11/06/2025
4.8 / 5
Discover the enchanting Castle de Haar near Utrecht, a stunning historical site with beautiful gardens, rich history, and captivating architecture. Plan your visit today!
Castle de Haar, located just a short drive from Utrecht in the Netherlands, is a breathtaking example of neo-Gothic architecture and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. This magnificent castle, surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque landscapes, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Dutch nobility.
Originally built in the 14th century, Castle de Haar has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years. The castle was transformed into its current form in the late 19th century by architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage, commissioned by the wealthy baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt. Today, it stands as the largest castle in the Netherlands.
Castle de Haar is open to the public, offering guided tours that delve into its rich history and architectural significance. Here are some essential details for planning your visit:
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply looking for a picturesque day trip from Amsterdam, Castle de Haar is sure to leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Dutch nobility!
Bruce & Tawnee Untethered
5/5
We visited early in the morning and went through the gardens prior to the castle opening. We took a train from Rotterdam and then the bus that goes directly to the castle. Google tends to recommend other routes with a lot of walking. This is a more modern castle built on the site of ancestral Castle ruins. It is very beautiful and well preserved. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. They do provide free lockers for your backpack. They did not allow me to video with my Osmo pocket three camera.
Stein H
5/5
Absolutely gorgeous place, highly recommend visiting. Booked our tickets for both the castle and the surrounding gardens way in advance. Stunning location. The tour guides and volunteers have a lot of passion and information, combined with the castle it almost feels like you're part of a live history documentary.
Julie
5/5
What a beautiful place to visit! We cycled from Utrecht centraal train station and it took around 45 minutes - a beautiful cycle ride once we'd escaped the city. The first glimpse of the castle is beautiful but then entering into the grounds it's even more impressive. My son had pre bought tickets online which meant we didn't have to queue to enter. There are also plenty of free lockers to leave coats and larger bags. We headed into the castle first to tour the rooms which were very grand and impressive. There are boards in each room in multiple languages to explain as well as guides dotted around the floors. From there we explored the beautiful grounds and refuelled in the cafe which had lovely food and drink choices and an outdoor area. It would be a lovely place to take a picnic and spend longer but sadly we didn't have the luxury of time for that. Maybe next time...
Average Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
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