Situated in a close proximity to Amsterdam, Muiderslot is one of the best preserved and most famous Medieval castles in the Netherlands. Muiderslot provides a blend of historical significance, cultural exploration, and beautiful gardens, making it a perfect day trip destination for those seeking a well-rounded and enriching experience near Amsterdam.
Read more:
🏰 15 beautiful castles in the Netherlands that you should visit
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Read further to find out why Muiderslot is worth visiting and what to expect from your visit to the castle.
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What is Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot?
Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, Muiderslot, or Muiden Castle, is a medieval castle located in Muiden, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Muiderslot has a rich history and has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a residence for nobility, a military fortress, and a prison. The castle played a role in various historical events, and its architecture reflects the medieval period with features such as towers, battlements, and a drawbridge.
Practical info
Address: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden
Entrance fee: adults – 17,50 EUR; children (4-11 yoa) – 10 EUR; Included in the Iamsterdam City Card
Opening times: April – October, daily from 10 am till 5 pm; November – March, Tuesday-Sunday, from 10 am till 5 pm
Website: muiderslot.nl
Fun fact: Muiderslot translates from Dutch as Muiden Castle, so we are kind of calling the castle twice a castle, which is a bit incorrect, if we say Muiderslot Castle.
History of Muiderslot
Early History
Muiderslot was constructed in 1280 by Count Floris V of Holland. Its strategic location near the mouth of the river Vecht served both defensive and toll-collecting purposes. The castle was part of a network of fortifications aimed at protecting the trade routes and waterways in the region.
Fun fact: Count Floris V commissioned the first history book in Dutch. Before that history books were written in Latin.
Over the years, the castle underwent modifications to enhance its defensive capabilities. It featured a moat, drawbridge, and thick walls with towers and battlements, characteristic of medieval military architecture.
Muiderkring
One of the most significant periods in the history of Muiderslot occurred during the early 17th century when Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, known as P.C. Hooft, a prominent Dutch poet, playwright, and historian, became the castle’s resident. Under Hooft’s ownership, Muiderslot transformed into a cultural and intellectual centre.
Hooft hosted gatherings of artists, writers, and scholars at the castle, fostering an environment of creativity and intellectual exchange. This circle of individuals, known as Muiderkring, played a significant role in fostering cultural and intellectual exchange during the Dutch Golden Age.
Fun fact: They call P.C. Hooft the Dutch Shakespeare because of his significance for the Dutch literary heritage.
The the castle in Muiden became a centre for discussions on literature, art, science, and politics. The gatherings were characterized by a lively exchange of ideas and creativity, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the time. The circle’s influence extended beyond the walls of the castle, impacting the broader cultural landscape of the Dutch Republic in the 17th century.
After Hooft’s death in 1647, Muiderslot Castle changed hands multiple times and gradually fell into a state of neglect. The castle’s significance diminished, and it faced the prospect of decay.
Modern history
In the early 20th century, efforts were made to restore and preserve Muiderslot. Restoration work aimed to bring the castle back to its 17th-century appearance while also addressing later modifications. The famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, known among others for the Rijksmuseum, was in charge of the restauration, which left his recognizable signature on the castle.
Today, Muiderslot is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms, learn about its history through exhibits, and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Visiting Muiderslot
The castle is home to exhibits that showcase artifacts from different periods, providing a comprehensive view of the castle’s evolution. The surrounding gardens add to the experience, offering a tranquil escape with their well-maintained greenery. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a bygone era.
The Knights’ Hall
The Knights’ Hall, or Ridderzaal, is considered the beating heart of the castle, embodying both grandeur and intimacy. This medieval space hosted gatherings, celebrations, and served as the seat of local government. Today, it immerses visitors in the 17th century with paintings and Delft blue tiling. It was a refuge for P.C. Hooft, who used it for music, poetry, and discussions, contributing to the famous Muiderkring.
Fun fact: Hooft’s tragedy Isabella (which was finished by Samuel Coster) was played for the fist time in the Knights’ Hall in 1618, which actually makes the hall the oldest theatre in the Netherlands.
The dungeon
In the southern tower of the castle there is trapdoor on the floor that leads to the so-called ‘forgotten dungeon’. Prisoners would just be thrown through the opening on the floor in the dungeon and be forgotten down there. It was impossible to escape from this creepy place.
Fun fact: The legend has it that Count Floris V was held prisoner in what today is known as the Floris Chamber, but the fact is that the chamber did not even exist in those day and moreover the count was killed outside of the castle.
The castle’s garden
The castle’s garden are a reconstruction of the Renaissance gardens commissioned by P.C. Hooft in the 17th century, featuring high beech hedges to shield the plants from sea winds. The gardens were divided into Kruydhof (herb garden) and Warmoeshof (vegetable garden) and aimed for self-sufficiency of the castle. Just like in the 17th-century the vegetable are cultivated organically, without artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
Without a doubt the loveliest part of the garden is the berceau – vaulted trellis overgrown with beech that divide the herb garden from the vegetable garden. There are windows made in the green tunnel so that you can enjoy the gardens in the shade while you go for walk.
How to get to Muiderslot?
Muiderslot is located in Muiden, a small city to the south-east of Amsterdam. If you are staying in Amsterdam, visiting Muiderslot could be the perfect day trip. Click here for more day trips from Amsterdam.
If you are driving, there are special parking places (P1 and P2), where you can park your car for free. The castle is just a short 15-minute walk from both parking places.
Getting to Muiderslot by public transportation takes a bit longer as there is no direct train connection to Muiden. If you are travelling from Amsterdam Centraal take the sprinter train to Amersfoort and get off at Weesp, then take bus line 110 and get off at Muiden Centrum. From there the castle is only a 10-minute walk.
Tip: Read this post about using the public transport in the Netherlands. It’s packed with tips that only a local knows!
The best way to find out how to travel from A to B in the Netherlands is to use the Glimble app. You can buy your tickets in the app and travel hassle-free. The app is absolutely free to download.
Final words
Muiderslot offers a journey through medieval history with its well-preserved castle, providing a glimpse into its military past and cultural significance during the Dutch Golden Age. The picturesque gardens and the serene surroundings along the river Vecht provide a peaceful escape from the city. All this makes Muiderslot the ideal day trip from Amsterdam.
