Castles near Amsterdam - Muiderslot Castle

[Puffin13]

Castles near Amsterdam - Muiderslot Castle

Particularly for visitors from North America, Amsterdam already feels like a museum with its perfectly preserved 17th Century architecture filling the city center, but those wanting to take it a step further might be happy to know that they can visit a real castle that dates back to the year 1280 just at the edge of the suburbs. There are actually several hundred castles remaining in the Netherlands, and many of those aren’t too far from the capital, but Muiderslot Castle is the closest and best set up for a quick daytrip from Amsterdam.

What you’ll see

The current castle actually had to be rebuilt starting in the late 14th Century, and it’s gone through a long series of private owners over the years, including Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, who was the 17th Century poet and playwright for whom Amsterdam’s ritziest shopping street was named. It had fallen into disrepair by the late 19th Century when it was purchased by the government to be restored and opened as a tourist attraction. It’s recently celebrated 125 years in this role, and the castle is still filled with furnishings, artifacts, armor, and weapons from its 17th Century heyday. Even just from the outside the Muiderslot Castle sitting inside its picturesque moat is a worthwhile attraction and photo opportunity for those who’ve not yet been to many European castles. There are also impressive gardens just outside the castle, which are quite nice in season.

Guided tours

In spite of the fact that the official Muiderslot Castle website is all in Dutch, they do offer English language tours when English speakers turn up. Many of them may also be in Dutch, but if there are English speakers there the tour will be bilingual at the very least. Tours leave about twice per hour and last about 45 minutes before depositing you in the gift shop. Tours cost €2.50 in addition to basic admission, and are well worth it on your first visit as they are the only way to access many of the upstairs areas.

Self-guided tours

There are two different self-guided tour routes within the castle grounds. The Tower Route and the Knight Route are available on free maps for those adventurous enough or impatient enough to skip the guided tours. You can rent an audioguide for €3.50 to explore these tours.

Source, map & directions

[geoffk]

I've also seen a bike route posted on the internet from Amsterdam. We considered doing it, but well you all know how plans fall apart.

[BigRigRob]

You Sir, are a wealth of information.

[cheese]

that would have been great on my last trip.

ah well just another reason to go again.

thanks puffin

cheers

[Pala]

I highly recommend riding out to Muiden.

Takes less than 2 hours each way. You get to see a lot nice countryside and big canal boats and whatnot.

Cheers,
chuck.

[Nimrod]

This is on the list for October. Tram 26 to the terminus, then a ferry to the castle. No sore bicycle-ass.