Kasteel De Haar – Largest Castle in the Netherlands

Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands and is located in the Utrecht region. This fairy-tale castle is set in its own extensive grounds and features moats, turrets, drawbridges and some beautiful gardens. Book Kasteel de Haar tickets here 

The original de Haar castle building dates from medieval times around the 13th century. However by the 19th century the castle had fallen into serious disrepair.

The wealthy van Zuylen and Rothschild families commissioned noted Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers (of Amsterdam Central Station and Rijksmuseum-fame) to completely restore the grounds and building.

The renovation work took 20 years between 1892 and 1912 and transformed the ruins into a comfortable and sophisticated neo-Gothic country retreat for the family and their guests.

The castle gardens are 55 hectares in area (a bit larger than Amsterdam’s Vondelpark) and feature a chapel, a Serpentine lake, a 400m long grand canal, a rose garden, a deer park, a maze and a Roman garden.

The park contains around 7,000 trees including a number of large monumental specimens.

The family would reside in the castle during September each year with famous guests such as Roger Moore, Joan Collins, Yves Saint Laurent and Bridget Bardot having visited.

Since the year 2000 the castle has been owned by an independent non-profit foundation.

The castle itself has around 200 rooms including 25 baths. A visit around the castle interior takes about 45-60 minutes and takes you around a number of well-appointed rooms.

The highlight is the magnificent Main Hall which was actually the former castle courtyard but was roofed during the 19th century renovation. Admire the wooden vaulted ceiling (18m in height) which is decorated in gold leaf and stained glass windows.

Much of the castle interior is lavishly decorated with furnishings from the Rothschild collection.

Volunteers are on hand in many of the rooms to provide further background. There are also information sheets in multiple languages available.

Private group tours are possible for up to 20 people (at additional charge) by booking in advance.

A map of the gardens is available at reception which highlights the main features and has 3 walking routes and a kids maze tour. These are also available on the Kasteel De Haar app.

There is a restaurant at the Stable Square (Stalplein) near the entrance and a tearoom café in the gardens. The castle has a small shop with souvenirs.

Please note that the castle itself is not wheelchair accessible due to the many stairs.

With a beautiful castle, stunning gardens and interesting history, the Kasteel de Haar is worthy of a visit and makes for a good day trip to escape the bustle of Amsterdam.

Also of interest: Muiderslot Castle, a classical castle located in Muiden (near Amsterdam)

Kasteel de Haar Essential Info

Last updated on 21 January 2025. This article was first published in 2019 and has been regularly updated.

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