10 Best Netherlands Castles
With such a long history, it is no surprise that Holland is home to many monumental castles, where you can experience first hand Dutch aristocracy of days past. Here are the 10 best Netherlands castles to visit on a day out (listed in alphabetical order).
AMMERSOYEN CASTLE
The well-preserved Kasteel Ammersoyen was built in the 14th century and is located in the town of Ammerzoden (Gelderland) near the city of Den Bosch.
CANNENBURCH CASTLE
Kasteel Cannenburch dates to the mid-16th century and its design is characteristic of the Renaissance period. It is located in the town of Vassen (Gelderland) near the city of Apeldoorn.
DE HAAR CASTLE
Kasteel De Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands and the most majestic looking with its towers and ramparts, moat, gates, drawbridges, a chapel, gardens and ponds on 135 acres. It is located in the central Dutch city of Utrecht.
DOORNENBURG CASTLE
Kasteel Doornenburg was originally established in the 13th century but substantially expanded in the 15th century. It consists of a front castle and a main castle connected by a wooden bridge. It is located in the town of Doornenburg (Gelderland), not far from the cities of Arnhem and Nijmegen.
GROENEVELD CASTLE
Kasteel Groeneveld was built in the early 1700’s in the Rococco style of the period with an orangery, coach house and ornate gardens. It is built on a 320-acre estate in Baarn (Utrecht).
HUIS BERGH CASTLE
Kasteel Huis Bergh is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands and dates to the 13th century. In addition to classic elements such as surrounding moat and turreted towers, the castle has a fine art collection, weapons collection and coin minting room. It is located in the town of ‘s-Heerenberg (Gelderland) on the German border.
MUIDERSLOT CASTLE
The popular Kasteel Muiderslot is located in the town of Muiden (North Holland), 15 kilometers east of Amsterdam. It dates back to the late 1300’s and it offers all the expected design elements of a castle including majestic gates, drawbridge, moat, towers and ramparts.
RUURLO CASTLE
Kasteel Ruurlo dates back to the 14th century although its present look was primarily created during 16th and 17th century renovations. It is located in the town of Ruurlo (Gelderland) in the east of the Netherlands. The castle interior is now home to Museum MORE (Museum of Modern Realism) and the works of Dutch realist artist Carel Willink.
SLOT LOEVESTEIN CASTLE
Kasteel Loevestein was built in the mid-14th century and has served as both a fortress and a prison during its history. It is probably the most famous Dutch castle as it has been featured in many films and television shows. Loevestein Castle is located in the municipality of Zaltbommel (Gelderland), at the intersection of the Waal and Maas rivers.
TWICKEL CASTLE
Kasteel Twickel dates to the 15th century although it has been renovated and expanded many times since to include stables, coach house, orangery, Victorian ornamental garden and water elements. It is located in the town of Delden (Overijssel) near the city of Hengelo and close to the German border.
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