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- The moat, drawbridge and towers — That fairytale silhouette is real: a wide reflective moat, working drawbridge and a forest of turrets. It’s the first “wow” and gives excellent photo angles without paying extra for drama.
- Opulent interiors and original furnishings — Rooms full of tapestries, carved wood, suits of armour and Rothschild-era furniture. The guided tour feels like snooping through a very wealthy family’s private chest of curiosities, with surprisingly intact early-20th-century details.
- Pierre Cuypers’ neo-Gothic architecture — The rebuild is essentially a Cuypers masterclass: Gothic revival flourishes, intricate stonework and theatrical staircases. It’s not medieval original, but the craftsmanship and scale are what make it special in a Dutch context.
- Lavish formal gardens
- The moat, drawbridge and towers — That fairytale silhouette is real: a wide reflective moat, working drawbridge and a forest of turrets. It’s the first “wow” and gives excellent photo angles without paying extra for drama.
- Opulent interiors and original furnishings — Rooms full of tapestries, carved wood, suits of armour and Rothschild-era furniture. The guided tour feels like snooping through a very wealthy family’s private chest of curiosities, with surprisingly intact early-20th-century details.
- Pierre Cuypers’ neo-Gothic architecture — The rebuild is essentially a Cuypers masterclass: Gothic revival flourishes, intricate stonework and theatrical staircases. It’s not medieval original, but the craftsmanship and scale are what make it special in a Dutch context.
- Lavish formal gardens and orangery — Parterres, clipped hedges and a proper orangery give the place a Versailles-meets-Holland vibe. Great for a slow wander or a cheap picnic on trimmed lawns while watching the swans.
- Rhododendron valley and parkland (personal favorite) — In spring the slopes light up with thousands of rhododendrons; it’s quietly spectacular and way less crowded than botanical hotspots. Perfect for wandering, stretching legs and cheap nature therapy.
- The private chapel and stained glass — Small but richly decorated, the chapel holds intricate stained glass and mosaics tied to the family’s history. It’s an intimate contrast to the big public rooms and rewards anyone who likes detail work.
- Seasonal events, markets and medieval-themed days — The castle hosts knightly festivals, concerts and Christmas-style decorations at different times of year. Visiting during an event plugs you into the atmosphere and often gets access to parts of the grounds you might otherwise miss.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.