Kasteel de Haar: A Fairy-Tale Castle in the Netherlands

Once upon a time, in a land not too far away (actually, it’s in the Netherlands), there stood a castle that looked like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. With its towering spires, dramatic turrets, and a moat that sparkles like it’s sprinkled with fairy dust, Kasteel de Haar feels like the perfect place for a princess in a tall tower and maybe even a dragon hiding nearby. Spoiler alert: there’s no dragon, but the magic of this place is very real.

• Table of Contents
  • A Journey Through Time
  • A Fairy Tale Come to Life
  • The Guardians of Kasteel de Haar
  • Funding the Future of Kasteel de Haar
  • The Castle Park
  • The September Tradition
  • How to Get There
  • Tickets
  • Conclusion

A Journey Through Time

The story of Kasteel de Haar starts way back in the early 13th century when the De Haar family built a fortress on this spot. Over the centuries, it saw countless battles, changed hands multiple times, and withstood the test of time. By the 1800s, though, it was more of a ruin than a royal residence.

But then, in the late 1800s, things took a turn for the better. Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar, married to the fabulously wealthy French baroness Hélène de Rothschild, decided to give the castle a makeover. He hired the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station, to restore the castle. Cuypers worked his magic, blending medieval charm with modern luxuries, and turned the castle into a neo-Gothic masterpiece.

A Fairy Tale Come to Life

When you first see the castle, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. From the parking lot, you walk through the gates and enter a courtyard that transports you back to medieval times. The buildings here used to be coach houses and stables, but now house a restaurant where you can enjoy a good lunch.

On the other side of the courtyard is the entrance to the castle grounds. You can buy tickets here or walk straight through if you already have them. Scan your ticket and the adventure begins.

To get to the castle, you first take a 10-minute walk through the gardens and around the castle to the front entrance. This is a great opportunity to take some beautiful photos. Walk over the drawbridge, and you’ll feel the magic growing stronger. If you love castles as much as I do, this is the moment when you feel like a kid again, amazed by the magic and beauty of the castle all around you.

When you reach the front entrance, you walk through a heavy door with amazing details—take some time to look closely. As you walk through, you descend a narrow spiral staircase.

The first room you enter is the Great Hall, full of magnificent details. Don’t forget to look up. This room sets the tone for what’s to come. I don’t want to spoil too much, so take your time exploring the castle and enjoy every moment.

The Guardians of Kasteel de Haar

As you wander through the grand halls and cozy rooms of Kasteel de Haar, you’ll meet friendly and knowledgeable staff in nearly every room. These modern-day guardians of the castle love to share its rich history, fascinating legends, and intricate details. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they tell stories of grand feasts in the Great Hall, the intricate library ceiling, and the daily lives of the castle’s former residents. Each guide adds a personal touch to their storytelling, transporting you back in time and making your visit unforgettable.

Funding the Future of Kasteel de Haar

The current owner of Kasteel de Haar is the Dutch foundation Stichting Kasteel de Haar, which took over the property from the Van Zuylen family in the 21st century to ensure its preservation and maintenance. Maintaining such a grand estate is an ongoing challenge and it requires significant financial resources.

In recent years, to help cover the costs of upkeep and further renovations, the foundation and the Van Zuylen family have auctioned off some of the castle’s valuable assets. These auctions included rare books, antique furniture, and other historical items from the castle’s extensive collections. This decision was difficult, but was made to ensure that Kasteel de Haar could be preserved for future generations to enjoy and to keep the magic of this fairy-tale castle alive. The funds raised through these auctions have been essential in supporting the ongoing restoration and conservation efforts needed to keep the castle looking magnificent.

The Castle Park

Surrounding Kasteel de Haar is a huge, magical park that stretches over 135 acres. It's filled with old trees, pretty gardens, and winding paths that are great to explore. The park is a must-see, with beautiful spots like the beautiful Rose Garden and the peaceful Roman Garden. You’ll find ponds, canals, and cute bridges that are great for taking pictures or just relaxing. You can walk down the big paths, take a slow walk, or have a picnic. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty after exploring the castle.

The September Tradition

Kasteel de Haar is a living, breathing part of history, hosting events year-round, including the enchanting September Tradition.

Every September, the castle comes alive as it revives an old tradition from the early 20th century when the baron and baroness would invite prominent guests for a luxurious stay. The castle is meticulously prepared, just as it was 100 years ago, with furniture moved, copper polished, and rooms readied.

Visitors can experience the bustle firsthand, served by butlers and witnessing the elaborate preparations. Children can participate in a fun scavenger hunt while learning about the tradition.

Various activities throughout the month bring the September Tradition to life, inviting everyone to experience, taste, smell, and relive the magic of Kasteel de Haar.

How to Get There

Kasteel de Haar is very easy to reach by car, and there’s plenty of parking available for visitors. The castle is conveniently located near both Amsterdam and Utrecht, making it a perfect spot for a day trip from either city.

For those preferring guided tours, there are day trips available from Amsterdam. These tours provide a hassle-free way to explore the castle and its beautiful grounds without worrying about transportation or planning.

Tickets

While you can buy tickets at the castle, it’s highly recommended to purchase them online in advance, as Kasteel de Haar can sell out on busy days. You can buy tickets on the official website or through GetYourGuide. By purchasing through GetYourGuide, you help support this website at no additional cost to you.

Conclusion

Kasteel de Haar is worth your visit all year round. With its stunning Dutch architecture designed by the same architect behind the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station, it is an amazing place to discover the Netherlands. But bring warm clothes in winter, as the castle is not heated.