the Dutch Waterline Making it  one of the most famous castles to visit in the Netherlands.

8. Huis Bergh Castle

Huis Bergh Castle By Michielverbeek - Wikimedia Commons

Huis Bergh Castle By Michielverbeek – Wikimedia Commons

The main parts of the castle are dated to the beginning of the Dutch Revolt, its history dating to the 13th century. Surrounded by a moat, which was used as an instrument of defence in the early ages, the castle is one of the largest in the Netherlands.

The interior of the castle is lined with amazing Italian paintings, and some medieval handwritings as well.

9. Het Loo Palace

Het Loo Palace By Zairon - Wikimedia Commons

Het Loo Palace By Zairon – Wikimedia Commons

It is a palace located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, built by the House of Orange-Nassau in the years between 1684 and 1646 for stadtholder-king William III and Mary II of England

Today, this castle serves as a state museum and houses some of the important European artworks of past centuries, and a library which displays some of the important historical books, as well as other decorations and medals.

10. Duurstede Castle

Duurstede Castle By http://www.microtoerisme.nl Wikimedia Commons

Duurstede Castle By http://www.microtoerisme.nl Wikimedia Commons

Located in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands, Castle Duurstede is a beautiful medieval castle  in the town of Wijk Bij originated in the 13th century.

It houses an old donjon with walls 2.5 metres thick and has withstood the passage of time reasonably well.it also has Bourgondisch Toren another one of the castle’s corner stones because it had a military purpose.

The rustic look of this castle gives you a feel of pattering through a wonderful history book.

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