One of our most recommended Dutch day trip options is a day spent at the Kasteel de Haar, in the countryside near Utrecht.
Truly, this place looks like a fairytale, complete with Gothic splendor and a rich history. With its turrets, towers, and lush gardens, Kasteel de Haar provides a stunning backdrop for those seeking a break from Amsterdam for the day. Whether you’re strolling through the beautifully manicured grounds, exploring the opulent interiors, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, a visit to Kasteel de Haar promises an unforgettable experience that truly will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a bygone era.
We were absolutely blown away by this castle, and can’t wait to go back and visit. It absolutely exceeded our expectations in every way, and we really encourage you to visit!
The castle’s history dates back to the 14th century, when the original fortification was built by the De Haar family. Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous changes and expansions, reflecting the evolving tastes and needs of its owners, as well as the integration of more modern comforts as they became available.
In the late 19th century, Kasteel de Haar was acquired by Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt and his wife, the fabulously wealthy Hélène de Rothschild. The castle was practically in ruins by this point, and the couple embarked on an ambitious restoration project, transforming the castle into a neo-Gothic masterpiece, bankrolled by Hélène.
The restoration, which took place between 1892 and 1912, was overseen by the renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam (you’ll notice his oeuvre is very recognizable), with gardens by renowned landscape architect Frans Copijn. The result was a stunning castle that combined medieval charm with modern comforts, featuring intricate details, opulent interiors, and state-of-the-art amenities for the time.
Truly, we were blown away by the opulence, both in terms of visual splendor and practicalities. It had running water (hot and cold!), private restrooms, heating, and breathtaking decor that totally differed per room. The wainscoting alone was jaw-dropping, to say nothing of the views, luxurious bathrooms, and other amenities. The last duchess, Gaby, was said to spend up to €10K on Guerlain-brand soaps alone for guests! To say the least, the family really embodied “hostess with the mostest,” with chefs imported from France, fresh-baked croissants every morning, and private chauffeurs ferrying guests back and forth from Schiphol airport or to day trips to various other Dutch cities.
Throughout the 20th century, Kasteel de Haar continued to be a private residence for the Van Zuylen family, who hosted lavish parties every September and welcomed prominent guests for weeks of parties and fun– actors, musicians, politicians, other nobility, etc., truly a “who’s who” from all over the world, from Maria Callas to Gregory Peck. Today, the castle is open to the public and is a very popular tourist destination for obvious reasons. The castle’s beautifully maintained gardens and parklands are the ideal setting for a picnic or a walk after you finish up in the castle.
What to do at Kasteel de Haar
Here are some of the highlights of a day trip to the castle:
Visit the castle: You can explore the castle’s opulent interiors with a self-guided or guided tour. We opted for the self-guided tour, and were really pleased to see informative placards in several languages in each room, describing all sorts of interesting tidbits like the artwork on the walls, the restoration process, a “day in the life” in the kitchen, and who stayed in different guest rooms.
Gardens and Parklands: The castle is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and parklands. There is a deer garden with lots of cute deer frolicking around, as well as lots of paths to different bridges or smaller alcoves for a picnic or even a little nap. The gardens are particularly lush and gorgeous during the spring and summer months, and we found ourselves really picturing what it must have been like to stroll around as a guest in times gone by.
Special Exhibitions and Cultural Events: Kasteel de Haar often hosts special exhibitions and cultural events that showcase art, history, and cultural artifacts. Nothing was on while we were there, but it’s definitely something to check out when you plan your visit.
Shopping + Dining: We packed a picnic meal to bring with us, but it’s also very recommended to check out the castle’s dining options if you’re feeling a bit hungry or thirsty while there, as well as the castle’s gift shop.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, nature, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing day out, Kasteel de Haar offers a diverse range of activities that will make your visit memorable.
Recommended Reading
Getting There
Getting to Kasteel de Haar from Amsterdam is quite straightforward, but we’re going to buck our “usual” advice and tell you that the easiest way is definitely by car. We opted to hire a car for the day to best explore, and it shaved quite a bit of time off the transportation.
By car:
- Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Route: Take the A2 highway south from Amsterdam towards Utrecht. Follow the signs for Haarzuilens, where Kasteel de Haar is located. There is ample parking available at the castle, which you can pre-reserve and costs 7,50€.
- Advantages: Flexibility to explore at your own pace and the convenience of having your own transportation or add on other destinations if you have the time.
By train and bus or ride-share:
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Route: Take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Utrecht Centraal Station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. From Utrecht Centraal Station, take bus 127 towards Vleuten. Get off at the “De Haar” stop, which is right near the castle. Alternatively, you can take an Uber from Utrecht Centraal.
- Advantages: Skip the hassle of car rental, driving, or paying for parking.
- Disadvantages: Can take a very long time, and you’re a bit at the mercy of the bus schedule. Uber can be quite pricey with surge pricing.
By tour:
- Duration: Varies by tour.
- Route: Several tour companies offer day trips from Amsterdam to Kasteel de Haar. These tours typically include transportation, guided tours of the castle, and sometimes additional stops at other attractions. *Please note that we are a GetYour Guide affiliate, so we may earn a small commission on your booking if you book via this page. We do not endorse any tours in particular, and opted to do this day trip on our own.
- Advantages: Hassle-free travel with clear pick-up and drop-off.
- Disadvantages: Similarly to the public transit option, you’re at the mercy of the tour in terms of timing and amount of time spent at different attractions, so this isn’t for everyone.
Kasteel de Haar is a truly ideal day trip from Amsterdam if you have some time to explore the region while you’re here, and a great option for those seeking something a bit different than the Golden Age canals typical of Dutch cities. We truly couldn’t recommend this place enough, it’s such a fun day trip and the castle and gardens are absolutely magnificent. Again, be sure to book your ticket in advance to make sure you’re able to visit inside the castle.
Keep an eye out for the next few Amsterdam day trips coming your way soon– we’ve got Delft, Gouda, Utrecht, and more queued up! In the meantime, you can pin this guide for later on Pinterest here or by clicking on the photos below.
Don’t miss our other day trip guides to cute-as-a-button Zaanse Schans and sophisticated Den Haag (the Hague.) Speaking of tulips… our guide to Keukenhof will give you all the best tips for a stress-free visit to the world capital of tulips.
