Located right in the center of the Netherlands, De Haar Castle is one of the few remaining European castles that have kept their medieval appeal, with towers, ramparts, canals, gates and drawbridges. Near Utrecht and only a 30 minute drive from Amsterdam, this castle was completely restored and partially rebuilt in the late 19th century. If you’re visiting the Netherlands and take a day trip to see De Haar Castle, you’re going to be impressed from the moment the fairy-tale-like castle emerges from the trees and surrounding gardens and waters.
De Haar Castle was originally built in the middle ages in the 14th century. It was destroyed in the 15th century and rebuilt, and in the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. In the late 19th century, baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt inherited the castle and decided to rebuild and restore the castle. The restoration began in 1892 and was done by famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who famously designed the Amsterdam Central Station, the Rijksmuseum and over 90 different churches.
De Haar Castle is the perfect tourist attraction for families of all ages to visit on a trip to the Netherlands. When you visit the castle, you will be taken on a guided tour which is led by one of the castle’s knowledgeable tour guides. On your tour you will learn about the castle’s architecture, its history, its collection and its interior. Aside from the English tours offered during the high season, all tours are in Dutch with an English audio guide available for English-speakers.
After you’ve seen the castle, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a walk around the park and gardens. De Haar Castle is situated on 135 acres of beautiful Dutch landscape that is equally as stunning as the castle itself. The surrounding gardens were designed in the French geometric style, just like the gardens at Versailles. The rest of the park was designed in the English Country Style, with winding paths, stunning views of the castle in the background and many stunning trees. Take a stroll around the Rose Garden, the Roman Garden, the ponds, the canals and many bridges. The park is the perfect place to bring a book and read underneath the romantic vistas or take in nature on a long walk followed by a nice picnic or a meal at one of our on-site restaurants.
Hours Castle: January 5- April 4: Monday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
Guided tours start on the hour, with the last tour departing at 4pm.
April 5- November 1: Monday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
Guided tours start on the hour, with the last tour starting at 4pm through the week and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
English tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:10pm and 3:10pm
*Please see De Haar’s
website to see a listing of tours specifically for children
Shop and Gardens: Daily: 9am to 5pm
Prices Castle:
Adults: €14
Children 4-12: €9
Children under 4: Free
Park Only: Adults: €4
Children 4-12: €3
Children under 4: Free
Parking costs €4