Preliminary understanding: The legendary past of the castle

De Haar Castle was built in the 14th century by the noble family De Haar. However, in the course of history, the castle has gone through many ups and downs and was once in ruins. At the end of the 19th century, the legendary millionaire Agnes Wilhelmina van Zuylen van Nijevelt and her husband Eugen van Gugenberg decided to spend a huge amount of money to rebuild the castle. They invited the famous architect Pierre Cuypers to design the castle and turned it into the magnificent Gothic Revival style building we see today. The castle not only retains the charm of the Middle Ages, but also incorporates many luxurious elements, becoming a shining pearl in the history of Dutch architecture.

Ticket purchase and admission: Start your castle tour

The castle is usually open from March to October each year. The specific dates and times may vary depending on the year. Be sure to check the official website before departure. The ticket price is 19 euros for adults, 10 euros for children aged 4-12, and free for children under 4 years old. After purchasing the ticket, you can enter the castle through the castle gate. There is a visitor service center at the entrance, where you can get a castle map, which will be a great helper during your visit.

Exploring the interior: Experience luxury and history

Hall and reception room

When you enter the castle, the first thing you see is the grand hall. A gorgeous crystal chandelier hangs high above the hall, and the light shines on the exquisite murals and carvings around it. Portraits of family members are displayed on the walls, as if telling the castle's past. Then come to the reception room, where the decoration is elegant and exquisite, and every piece of furniture and every curtain exudes a strong classical atmosphere. If you look closely, you will find that many details show the luxury of the noble life in those days.

Dining room and banquet hall

Walking along the corridor, we came to the dining room. The huge dining table can accommodate many guests, and the table is decorated with exquisite tableware, which makes people imagine the scene of the family holding a banquet here in the past. The banquet hall is even more amazing, with spacious space, exquisite ceiling murals and dazzling chandeliers, all showing its solemnity and luxury. Countless grand balls and celebrations have been held here, witnessing the glorious moments of the family. ​

Bedrooms and private rooms​

Continue the tour, you can visit the bedrooms and private rooms of family members. Each room is decorated with unique features, from the gorgeous bed to the exquisite dressing table, to the decorations on the wall, all reflecting the tastes and preferences of different owners. Some rooms still retain the furnishings of the year, making visitors feel like traveling back in time and experiencing the daily life of the nobles. ​

Library and study​

The library in the castle has a large collection of precious books, and the bookshelves extend from the floor to the ceiling, creating a strong atmosphere of book fragrance. The study is where the owner works and reads, with a simple desk and chair, and the stationery on the table seems to be waiting for the owner to use. Here, you can feel the castle owner's love for knowledge and cultural heritage.

Outdoor walk: encounter nature and beauty

Garden and Landscape​

Walk out of the castle and come to the beautiful garden. The garden adopts the French garden design style, with a symmetrical layout, and neatly trimmed shrubs and flowers form various exquisite patterns. Stroll along the path and admire the colorful flowers and lush green plants, as if you are in a peaceful paradise. There are also fountains and sculptures in the garden, which add a bit of agility and artistic atmosphere to the whole landscape. ​

Moat and Drawbridge​

The castle is surrounded by a wide moat, and the water is clear. Strolling along the moat, you can see the ancient walls and towers and feel the castle's defense system. When you come to the drawbridge, imagine the scene when the drawbridge was pulled up, the castle was isolated from the outside world, as if returning to the war years of the Middle Ages. ​

Park and surrounding landscape​

The castle is surrounded by a vast park with green grass and lush trees. Here, you can relax and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The windmills and fields in the distance form a typical Dutch rural picture, which makes people linger.

Tips for visiting

Time arrangement: It is recommended to reserve 3-4 hours to visit De Haar Castle, so that you can fully appreciate every corner of the castle without being too rushed. ​

Guide explanation: The castle provides guide explanation services in multiple languages, including Chinese. Joining a guided tour can give you a deeper understanding of the castle's history, architectural features and the stories behind it. The cost is generally 5-10 euros per person, which is worth the experience. ​

Food and shopping: There are restaurants and cafes in the castle, offering a variety of food and drinks. You can take a break here to replenish your energy after a tiring visit. In addition, there is a souvenir shop that sells various castle-related special souvenirs, such as postcards, key chains, books, etc., which can be taken home as a souvenir of the trip.

De Haar Castle is like a vivid history book. Every corner carries the memory of history, and every landscape exudes a unique charm. Following this tour route, you will fully appreciate the luxury and beauty of the castle and gain an unforgettable travel experience. However, please note that some areas in the castle may be temporarily closed due to maintenance and other reasons. You can adjust according to the on-site instructions during the visit.