Discover Muiderslot

Close to Amsterdam lies the imposing Muiderslot Castle surrounded by water and castle gardens. One of the oldest and best preserved castles in the Netherlands.

Castle seen from the gardens in late summer.

Castle

Muiderslot Castle is a place full of stories. Walk through rooms where people lived, worked, partied and wrote for centuries. Muiderslot was built in 1285 by Count Floris V with one purpose: defense.

In the 17th century, the castle was inhabited by the famous writer and poet P.C. Hooft. Through the centuries the castle was inhabited, destroyed, rebuilt and restored. Under the direction of architect Pierre Cuypers – known for the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam – the castle was preserved. Since 1878, Muiderslot has been a state museum.

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Gardens

The castle gardens are more than just beautiful to look at. In the 17th century they were laid out to enjoy and to eat from. Today they are a reconstruction of P.C. Hooft’s garden, with living heritage: forgotten and endangered plants. Every season the garden looks different, but it is always a place to enjoy and unwind for a while. Every season the garden looks different, but it is always a place to enjoy and unwind for a while.

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Vrouw met kind wandelen door de tuinen van het Muiderslot vol herfstkleuren.

Museum Route

With renovated rooms, impressive art and a free audio tour, the castle comes alive. Step into the world of Floris V and P.C. Hooft and experience how people lived in the Middle Ages and the 17th century. In the furnished rooms, paintings, furniture and everyday items bring the past close to you, while contemporary art gives new perspectives on history.

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De riddelzaal van het Muiderslot, met schilderijen aan de muur, kroonluchters en zwart-witte marmeren vloer.

Tower Route

Walk behind the battlements, look out over the water and discover how strategically Muiderslot Castle was built. In the Tower Route you will learn more about the defensive function of the castle and the life of soldiers and guards. You climb stairs, towers and narrow corridors and experience how the castle used to keep enemies out.

 

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Het Muiderslot in de zomer. De lucht is licht bewolkt.

Castle Workshop

On weekends and during school vacations, you can get creative yourself in the Castle Workshop. Be inspired by the castle, the seasons or a temporary exhibition and create your own work of art. The activities are suitable for young and old, so everyone can participate.

Children living in the region can join the special Castle Clubs. Always wanted to paint, build or just cook? Then sign up for the art or cooking club.

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In het Kasteelatelier zijn kinderen aan het schilderen met waterverf. Er staan kwasten op tafel.

Water & defense

Water plays a starring role in the story of Muiderslot Castle. The castle is located where the river Vecht flows into the former Zuiderzee, ideal for controlling ships and collecting tolls. With its moat, drawbridge and thick walls, it is the oldest moated castle in the Netherlands.

Later it was part of the Dutch Water Lines, in which land was flooded to stop enemies. This defense system is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Water Pavilion, you will discover through an animated film how water was used throughout the centuries to protect the land – and Muiderslot Castle.

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Luchtfoto van het Muiderslot omgeven door water.

A daytrip Muiderslot and Muiden

A visit to Muiderslot is more than a tour of a castle. Castle, gardens and water blend seamlessly here. Explore the castle, walk through the gardens to the Water Pavilion, listen to the audio tours and enjoy a snack in The Garden Room. Let your kids play in the sustainable wooden playground and take a look in the plum orchard.

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Een gezin staat in de tuin van het Muiderslot en bekijkt de bloeiende bloemen.
Did you know…

Fun facts

The towers once offered a view of the sea

The gardens are filled with heirloom vegetables and herbs

The Amsterdam Castle dates back to 1285

Don’t miss these highlights

Muiderslot must-sees

Een meisje bezoekt de riddelzaal van het Muiderslot, met schilderijen aan de muur, kroonluchters en marmeren vloer.

The Knights’ Hall

The beating heart of the castle. A place where feasting, sleeping, justice and writing took place. The oldest stage in the Netherlands. Be inspired by the story of the Muider Circle.
De beukenloofgang als je er onder door loopt. De bladeren zijn groen. Aan weerszijden staan rode toegangspoortjes.

Berceau

Stroll through this green tunnel. Walk in the shade, just like in the old days, and enjoy the garden as castle dwellers and their guests did.

Celestial Globe

Explore the night sky in detail on this celestial globe. It is a showpiece that castle dweller P.C. Hooft was very proud of.
The blossoms of the plum trees in the plum orchard. The sky is blue. The castle is in the background.

The Plum Orchard

Stroll past the plum trees and experience the atmosphere that inspired castle resident P.C. Hooft to write stories.
Op dit schilderij uit de late 16e-eeuw zie je de legende van de Bakker van Eeklo. De bakker, rechtsacher, herbakt de hoofden in een oven. Een kool is de tijdelijke vervanging van de onthoofde mensen die op stoelen zitten te wachten.

Baker of Eeklo

A strange and exciting painting to look at. A baker bakes new heads. More beautiful, younger and smarter. But one mistake, and a misfire comes out of the oven.
The Muiderslot. Surrounded by canals, gardens and vast wetlands.

The moat

Wet and cold. The moat kept enemies at bay and made it difficult to get close to the walls. Thus, the Muiderslot was well protected.
Handle of a medieval children's sword

Children’s sword

From the age of 7, a noble child began training as a knight. A real sword was too big. Therefore, children practiced with a smaller sword, like this one.

Holy bean

Recognize the holy bean by its white color. It was widely eaten in the 17th century. The taste is similar to chickpeas. On display in the garden from May to October.
De Kruidhof van het Muiderslot staat in volle bloei. Het is zomer. Het kasteel staat op de achtergrond.

Herb garden

Walk through the castle’s herb garden. Smell and see plants from the 17th century, used to eat, heal and impress.
Met ijzer beslagen massfief houten kist

Medieval chest

This is the oldest piece of furniture in the castle. The chest is made of a hollowed-out tree trunk and therefore very heavy. Nevertheless, the chest was dragged from castle to castle in the 14th century.
Een stenen beer met Muiderslot op de achtergond. Het is bewolkt.

Stone dam

Next to the Muiderslot is this 40-meter-long dam from 1851. Discover how the Stone Bear regulates water and take a peek inside on special days.

Discover Muiderslot

Ready to wander through seven centuries of history?

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