Built to defend, exude power or simply to curry favor with the local nobility. Some have turrets, others have an impressive moat and nearly all of them are open to the public. We are of course talking about the impressive array of castles near Amsterdam, all of which are accessible via public transport.
When thinking of the Netherlands, images of storybook canals lined with gabled houses pop into my mind. Large colorful patchworks of tulips are a very close second. Oddly enough, not for a second do I stop to think about the magnificent variety of castles on offer.
The country is home to 300 castles built between the 11th and the 20th century. Unlike the various castles in Belgium, the majority of Dutch castles are open to the public (Hurray!). Below you will find a list of castles near Amsterdam, their history and how to get there via public transport.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
Exploring Castles near Amsterdam, Netherlands: Resource List
Train Timetables: I use Google Maps mostly to get the most accurate timetables. Purchasing the cheapest tickets I do via Omio.
Train Pass: If you are spending a few days in the Netherlands it is worth looking into purchasing the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket which allows you unlimited train travel between various stations (consult the list in the above link).
Recommended tours: Most castles have great audioguides and really do not need a tour. I would however recommend getting the skip-the-line ticket for Keukenhof and the 3-hour e-bike rental to cycle around the Muiden castle as they are time-saving and fun!
A Brief History of Dutch Castles
Unlike France or the UK, castles in the Netherlands were not only owned by the nobility. On the contrary, wealthy merchants often built opulent, country homes to underline the status of the family. Clambering the social ladder from ordinary merchant to the class of knights meant one needed a coat of arms, did not rely on (your own) manual labor to feed the family and had a fortified countryside dwelling.
Many a castle was built with large aspirations, one turret at a time. Therefore most of the castles around Amsterdam were built long before Napoleon I made the Netherlands a Kingdom in the 19th century.
Most castles built between the 11th and 14th centuries have more fort-like appearances as they were built for defensive purposes along strategic water routes. From the 15th century onwards as the Low Countries were reunited into the 17 provinces ruled by the Habsburgs, castles were built for leisure. Think fairytale appearance with large windows to let light in vs. small and dark.
16 Castles Near Amsterdam to Visit
With over 300 castles to choose from, I had to make a selection of castles to include in this article. Below you will find 17 castles that are close to Amsterdam, ranging from medieval defensive forts to unfinished castles that have been given a 21st-century facelift.
Travel time indicated reflects the time it takes to get from Amsterdam Centraal to the castle by public transportation. Not located near Amsterdam? Check out these 15 beautiful castles in the Netherlands, dotted all over the country.
You might also like to read: 17 day trips from Amsterdam by train; 15 enchanting weekend trips from Amsterdam; Amsterdam to Bruges day trip
Castles of Amsterdam – Up to one hour from the city
1. Muiderslot or Amsterdam Castle
Muiderslot, Muider Castle is locally known as Amsterdam Castle. This turreted beauty has been around for over 700 years and was built to protect, as is evident from its strategic location on the Vecht River. Built in 1280, only to be fully destroyed a mere 16 years later in 1296. Completely rebuilt in the 14th century, this is the version you see before you today.
Amongst its most illustrious inhabitants is Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft (PC Hooft), the son of the mayor of Amsterdam and a prolific writer. The castle still holds many of the original furniture that was used under his ownership. The beautiful gardens surrounding Amsterdam Castle were commissioned by Hooft and together with the castle form an integral part of any visit.
These days the castle is a museum and does more wooing than protecting. The moat, gardens and impressive knights’ hall are well worth checking out. Splurge and take the audio guide available at the entrance. Be warned that the knights’ route involves a few rickety stairs to the top of the tower (not great if you are claustrophobic). The castle is a perfect cycling day trip from Amsterdam.
TAKE A TOUR TO MUIDERSLOT
$ & Most sustainable: 3-hour e-bike rental in nearby Weesp (15 min bike ride from Muiderslot)
$$: Northern Highlights tour (includes Muiderslot and windmills at Zaans Schans). Duration 8 hours.
$$$: Highly rated private tour of Muiderslot and Utrecht city. Duration 7 hours.
Practical details for visiting Muiderslot from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The nearest train station is Weesp station.
Take the sprinter from Amsterdam Centraal to Weesp Station from there a direct bus leaves to Muiden (Bus 110 Bussum Station via Muiden P+R)
Travel time: 59 minutes
Tickets: Included in the IAmsterdam City Card or can be purchased online (€/$18 including the gardens)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
2. Brederode Castle
If you are looking for ancient castles around Amsterdam then Brederode castle is a great option. In just 40 minutes from the city center, you can be at this historic relic that dates back to the 13th century.
It was built in 1282 by Willem van Brederode and in the subsequent 200 years, the castle was used as a defensible house. During this time it bore witness to much warfare and suffered considerable damage. It wasn’t until the late 1400s that the castle was used as a relatively comfortable residence.
This period was short-lived however and it soon fell into the hands of German soldiers followed by Spanish troops who set it alight in 1573. It was during this siege that part of the north wall fell into the moat and formed the overgrown island you see today.
After falling into the hands of the State in the 1600s the ruins of the castle were slowly submerged under sand dunes, with only a small piece of wall protruding. It remained in this state for over 200 years until 1862, when an excavation and research project got underway.
Today, you can enjoy exhibitions showcasing the gruesome past of the castle, including torture instruments and historical artifacts recovered from centuries past. Visitors can also take a trip back in time and enjoy living history reenactments, wander the pristine grounds, or enjoy a refreshing drink in the onsite tea rooms.
Practical details for visiting Brederode Castle near Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Nearest train station is Overveen station.
Take the sprinter from Amsterdam to Overveen, here switch to local bus 481 direction Haarlem Noord get off at stop Santpoort-Zuid, Anna van Saksenlaan. The bus station in Overveen is right next to the train station (1 min walk).
Travel time: 40 minutes
Tickets: Purchased at the entrance €/$6
Opening hours: Closed from November to February. Check the official website for the latest hours.
3. Heemstede Castle
Haemstede is technically not a castle but more of a Manor. Built in the 17th century with luxury and comfort in mind. Upon completion, it was considered one of the most opulent estates in the entire province of Utrecht. This is quite a feat as this province is second only to Gelderland in the number of castles.
During the 17th century, the baroque manor was completed with a set of magnificent baroque gardens. Sadly these were later demolished in the 18th century when all of the beautiful fountains were sold and the age-old trees cut down.
The 20th century was a turbulent one for Heemstede Castle, changing hands more often than one changes knickers, undergoing extensive renovations that were destroyed by a large fire until finally in 1999 it was snapped up by a Dutch building company. Since then it has been restored and is now used as an office for a real estate company as well as a 1-star Michelin restaurant.
Practical details for visiting Heemstede Castle around Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Nearest train station Heemstede-Aerdenhout or Haarlem.
Take the Intercity to Heemstede-Aerdenhout and from there hop on the number 9 bus direction Bennebroek, get off at stop Heemstede Glipperdreef, from here walk 10 minutes to the castle. The bus station is right next to the train station (2 min walk from each other).
Travel time: 48 minutes
Tickets: N/A castle can only be visited as a guest of the restaurant
4. Loenersloot Castle
The Loenersloot family played an important part in village life and are said to have built some of the oldest parts of the castle, which they used for residence as early as the 1200s. The castle stayed within their family until 1435 at which point it was sold. It changed hands several times, all the while being used for residence, with additional wings and buildings being added over the centuries to the comfort of the residence.
In the 18th century, owner Hendrik Willem Van Hoorn bought the castle and began to tear it down until bankruptcy thwarted his plans. The castle then came into the possession of the Martini Buys family at the end of the 18th century and was used as a private residence once again. So much so that the last inhabitant, Maria Martini Buys, who occupied the castle until as recently as 1997, would ward off visitors to the grounds with a gun.
Thankfully, guests of today are welcomed into this Dutch castle for a tour of its magnificent interior. The interior has been preserved as though Maria Martini Buys has simply stepped out. You can visit everything from the cellars to the tops of the tower to drink in the panoramic view of Utrecht.
Guests can also visit the ‘Van Laar Park’, which belongs to this Dutch castle. A setting that seemingly shuts off the outside world and comprises waterways and winding footpaths. The perfect place to escape the furor of the modern day momentarily and get lost in a secluded natural setting.
Practical details for visiting Loenersloot Castle near Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting there from Amsterdam: The fastest way to get from Amsterdam Centraal to Loenersloot castle is by taking the metro line 54 direction Gein and getting off at Amsterdam Holendrecht. From here walk 3 minutes to Station Holendrecht and take the bus number 120 direction Utrecht CS get off at Loenersloot Dorp, which is right opposite the castle.
Travel time: 52 min to 1h10
Tickets & opening hours: The castle is run by volunteers. Check the official website for the latest dates.
5. Soestdijk Paleis
This is another of the castles of Amsterdam that was primarily used as a summer residence by the royal family. It was originally built by Cornelis de Graeff, one of the mayors of Amsterdam circa 1650, in Baarn in the Utrecht province.
Over the centuries the palace underwent expansions and renovations. The most notable expansions were the two side wings that were added when Crown Prince Willem took charge of the property in 1813. The two wings remain a central feature today and were decorated with the Empire-style furnishings popular of the day. These wings are reminiscent of a Tsar Palace from Russia and the influence of the Prince’s Russian wife is evident in their design.
The palace stayed in Royal hands right up until 2004 when then-residents Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard died. The palace has been privately owned since 2017 and houses a museum showcasing its royal history. The building is now undergoing extensive renovations to host meetings and events and as such its doors will remain shut until 2023. That said, guests can enjoy the orchard and nursery free of charge.
Practical details for getting to Soestdijk Paleis from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The closest train station is Baarn.
Take the sprinter from Amsterdam Centraal to Baarn and walk 25 min to the palace.
Travel time: 56 minutes to 1h05
Tickets & opening hours: Currently closed for renovations
6. Slot Zeist
Slot Zeist was built in the 17th century as a pleasure center for Willem Adriaan Van Nassau Count of Nassau-Odijk. This grand stately home was built in a French baroque style. The building underwent extensive renovation in 2007 and it now stands as a truly magnificent piece of 17th-century architecture and interior design.
The interiors have been preserved to reflect its 17th-century origins as much as possible. As a guest, you will feel its grandeur and aristocratic nature as soon as you pull up to the stately entrance. It will leave you feeling as though you have been greeted with a royal welcome.
The classical and elegant look and feel are echoed throughout the inside of the manor as the grandeur of the Baroque era emanates from the walls, designs, fixtures, and furnishings. You can expect elegantly styled rooms, large portraits, and oversized mirrors as you wander around this stately home. If you time your visit right you may even witness one of the regular exhibitions on display in the main buildings and wing gallery. Theater performances and concerts also take place in this majestic setting.
Your trip will not be complete without frequenting the beautifully designed English-style gardens, including a walk to the small treehouse found at the water’s edge.
Practical details for visiting Slot Zeist from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The easiest way to get to Slot Zeist from Amsterdam Centraal is by taking the sprinter to Utrecht Station, there take the number 50 bus direction Wageningen via Zeist/Doorn. Get off at Zeist, Het Rond and walk 4 minutes to the castle.
Travel time: 55 min to 1h10
Tickets: €2.5 reservation in advance needed. Book online.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
7. Duivenvoorde Castle
This beautiful medieval castle was once the home of the Van Wassenaer family, after 5 centuries it changed hands a few times before the final owners, the Schimmelpenninck van der Oye family finally took up residence. To this day, descendants from this family still live in parts of the castle and on the castle grounds.
Part of the castle is open to the public for a visit. Walk around the 14 grand and lavishly decorated rooms and learn all about the history of Duivenvoorde. I highly recommend using the audio guide when visiting as it explains the history of this Dutch castle eloquently.
Tip: I visited the castle as part of a weekend trip to Leiden, where we rented bikes and cycled the scenic 9 kilometers (roughly 30 min ride) from downtown Leiden to Duivenvoorde castle.
Practical details for visiting the Dutch castle Duivenvoorde from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The easiest way to get to Duivenvoorde Castle from Amsterdam Centraal is to take the metro line 52 to Amsterdam Zuid. Here hop on the 358 bus direction Aalsmeer via VU/Amstelveen and stop at station Amstelveen Weldam. Walk 5 min to the castle.
Travel time: 55 min to 1h10
Tickets: €/$13.5, purchase online
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 11.30 am to 4.00 pm
8. De Haar Castle
The mother of all Dutch castles is De Haar Castle, imposing in not just size but architecture. This beautiful 13th-century castle is still privately owned by the Van Zuylen family, who religiously spend one month a year in the castle entertaining the jet set (oh to be invited to one of those famous parties!).
By the late 19th century the magnificent castle had fallen into disrepair, architect Pierre Cuypers (who designed the famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam) was in charge of the restoration works which took 20 years to complete. The architect took his chore to heart and drew up plans for the castle, the gardens, the chapel and even the neighboring village. Nothing like being thorough!
One can choose to visit the gardens (all 135 acres) without the castle or purchase a combo ticket which includes the gardens & castle and comes with a neat audioguide.
TAKE A TOUR OF DE HAAR CASTLE
$$: Small group tour from Amsterdam to De Haar Castle. Duration 5.5 hours.
$$$: Highly rated private tour of Muiderslot and Utrecht city. Duration 7 hours.
Practical details for visiting De Haar Castle from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The nearest train station is Vleuten station.
Take the intercity train direction Nijmegen and get off in Utrecht Centraal. Here either rent an e-bike at the station (10 km 6.2 mi) and cycle to De Haar Castle or hop on a connecting sprinter (train) that takes you to Vleuten station. Bike rentals are also available directly at Vleuten station or walk 15 min to the castle.
Travel time: Count between 60 and 90 minutes
Tickets: Can be purchased online (€/$18 including the gardens)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
Dutch castles one to two hours from Amsterdam
9. Paleis Noordeinde
This grand and graceful palace has humble beginnings, starting life as a modest farmhouse in the 16th century. It was then gifted to William of Orange’s widow in 1609 and is to this day used as a working palace by the Dutch monarchy.
This beautiful palace is found in the Noordeinde district in the Hague among its well-known distinctive fashion boutiques, galleries, and art and antique dealers. All of which are housed in beautiful art nouveau buildings. It is a district well worth a visit when visiting the palace.
The palace itself is elegant in design and beautifully understated for a royal palace, especially compared to some of its European counterparts. As it is a working palace it is not open to the public but visitors can access the gardens or witness the royal ceremony which takes place on Wednesday mornings.
The royal ceremony sees HM King Willem-Alexander regularly welcome new ambassadors, who arrive by stagecoach and are escorted by horsemen from the Royal Netherlands Mounted Police. There is also an honorary salute, four drum rolls, and the national anthem is played.
No visit to the palace is complete without seeing The Palace Garden. The romantic gardens known as the ‘Princesses’ Garden’ were landscapes by Wiliam of Orange’s son in the 17th century for his mother. The gardens are bursting with flowerbeds, ponds, fountains, and marble statues. It is a beautiful regal setting to enjoy a picnic on a warm summer’s day.
Practical details for visiting Paleis Noordeinde from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Nearest train station is Den Haag HS.
Take the Intercity from Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag HS. Here change to the tram line 1 direction Scheveningen Noord. Stop off at Kneuterdijk in front of the palace.
Travel time: 1h06
Tickets & opening hours: Only open to the public on select days during the summer when the Royal Family is on holiday
10. Slot Zuylen
Slot Zuylen is an ever so slightly younger castle close to Amsterdam Center. It was built in 1520 in the small town of Oud Zuilen atop medieval ruins. Although it was once surrounded by water it now sits amongst English-inspired landscaped gardens and parklands where you will find a summer house nestled in the woods.
What is so fascinating about this castle is that it has not undergone any renovations since 1752, when the castle was rebuilt as a country manor. Making it the perfect place to journey back in time and experience firsthand the lives of those who walked the halls hundreds of years ago.
A visit to the castle will leave you feeling as though you have landed in the 18th century with a large number of the rooms being furnished exactly how they would have been. You can also enjoy a large collection of paintings, furniture, and tapestries that make up the family Zuylen collection. When you are finished inside, be sure to wander the beautiful English gardens and the famous serpentine wall.
Practical details for visiting Slot Zuylen from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Closest train station is Utrecht Centraal.
Take the Intercity to Utrecht Centraal, from there walk 9 min to the bus stop CS Jaarbeurszijde and take bus number 12 direction Maarssen via Zuilen, get off at stop Utrecht, Oud-Zuilen, walk 8 min to the castle.
Travel time: 1h15
Tickets: €/$14 – Purchase at the entrance or online
Opening hours: April 1st to October 31st – Wednesday to Sunday 11.30 am to 3.30 pm (last tickets sold at 3.00 pm); November 1st to March 31st – Friday to Sunday 11.30 am to 3.30 pm (last tickets sold at 3.00 pm)
11. Almere Castle – An unfinished Dutch castle
Almere Castle is the youngest castle to make this list. Building started in 2000 yet quickly came to a grinding halt in 2002 due to financial reasons. Since then plans have been made to turn the now-abandoned ruins into a hotel, a wedding venue and even an amusement park.
To date, none of these plans have come to fruition and the castle lies abandoned. If you are visiting the province of Flevoland, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, it is worth making a little detour to see the Almere Castle.
Practical details for visiting Almere Castle near Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting there from Amsterdam: Nearest train station is Almere Centrum.
From Amsterdam Central take the Intercity to Almere Centrum. Here walk 4 minutes to the Almere bus station (Station Centrum) and take bus 326 direction Blaricum Carpoolplaats. Get off at Almere Stad, Veluwsekant and walk 20 minutes to the castle.
Travel time: 1h11 min
Tickets: No entrance fee, the castle is an abandoned ruin
12. Sypesteyn Castle
Although slightly more cumbersome to get to from the city, it is one of the prettiest castles around Amsterdam and well worth taking the train/bus combo. Built a mere 100 years ago, Castle Sypestyn in the Vecht area is the culmination of one man’s ambitious dreams.
Hendrik Van Sypestyn grew up in a wealthy family. In fact, growing up his house contained a painting of a castle in the Vecht that once belonged to the family in the 16th century. Convinced his ancestry was of noble birth (spoiler, it was not), he set out to rebuild this family castle which in turn would house his (very) ample art collection. The art collection was to be put on display for the public.
Through the use of reclaimed materials, Hendrik Van Sypestyn created an enigmatic medieval-looking castle complete with a moat and a pleasure garden. The castle was a museum right from the start and continues to hold that function today.
Practical details for visiting Sypesteyn Castle near Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Take the Intercity from Amsterdam Centraal to Hilversum train station from there take the bus that leaves at Hilversum bus station to Nieuw Loosdrecht (Bus 104 NW Loosdrecht)
Travel time: 1h15
Tickets: Bought at the entrance €/$12 (including the gardens)
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (Closes from 1/11 to 31/3)
13. Keukenhof Castle
Located just one hour from the center of Amsterdam is this 17th Century Mansion. It was built in 1640 for the former commander of the VOC Adreian Maertensz and underwent an expansion in the 19th century that saw the addition of the towers, transforming it into a castle.
Inside there are a variety of rooms that are decorated with furniture and furnishings from different styles and periods. The interior is purposely preserved to reflect the lives of noble families who once occupied this grand castle near Amsterdam.
Today, the Keuken Flower Gardens are now world famous for quintessential Dutch tulips that bloom in spring. Coupled with two hundred hectares of forest, meadows, and beautifully landscaped gardens; Keukenhof is one of the best castles near Amsterdam if you are looking for picturesque walks. Younger guests can also enjoy the extensive petting zoo, children’s farm, and fun playground equipment on the vast estate.
Noteworthy: The Keukenhof castle can only be visited with a guide and at specific times. The entrance fee is an additional €/$10 on top of the entrance fee for the park. Currently, the attic of the castle is being restored and visits have been suspended.
TOURS AND TICKETS FOR KEUKENHOF GARDENS
Recommended: Transfer + skip the line tickets to avoid hours of cueing in line
Top-rated tour: ($) Keukenhof gardens tour + cruise along the nearby windmills. Duration 7 hours.
Guided Tour and transport: Guided tour through Keukenhof + transport from Amsterdam. Duration 6 hours
Practical details for getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam by public transportation can be a little cumbersome. Especially if you are looking to get there before the crowds. A variety of modes of transport exist, some of which even include the entrance ticket. Read all the options here.
Travel time: 1h10
Tickets: Gardens: €/$19.50 book in advance. Or book skip the line and transfer tickets.
Opening hours for the gardens: Daily 09.00 am to 5.00 pm (The castle is currently closed)
14. Amerongen Castle
This is another one of the grand former palatial castles near Amsterdam that has been beautifully restored to echo its former glory. It was built in the 1600s but its original grandeur was short-lived after being burned down by the French in 1673. Following its demise, it remained closed for 10 years while restoration works to the building, interiors, and gardens were carried out. As a result, it is now considered one of the most beautiful castles in Holland.
Over the years it has housed noble guests including offering Wilhem II sanctuary after he abdicated The German Empire and as such is always remembered as the place where he renounced his throne.
For guests today one of the highlights of the castle is to visit the video installation which takes visitors back to the 17th century and introduces them to the former inhabitants and showcases their lives on different screens throughout the castle.
Guests can also enjoy the magnificent surrounding gardens, which boast rose gardens, 300-year-old oak trees, and a children’s playhouse. Amerongen truly is one of the stunning castles and gardens of Amsterdam worthy of a visit.
How to get to the Dutch castle of Amerongen from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Closest train station is Utrecht Centraal.
Take the Intercity to Utrecht Centraal, from there walk 9 min to the bus stop CS Jaarbeurszijde and hop on bus number 40 direction Wageningen via Zeist/Doorn, get off at stop Amerongen, Dorp and walk 7 min to the castle.
Travel time: 1h30
Tickets: €/$15 (including gardens) – purchase online in advance
Opening hours: Thursday – Sunday: 11.00 am-04.00 pm (Last entry 03.00 pm). Castle only open for visits with a guide.
15. Paleis Het Loo
This structure is the design of Jacobus Roman and reflects the warmth of the Baroque era in which it was built. Willem III built the Het Loo palace in 1685 to showcase his status and riches. Willem was married to English princess Mary Stuart and her English heritage shows through in the gardens and pavilion that they were built when they ascended the English throne in 1689.
The palace was used as a summer residence by the Dutch royal family until after the Second World War when Queen Wilhelmina abdicated the Dutch throne and retired to the palace. She later died there in 1962. Following her death, the palace underwent extensive renovations and opened to the public in 1984.
Today, you can visit the palace and undertake one of the three guided tours. You can stroll through the stunning gardens, park, and stables, which should take around three hours. There is also an extensive collection of antique cars to enjoy and you can lose yourself in the fascinating history of the Dutch royal family
How to visit Paleis Het Loo from Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: The closest train station is Appeldoorn.
Take the Intercity to Appeldoorn, from here take the 202 bus direction Zwolle via Vaassen/Epe and get off at the stop Apeldoorn, Gedenknaald. Walk 9 min to the station.
Travel time: 1h34
Tickets: €19.50 to be purchased online
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
16. Doornenburg Castle
Kasteel Doornenburg shares its name with the village it lies next to in Gelderland Province. Although it is a historic Amsterdam castle that’s construction dates back to 1295 and is one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands its history is relatively unremarkable.
It is thought that the oldest parts of the present structure date back to the 14th century, which consisted of a large hall with cellars and a walled rectangular courtyard on a moated island. The building was added to over the years and its final block-shaped appearance you see today is reminiscent of the 16th-century additions.
The castle’s history is fairly nondescript, having changed hands through various families over the centuries. That said, it was never owned by nobility, besieged, or played a part in the political history of the Netherlands.
This Dutch castle was bought and restored in 1936, however, it went on to form part of the front line in 1944 following the battle of Arnhem and became German headquarters. Consequently, it was destroyed by British bombers and the fleeing Germans blew up the gate building.
Although seemingly a lost cause, the derelict and dilapidated building was restored to its medieval style in the 1960s. Guests today can undertake a guided tour of the castle, stroll around the pleasant gardens or enjoy a coffee and apple tart in its cozy restaurants.
How to visit Doornenburg Castle near Amsterdam
Getting there from Amsterdam: Take the Intercity to Arnhem Centraal, change to bus 33 direction Nijmegen CS and get off at stop Doornenburg, van Kol. Walk 9 minutes to the castle
Travel time: 2h01
Tickets: €/$13
Opening hours: Only open for visits on Saturday and Sunday with a guide or the audioguide. Check on the official website for tickets and opening hours.
Map of Castles Close to Amsterdam
All of the above castles around Amsterdam can be found in this interactive Google Map or by taking a sneak peak at the below screenshot.
How to Get Around the Various Dutch Castles
Types of trains to take to the Amsterdam castles
SPRINTER: Slow train – Tends to stop in every station. This is the best option if you are traveling to villages. No prior reservation is needed.
INTERCITY: Fast train – Tends to only stop in larger cities. No prior reservation is needed.
INTERCITY DIRECT: Fast train – Route: Amsterdam – Schiphol (the airport)-Rotterdam-Breda. This train also goes to Belgium (with stops in Brussels and Antwerp). No prior reservation is needed.
EUROSTAR/ THALYS: Highspeed train – Connects Amsterdam to Belgium (Antwerp, Brussels), France (Paris) and the UK (London). Requires a prior reservation.
Useful information: Check the latest timetables and book your tickets for both domestic and international trains online.
Purchasing tickets & taking the train
Getting around the various castles close to Amsterdam by train will mean you need to purchase a ticket. This can be done in three ways: Online, from the ticket machine in Amsterdam Central Station (see above) or inside Amsterdam Central Station at the ticket office.
Check the timetable and which train to take online (or use Google Maps). Inside the train a small screen indicates what the various stops are. The estimated time of arrival is “Verwachte aankomsttijd” and the platform is called “Spoor”.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING NETHERLANDS
Netherlands: 15 prettiest castles in the Netherlands
Amsterdam: The perfect weekend trips from Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Day trips from Amsterdam by train
Amsterdam: Practical guide to public transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam: 6 Cycling trips from Amsterdam
Leiden: Spend a magical weekend in Leiden
Flevoland: Things to do in the smallest province of the Netherlands
Friesland & West Frisian Islands: Practical travel guide & things to do
Frisian Islands: An adventurous guide to the Frisian Islands
16 Castles near Amsterdam: Pin it
0 Comments