Castles & Gardens

Delve into the fascinating history of the Dutch Golden Age by exploring the ancient castles that were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Many of the castles and exquisitely manicured gardens are open to the public. Discover the best sights, the area's hidden gems and how to plan your trip from Amsterdam. 

Travel back in time at historic castles

Castles and majestic country estates are dotted through the countryside in the Amsterdam Area - some are even within cycling distance of Amsterdam. Take a guided tour of a castle, attend an exhibition or just sail along the River Amstel or River Vecht dreaming of an aristocratic life by the water. Here you will find inspiring ideas about the best way to spend a day in the Castles and Gardens region. 

Discover the region with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Reasons to visit Castles and Gardens:


  • Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station

  • A land of fairy tale castles and charming gardens

  • Highlights: Muiderslot, Fortress Island Pampus

Castles and gardens destinations

Breukelen

Breukelen castle, CC BY 2.5 Loki2003 via Fotothing.com
With its nature areas, large mansions and spectacular castle, Breukelen offers visitors a wealth of historic sights and experiences.

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Take a short bike ride from Amsterdam and discover a scenic refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Weesp
Step back in time in Weesp, a historic city brimming with spectacular forts and windmills, and buildings that date back hundreds of years.

Muiden
Dating back to the 10th century, Muiden's peaceful streets, small cafés, historic landmarks and picturesque harbour make for a perfect day trip out of Amsterdam.

Naarden
One of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe, Naarden's remarkable ‘star fort’ grid layout and cafés, shops and attractions make it simply unmissable.

Amstel River Countryside

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Hire a boat or a bike and explore this green oasis right on Amsterdam's doorstep.

Laren

Laren town centre
Though small, Laren has a lot to offer visitors, including charming streets, abundant nature and fascinating museums.

Leisure Lakes

Geert Snoeijer
For a beautiful day beside or on the water, you don't need the seaside. Instead, enjoy the many Leisure Lakes near Amsterdam.

Activities, excursions, hotels and more

Naarden boat, Geert Snoeijer
Explore what to do and where to stay, eat and drink while visiting the Amsterdam region's superlative Castles & Gardens.

Castles & Gardens itineraries

De Haar Castle Ryan Beck flickr cc via 2.0
Discover how to spend a day in a land of fairy-tale castles and Dutch Golden Age estates in the Amsterdam Area.

Castles & Gardens: Get inspired!

Five fortresses straight out of a fairy tale

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Amsterdam, you’ll find a land of historical fortresses, chivalric castles and country estates. Take a look...
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Best gardens to visit in the Amsterdam Area

The Amsterdam Area is brimming with historic and modern gardens full of colourful blooms and diverse natural wonders to explore. From extraordinary pl...
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GM Plassen Geert Snoeijer

Leisure Lakes

For a beautiful day beside or on the water, you needn’t simply take to the seaside: head inland and enjoy the many Leisure Lakes near Amsterdam.
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DC Amstelpark Edwin van Eis

Amstel River Countryside

Amsterdam has a green oasis right on its doorstep, meaning everyone can easily enjoy the natural diversity of the Amstel River Countryside.
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The Fortress Stretch

Step back in time when you visit the Fortress Stretch. Home to many old castles, fortified towns and ruins, this picturesque region offers a vivid win...
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G M Muiderslot Wim Konings

Historical River Estates

Take a trip south of the city and enjoy the grandeur and nature of the Historical River Estates.
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V C CastlesandGardesn NC

Castles & Gardens: 5 unmissable experiences

There is much to see if you take a trip south of the city. Within an hour of Amsterdam’s city centre, you can explore the former country retreat...
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Geert Snoeijer

Top 5 spots for boating around Amsterdam

The Water Rat from Wind in the Willows was perfectly right when he said: ‘There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply m...
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Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

A simple and convenient way to explore the Amsterdam Area is with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. This convenient multi-purpose ticket ...
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Kaasmarkt Alkmaar CC BY 2.0 Puybrun via Flickr

Amsterdam 360

Take a look around and experience the Amsterdam Area in 360 degrees – these virtual reality videos get you up close to everything...
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How to get to Castles & Gardens:

How to get to the Castles & Gardens region
Explore the Castles & Gardens region. Make the most of excellent public transport connections to enjoy a memorable day trip in the Amsterdam Area.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
This convenient multi-purpose ticket offers unlimited public transport by bus, tram, train and metro in the entire Amsterdam area.

I amsterdam City Card
Your City Card gives you free entry to some fantastic museums, castles and attractions to be found in the Amsterdam Area.

Where next?

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Zaanse Schans windmills Cris Toala Olivares

Old Holland

With its countless windmills, churches and old-fashioned farmhouses, stepping out into Old Holland can feel like being in a Golden Age painting.
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Egmond

Amsterdam Beach

Explore Dutch dunes, take part in water sports, or just relax at one of the most unspoilt coastlines in Northern Europe. Amsterdam Beach makes for a f...
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