Feel like a famous guest or resident
The Dutch countryside has always attracted interest in Europe. One reason was that landownership, as well as owning a castle, tended to be an exclusive privilege of the nobility in other countries in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Utrecht region, many burghers who had made their fortunes in business owned property and historic country estates. This was enough to spark the interest of travelling nobility.
Royalty, Hollywood stars and literary luminaries have all stayed in the beautiful castles and country estates of the Utrecht region. Although the well-maintained structures were originally built for the Dutch nobility, they have provided accommodation for a variety of famous guests throughout the centuries. Nowadays, many Dutch castles and country estates are open to the public for tours and visits, allowing you to discover the secrets of these castles.
Did you know that you can have your wedding at many of the castles?
Follow the footsteps of royalty, nobility and film stars
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Belle van Zuylen
Belle van Zuylen
This emancipated woman famously said 'I have no talent for submission' – a bold statement in her day.
Discover Zuylen Castle
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Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard
Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard
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King Louis Napoleon
The first king of the Netherlands and the most famous resident of Museum Oud Amelisweerd.
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Willem Adriaan van Nassau
Willem Adriaan van Nassau
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Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II
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Freddy Heineken
Freddy Heineken
Discover the well-kept secrets from your bike
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Country Estates and Lakes (36 km)
Country Estates and Lakes (36 km)
A beautiful cycling route that starts in Oud-Zuilen and goes around the Maarssenveense and Loosdrechtse Lakes and along the meandering Vecht River. Cycle past the Buitenplaats Geesberge country estate and Zuylen Castle.
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Castle Route between Utrecht & Woerden (54km)
Castle Route between Utrecht & Woerden (54km)
This scenic cycling route takes you through polders abounding in water and medieval watercourses. You will cycle past three castles: Woerden Castle, De Haar Castle and Montfoort Castle.
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Follow the footsteps of the Kaiser (71km)
Follow the footsteps of the Kaiser (71km)
Discover the world of the armed forces and follow the footsteps of the kaiser during this route across the Heuvelrug. You will pass the Huis Doorn estate and three castles: Amerongen Castle, Zeist Castle and Kerckebosch Castle.
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Royal route through the forest (43km)
Royal route through the forest (43km)
This route starts in the polder and then takes you into the lovely woods surrounding Baarn, Soestdijk Palace and the Soesterduinen nature reserve. You will also pass the Koppelpoort medieval gate and De Hooge Vuursche Castle.
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Slow down and recharge along the Vecht region (33 km)
Slow down and recharge along the Vecht region (33 km)
Venture out into the beautiful nature surrounding Utrecht. A little time away from the everyday stimuli, crowds and traffic to simply relax. Breathe in the clean air in the natural surroundings and clear your mind.