Discovering De Haar Castle in the Netherlands
A Brief History
De Haar Castle, or Kasteel de Haar, stands in the Utrecht province of the Netherlands. The earliest record of a structure at this site dates back to 1391, when the De Haar family received it as a fiefdom. Ownership shifted to the Van Zuylen family in 1440. The castle suffered significant damage in 1482 but was rebuilt in the early 16th century. By the late 19th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair until Etienne Gustave Frédéric Baron van Zuylen van Nyevelt van de Haar and his wife, Baroness Hélène de Rothschild, initiated a major restoration project in 1892, led by architect Pierre Cuypers.
Exploring De Haar Castle
The Castle Grounds
De Haar Castle is surrounded by a park designed by Hendrik Copijn, featuring formal gardens reminiscent of Versailles. The park includes serene lakes, charming bridges, and a variety of waterworks. During World War II, much of the garden was lost, but it has since been restored. The village of Haarzuilens was relocated to accommodate the park’s expansion, with new buildings designed in a pseudo-medieval style by Cuypers and his son Joseph.
The Castle Interior
Inside, the castle boasts 200 rooms and 30 bathrooms, though only a few are open to the public. Cuypers’ design includes modern amenities for its time, such as electrical lighting and central heating. The interior features richly ornamented woodcarving, Flemish tapestries, and porcelain from Japan and China. Notably, the castle houses a rare carrier coach from a Japanese shōgun’s wife, attracting visitors worldwide.
Best Time to Visit
Visit De Haar Castle between April and September when the gardens are in full bloom. Spring and summer offer mild weather, ideal for exploring the grounds. To avoid crowds, plan your visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
Getting There
De Haar Castle is about 20 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam. Here’s how to get there:
By Car
- Take the A2 motorway southbound from Amsterdam.
- Exit at Nieuwegein (exit 6) and follow signs for De Haar Castle.
- Parking is available near the castle grounds.
By Public Transportation
- From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Utrecht Centraal Station.
- Transfer to bus number 9 towards Vleuterweide.
- Disembark at Haarzuilens, Brink bus stop and walk to the castle.
Local Transportation
Once at De Haar Castle, explore the grounds on foot. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is much to see. Bicycles are available for rent nearby, offering a scenic way to cover more ground.
Summary of Facts
- De Haar Castle is located in Utrecht province, Netherlands.
- The castle’s history dates back to 1391, with significant renovations in the late 19th century.
- Architect Pierre Cuypers designed the interiors, incorporating modern amenities for the time.
- The castle is surrounded by a park with gardens, lakes, and bridges.
- Visit between April and September for the best experience.
- Located 20 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam, accessible by car or public transport.
- Explore the grounds on foot or by renting a bicycle.
