Kasteel de Haar

About Kasteel de Haar

Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands and, arguably, its most spectacular. With its soaring towers, crenellated battlements, moat, drawbridge and formal gardens, it looks almost impossibly romantic — like a fairy-tale castle brought to life.

The castle's history dates to the 14th century, but the current building is largely the result of an extraordinary restoration completed between 1892 and 1912 by architect Pierre Cuypers (who also designed Amsterdam's Central Station and Rijksmuseum) for the Van Zuylen family.

What to See

• The castle interior: Guided tours take you through the state rooms, which are furnished with priceless antiques, tapestries, ceramics and art collected by the Van Zuylen family over centuries.
• The formal gardens: Designed in the French style, the gardens feature geometric hedging, rose gardens, water features and a spectacular view of the castle façade.
• The moat and drawbridge: The iconic water moat surrounding the castle with its functioning drawbridge is one of the most photographed sights in the Netherlands.
• The chapel: A beautifully preserved private chapel within the castle grounds.
• The parkland: 135 acres of romantic parkland — perfect for a walk after touring the castle.

Getting to Kasteel de Haar

By Car or Private Tour (Recommended)

Kasteel de Haar is located near the village of Haarzuilens, approximately 45 minutes from Amsterdam by car. It is difficult to reach by public transport, so a car or private tour is strongly recommended.

Mike Green Tours includes Kasteel de Haar in their signature "Windmills, Castle, Volendam" day tour — combining the castle with Zaanse Schans windmills and Volendam fishing village in a single extraordinary day.

Visitor Tips

• Check opening days: Kasteel de Haar is closed on certain days (typically Monday in winter). Always check the official website before visiting.
• Book in advance for guided tours: The castle interior can only be seen on a guided tour, and places fill up quickly on busy days. Book online before arriving.
• Allow 2–3 hours: The castle tour takes 45–60 minutes. Budget additional time to explore the gardens and parkland.
• Best light for photography: The castle is most photogenic in the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, when the light catches the towers and reflects in the moat.