When we think of the Netherlands, we think of canals, tulips, bicycles, perhaps Van Gogh or Anne Frank. But we rarely imagine it as a country full of castles. The fact is, however, that the Netherlands has around 700 castles, which undeservedly remain little known to foreign visitors.
The large number of castles is partly due to the strategic use of geographical features in the Netherlands. The numerous rivers, canals and coastal areas offered favorable locations for building castles for defensive purposes. Another reason is that many wealthy merchants were elevated to the nobility during the Golden Age and built castles and estates to demonstrate their status and newfound wealth.
Castles in the Netherlands have specific characteristics that set them apart from those in other parts of the world. The Dutch are well known for their advanced water management systems, and castles played an early role in this with their moats, canals, lakes, and other water features.
Of course, they also served as an effective form of defense - as beautiful as these water features were, they were not just for decoration. Another characteristic of them is the rural landscape of most of these places. Dutch castles are often located in the most beautiful rural areas, which means that they are surrounded by magnificent green landscapes, forests, gardens, and parks.
In the following lines, we will take a virtual walk to three of the most impressive Dutch castles.
De Haar Castle
De Haar Castle is a prime example of a typical Dutch castle. Located in Harzuyllens, near Utrecht, it is one of the most famous castles in the country. The castle was built in the 13th century, but was expanded and rebuilt in the Gothic style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
De Haar Castle has impressive towers, a moat and a beautifully landscaped park (which requires a separate ticket). Every corner of the gardens is perfectly maintained and full of history - the Roman garden, the rose garden, the labyrinth, the deer park. It is one of the largest and most luxurious castles in the Netherlands.
Muedersloh Castle
Another example is Muedersloh Castle - a medieval castle located in the town of Mueden, near Amsterdam. It dates back to the 14th century and has a rich history as a defensive structure and residence of various noble families. Surrounded by a moat with towers, battlements and a courtyard, Muedersloh Castle offers a glimpse into the life of the medieval aristocracy. It is one of the first national museums in the country - it was declared such in 1878, when it was renovated and saved from ruin. Inside you can see collections of objects from two periods - the Middle Ages and the 17th century. The gardens have been preserved in their authentic 17th century appearance.
Löwestein Castle
Löwestein Castle is a castle and fortress located at the confluence of the Maas and Waal rivers, near Poederuijnen. This castle, over 600 years old, originally served as a defensive structure. Later it was also used as a state prison. Löwestein Castle is surrounded by a moat and has a characteristic square shape with corner towers and thick walls. Today it is a popular tourist destination with a preserved soldiers' street, bomb shelters, double canals and a museum with history and interactive games.
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