De Haar Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in the Netherlands. Situated about a 30-minute drive south of Amsterdam, this fairy-tale castle can trace its roots back to the 12th century but the current structure was built in the 19th century. Commissioned by Baron van Zuylen van Nyevelt (who married into the Rothschild family; one of Europe’s wealthiest families), De Haar Castle and the adjacent village of Haarzuilens were designed by Pierre Cuypers, who was also responsible for some of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks such as the Central Station and the Rijksmuseum.

De Haar Castle – a fairy tale castle near Amsterdam

With its towers, moats, drawbridges and gargoyles, De Haar Castle truly is an enchanting sight. I highly recommend taking a tour of the castle – the guides tell fascinating stories about the origins of the castle, interesting anecdotes about the van Zuylen/Rothschild family and offer an intriguing peek into life as an aristocrat in the 19th century. You’ll also learn about the celebrities who have stayed at De Haar Castle over the years such as Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, Roger Moore and Coco Chanel.

Castle interior

De Haar Castle is without doubt one of the most beautiful castles in The Netherlands. In addition to its fairy-tale exterior, the interior of the castle is absolutely stunning! If the central foyer doesn’t grab your attention, the ballroom will! Along the way, admire the ornate state rooms and the many artworks.

De Haar Castle gardens

I also recommend a stroll around the extensive ornamental gardens and park, with their centuries-old trees, lakes and statues. As you walk around, you’ll soon spot lots of deer. The ornamental gardens are gorgeous in spring when the flowers are in full bloom, whilst the park is especially beautiful in autumn.

Read about a culinary treat at a gorgeous village near this castle or things to do in Utrecht, a historic city a short drive away.

If you have time, I suggest visiting the village of Haarzuilens. Surrounded by towering trees, the village was designed in the same style as the castle.

How to get to De Haar Castle

De Haar Castle is located on the fringes of the charming village of Haarzuilens (map), a 30+ minute drive south of Amsterdam, or 20+ minutes from Utrecht. If you’re staying in Amsterdam and don’t have a car, I recommend simply joining a half-day tour to De Haar Castle that includes transport.

By car

The easiest way to get to De Haar Castle is by car. There’s ample parking (paid) just outside the castle. Look for a rental car here. The office in the castle sells tickets for the grounds only or castle+grounds, and there are frequent tours of the castle. Purchase entrance tickets to the castle and gardens here.

Public transport

It’s possible to reach De Haar castle by public transport, though it’s a bit of a hassle. From Amsterdam Central Station, take the Sprinter train to Breukelen. At the Breukelen station, take Bus 524 to Kockengen. In Kockengen, change to Bus 127 and disembark at Haarzuilens (a total journey time of about 2 hours). From Haarzuilens village, it’s a 15+ minute walk to the Castle.

From Utrecht Central Station, take the train to Vleuten. In Vleuten, change to Bus 127, disembark at Haarzuilens village and walk to the Castle.

Read other Velvet Escape posts on The Netherlands

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• Things to see in Gouda
• Markermeer road trip from Amsterdam
• Day trips from Amsterdam
• Things to see in Hindeloopen