Small Group Tour Dutch Castles

This smal group tour takes you through centuries of history to two of Holland’s most famous castles!  We start the day at the Muiderslot, first built in the 13th century by count Floris V, and home of the famous Dutch poet P.C. Hooft in the 17th century. Towers, a moat and armor! After lunch we visit the magnificent Castle de Haar, reconstructed in 1890 on its medieval foundations, where Baron and Baroness van Zuylen entertained their famous guests!

We will pick you up in Amsterdam at 9:15 AM and drive to the Muiderslot for our first stop.

Muiderslot

The Muiderslot (Amsterdam Castle) is a remarkably well-preserved, 700-year-old medieval castle near Amsterdam, founded around 1285 by Count Floris V. Located in Muiden vey close to Amsterdam. It features iconic round towers, a moat, and historic gardens. First built on the Vecht river it was used to enforce a toll on the traders between Amsterdam and Utrecht. In 1296 Count Floris was kidnapped and imprisoned in his own castle and later killed that same year. Demolished around 1300, the castle was rebuilt on the same spot and with the same plan in the 14th century.

Skipping 2 centuries, the next famous owner of the castle shows up in the 16th century, when P.C Hooft (1581-1647), an author, poet and historian took over sheriff and bailiff duties for the area. In the summer he invited friends, scholars, poets and painters, called the “Muiderkring” to the castle.

At the end of the 18th century the castle was abandoned and became derelict. Luckily around 1900 enough money was raised to restore it, for which famous architect Pierre Kuypers was hired. It now serves as a national museum, showcasing 17th-century life, and armor.

This tour is also available as a private tour! Please enquire at info@dutch-tours.com