Strolling Through Beautiful Castles The Netherlands

De Haar Castle is located in Utrecht and is the most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. This castle dates back to 1391. The surroundings are lovely with beautiful lakes and bridges on the castle grounds.

De Haar Castle is the venue for festivals and events like the Elfia, an elf fantasy fair with participants dressed as magical creatures to party all night long.

The highlight is the garden with its incredible maze.

Doorwerth Castle is located near Amhem along the Rhine River. Today it houses three museums. The castle is surrouned by forests, meadows, and fields where visitors can hike or bike. Doorwerth Castle is also haunted by spirits and has been featured on the TV show "Most Haunted". Visitors can meet the spirits themselves since the castle is now a hotel with a restaurant.

Duivenvoorde Castle is among the oldest castles in the Netherlands dating back to 1226. The castle is located in in the town of Voorschoten, South Holland. It has been home to noble families. The castle is open to tours and you can enjoy an audio tour telling you about its history. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens.

Duurstede Castle is a 13th century medieval castle with a tower located in Wijk bij Duustede, in the Utrecht province. The castle was built as a defensive structure and is surrounded by a moat with access by drawbridge. Even thought the castle is not open to the publice is hosts events on Sundays.

Loevestein Castle was constructed sometime between 1367 and 1397. The function of the castle was to collect tolls from trading ships passing by the river. With further construction it became a real castle. There is a museum that 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.

Muiderslot Castle was built in 1370 and is located in Muiden close to Amsterdam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been features in movies and TV shows set in the Middle Ages. Today Muiderslot Castle is a national museum. The inside of the castle, its rooms and kitchens, was restored to look like they did in the 17th century and several of the rooms now house a collection of arms and armor.

Paleis het Loo was built between 1684 and 1686 for stadtholder-king at the time William of Orange and his wife Mary II of England. Today this castle is a state museum open to the public with displays of original furniture, as well as objects and paintings of the House of Orange-Nassau.

Paleis het Loo also has a library that is devoted to the House of Orange-Nassau and also houses the Museum of the Netherlands Orders of Knighthood’s Chancellery, displaying books and other pieces, such as decorations and medals.

The palace has been appointed national monument status and is among the Top 100 Dutch Heritage Sites.Its Dutch Baroque garden is often referred to as the “Versailles of Holland”. It is a lovely garden with fountains and statues.

Rosendale Castle is located outside of the town of Amhem and near the Veluwe National Park. The castle was built by the Duke of Guelders and is open to the publice. A guided audio tour lets visitors enjoy the displays of silver, porcelain, and furniture.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam is the largest building from the Golden Age located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is located on Dam Square. Built in the 17th century it became a royal palace under King Louis Napoleon. It is a venue for royal events and official receptions and open to tours.