De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar)

The Basics

Kasteel de Haar was designed by Pierre Cuypers, the architect responsible for Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Centraal Station. Though still used by the descendants of the Van Zuylen family for annual celebrations, you can explore the castle on a self-guided or guided tour. Some day trips focus entirely on the Netherlands' castles and Golden Age landmarks, and typically combine De Haar with the UNESCO-listed Muiderslot Castle.

The 135-acre (54 hectare) park and gardens are a popular place for jogging, strolling, and picnicking beside ponds and canals. The former stables and carriage house have been transformed into a Dutch cafe and restaurant that serves coffee and light snacks in historic surroundings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Backpacks and other large bags should be checked into lockers at the cloakroom.

• Do not touch any objects within the castle or lean against any walls.

• Flash photography and selfie sticks are not allowed.

• Due to many staircases, the castle is not wheelchair-accessible or stroller-friendly.

• Leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens, but not inside the castle.

• Holders of the Museumkaart pass and children under the age of 4 can visit the castle for free.

How to Get There

Kasteel de Haar is located 30 minutes from Utrecht and about 50 minutes from Amsterdam by road; ample car parking is available on site. From Utrecht’s Centraal Station, take public bus 9 toward Den Haag Centraal to Vleuten train station and then take bus 111 directly to the castle grounds (only on Wednesday) or bus 127 to Breukelen. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the castle.

When to Get There

Guided tours generally start on the hour, with the last tour departing at 4pm. See the castle decked out in festive decor and shop for holiday gifts at the annual Country and Christmas Fair in December. The castle is occasionally closed for weddings and other private events, so check the website before you visit.

Muiderslot Castle

If a visit to De Haar Castle leaves you hankering for more of Holland’s medieval lore, head to the city of Muiden and its 13th-century De Haar Muiderslot Castle. Surrounded by a traditional moat and boasting the title of oldest castle in the Netherlands, it’s carefully restored stone towers capture more than 700 years of Dutch history. Tours reveal the castle’s storied past, while medieval elements such as a falconer, knight tournaments, and a children’s quest bring its history to life.