Perfect for a romantic walk.
Dutch castles are so enchanting and romantic. The walls have many tales to tell and picturesque gardens surround these towering beauties. Come rain or shine, these amazing places are a sight for sore eyes, and fantastic for a romantic stroll. Whilst we would all love to visit these castles, many of them are closed at the moment. However, we can still admire these amazing structures from the lovely parks and countryside that surround them.
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 and 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.
🏰Kasteellaan 1, 5324 JR Ammerzoden
2. Duurstede Castle
Duurstede Castle is was built in the medieval era and it has 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.
🏰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).
🏰Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
4. Doorwerth Castle
Doorwerth Castle dates back to the medieval period but has been 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 but 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.
🏰Fonteinallee 2 B, 6865 ND Doorwerth
5. Muiderslot Castle
Muiderslot Castle was one of the Netherlands’ first national museums. Having been built in the Medieval era and restored in the 17th century, 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 the design of the castle. He commissioned the beautiful gardens which still look as they did hundreds of years ago.
🏰Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden
Fancy a stroll in the fresh air? Read about the best parks in Amsterdam here!