Visit
Explore
Education
Stories
About us
Water Week 2026
Water and Muiderslot Castle go hand in hand. During Water Week, July 13–19, you’ll discover why water has always been—and still is—so important to the castle.
Water Week
Water and Muiderslot Castle are inextricably linked. Together with the Amstel, Gooi, and Vecht Water Board, we organize a variety of activities, all centered around water. There’s plenty to do for all ages. For example, join us on a stand-up paddleboarding tour around the castle, take a creative water workshop in the Kasteelatelier, or learn more about water during the exclusive opening of the Stenen Beer.
Adventurous SUP Tours
See Muiderslot like you’ve never seen it before: from a SUP board on the water! Accompanied by a guide, you’ll paddle along the fortress ramparts. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the centuries-long struggle with and against the water and learn how the landscape was once used to keep enemies at bay. The tours take place on July 15, 16, and 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is €10 per person (with a valid admission ticket). Participation is at your own risk and open to those 15 years of age and older.
Come to the Water Board’s aid
Help the Amstel, Gooi, and Vecht Water Board during this fun and educational activity. From Monday through Friday, you can discover through three interactive games how you can contribute to clean, safe, and sufficient water:
- Flip the Tile: Discover How a Green Garden Helps Prevent Flooding
- Dispose of leftover medications properly: learn why medications don’t belong in the sewer
- Restore the Dike: Discover How Important Strong Dikes Are
Exclusive Opening: The Stone Bear
It’s normally closed to the public, but on July 14 and 15, you can take a unique look inside the Stenen Beer, built in 1851. This remarkable waterworks was part of the New Dutch Water Line and played an important role in the defense of the Netherlands. The most striking feature? The dam is hollow on the inside, so you can walk right through it. Join a water board staff member to discover how water was used for centuries as an ally in the fight against enemies.
The tours start at 11:00 a.m. Please note: The Stenen Beer can accommodate a maximum of 10 people at a time.
Science Lab with the Water Professor
Become a water researcher yourself! Put on a lab coat and get started with exciting experiments under the guidance of a water authority staff member. Discover how water is treated, how currents work, and how pollution affects the water. On July 17 and 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Water Pavilion.
Interactive Theater: “I’m Going to Be a Very Happy Little Fish”
First, crafts; then, joining in the show. During this interactive theater experience, children make their own sailor’s hats. Afterward, they join Sailor Koos on a fun-filled adventure full of music, stories, and surprises. “I’m Going to Be a Very Happy Little Fish!” takes place three times a day on Friday, July 17:
Times:
11:00 a.m. workshop | 11:30 a.m. performance
1:00 p.m. workshop | 1:30 p.m. performance
3:00 p.m. workshop | 3:30 p.m. performance
Getting Creative with Water in the Studio
During Water Week, you can stop by the Kasteelatelier every day for creative activities. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (no registration required):
- Painting the Underwater World: Use oil pastels and watercolors to create your own world full of fish, water lilies, hidden treasures, and fantasy creatures.
- Make Your Own Water Book: Discover why water was so important to Muiderslot Castle, and collect your drawings, stories, and discoveries in a book you make yourself.
- Draw the fish’s scales: Give the fish the most beautiful colors, patterns, and shimmering scales. This is also fun for the youngest visitors.
Make Your Own Growing Paper (Guided Workshop)
Give old paper a new lease on life and make your own growing paper with flower seeds. Take it home, plant it in the ground, and watch real flowers grow from it later.
- On July 13, 14, and 15
- At 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
- Reservations required (pay what you like, suggested price €3.50)
Frequently asked questions
Are there surcharges for special activities?
Yes, surcharges may apply for special activities or events.
Can I take a stroller to the Muiderslot?
Yes, you can. You can take a stroller around the grounds and castle square. The castle itself is not accessible with a stroller because of stairs and narrow passages. You can park the stroller dry under the arches in the castle square.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
In museum café De Tuinkamer and in the castle it is not allowed to eat your own food and drinks. On the grounds of the Muiderslot there are picnic tables where you can eat your own food.
Is there an audio tour for children?
No but the current free audio tour is suitable for children.
Discover the Muiderslot
Ready for a day of wandering through seven centuries of history?