With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore these enchanting and romantic Dutch castles. Their timeless charm and rich history make them perfect for celebrating love, while their picturesque gardens and majestic walls have countless tales to whisper. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter escape or a scenic stroll, these castles offer an unforgettable backdrop for romance, come rain or shine.
5 of the most romantic dutch castles
1. Ammersoyen Castle
Nobody knows when Ammersoyen Castle was built, but it could have been built as early as the 12th century. However, historians have generally agreed that it was built around 1350. Surrounded by a beautiful moat, this castle sits gracefully on the water. The castle was originally built to serve as a fortress. Also, items from archaeological digs are on display at the castle. The castle was heavily bombed during the Second World War and then served as a factory until 1957 when there was a campaign to rebuild it. Renovations were completed in 1975.
🏰Location: Kasteellaan 1, 5324 JR Ammerzoden
2. Duurstede Castle
Duurstede Castle is was built in the medieval era and it has romantic and Rapunzelesque look to it, with a beautiful tower to marvel at. However, there isn’t much left of the original, medieval tower. In the 1580s the castle fell into disrepair due to neglect and in 1672 the castle fared even worse when the surrounding area was attacked by the French. The townspeople used the fallen stones from the castle to rebuild their own, ruined homes. The only remaining medieval part of the castle is the Donjon, which has held up well over the centuries. The castle is surrounded by beautiful trees, some of which are more than 150 years old.
🏰Location: Langs de Wal 6, 3961 AB Wijk bij Duurstede
3. De Haar Castle
The oldest records for De Haar Castle date back to 1391 but it was rebuilt in the 16th century, and again in 1892. So, what you see when you approach this amazing castle is the vision of architect Pierre Cuypers, who installed fancy gadgets like electric lighting and even central heating. The castle is incredibly striking, with beautiful, symmetrical gardens and a vast moat surrounding it. The overall appearance is so otherworldly that the castle even holds an Elf Fantasy Fair twice a year (although that might not be happening this year).
🏰Location: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
4. Doorwerth Castle
Doorwerth Castle dates back to the medieval period. However, it was besieged and burnt to the ground twice over the centuries. During World War 2 the castle again suffered an assault, having been bombarded by artillery. It was soon restored to its former appearance, which is what we see today. The castle is now maintained as a museum and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of somebody who starved to death in the castle. Not a very romantic notion, we know, by it did prompt the hilarious British TV show Most Haunted to film there, with amusing results.
🏰Location: Fonteinallee 2 B, 6865 ND Doorwerth
5. Muiderslot Castle
Muiderslot Castle was one of the Netherlands’ first national museums. It was built in the Medieval era and restored in the 17th century. So, it makes sense that these are the two periods on which the museum focuses. The world-famous playwright, historian, and poet P.C.Hooft (an Amsterdammer) once lived in the castle and there are remnants of his stay in its design. He commissioned the beautiful gardens which still look as they did hundreds of years ago. Isnt’t that amazing?
🏰Location: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden
