Castle de Haar is a medieval castle located in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It is one of the most visited castles in the country and a popular tourist attraction. The castle was originally built in the 13th century, but it was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current appearance of the castle dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century, when it was restored by architect Pierre Cuypers. The castle is surrounded by a large park with gardens, ponds, and a maze.
If you want to visit Castle de Haar, you need to buy a ticket online or at the entrance. The ticket price is 19 euros for adults and 11 euros for children (4-12 years old). The ticket includes access to the castle, the park, and an audio guide.
The Castle de Haar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. The park is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00. The castle is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays.
To get to Castle de Haar, you can take a train to Vleuten station and then a bus (number 111 or 127) to Haarzuilens. The bus stop is about 15 minutes walk from the castle. You can also drive by car and park at the nearby parking lot for 6 euros per day.
Some tips for visiting Castle de Haar are:
- Book your ticket in advance to avoid queues and ensure availability.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the castle has many stairs and rooms to explore.
- Respect the rules and prohibitions of the castle, such as no photography, no smoking, no pets, and no food or drinks inside.
- Join one of the guided tours to learn more about the history and stories of the castle and its inhabitants.
- Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the park and its attractions, such as the rose garden, the chapel, and the deer enclosure.
Some of the highlights of Castle de Haar are:
- The main hall, where you can admire the impressive fireplace, the stained glass windows, and the paintings.
- The dining room, where you can see the original furniture, tableware, and chandeliers.
- The library, where you can browse through the collection of books and manuscripts.
- The tower room, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and the surroundings.
- The kitchen, where you can see how the meals were prepared and served in the past.
