Top 20 Castles around Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is rich in history. Het Loo Palace, a grand 17th-century Dutch Baroque palace, served as a summer residence for the Dutch royal family for over three centuries. Nearby, Het Oude Loo Castle is a 15th-century moated castle and the older predecessor to Paleis Het Loo. Cannenburch Castle, a 16th-century moated castle, offers a journey back to the 18th century with its richly furnished rooms.

Yes, several castles cater to families. Het Loo Palace has a Junior Palace for younger visitors and its vast park is great for walks. Cannenburch Castle is particularly engaging for children, with features like paintings that come to life and an intriguing attic. Staverden Castle, with its extensive gardens and white peacocks, also provides a charming experience for all ages.

The castles around Apeldoorn are often set within beautiful natural landscapes. Het Loo Palace is renowned for its meticulously symmetrical 17th-century Baroque gardens and a vast park. Het Oude Loo Castle features a statue pond and a maze. Cannenburch Castle is surrounded by an old park forest with meadows and ponds. Staverden Castle boasts extensive gardens, streams, and walking paths, and is known for its rare white peacocks.

Yes, the areas around the castles offer excellent opportunities for walking and hiking. The grounds of Het Loo Palace and Het Oude Loo are part of the vast Kroondomein Het Loo park, perfect for leisurely walks. The park surrounding Cannenburch Castle is ideal for walking or cycling. Staverden Castle also has beautifully landscaped parks and walking paths. For more extensive routes, you can explore the hiking trails around Apeldoorn.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting, as the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant for exploring the outdoor grounds. Het Oude Loo Castle's gardens are typically open to the public in April and May. However, many castles, like Het Loo Palace, are open year-round, offering different seasonal beauty.

Accessibility varies by castle. Het Loo Palace underwent a significant renovation from 2018 to 2023, enhancing its visitor experience, which often includes improved accessibility. For specific details on accessibility features like ramps, elevators, or accessible routes, it's best to check the individual castle's official website before your visit.

Yes, several castles offer on-site or nearby dining options. Staverden Castle has a cozy brasserie on-site, perfect for a break, and a beer brewery. Het Loo Palace also has facilities for refreshments within its grounds. Additionally, the surrounding towns and villages offer various cafes and restaurants.

Beyond walking, the region around Apeldoorn offers various outdoor activities. You can find gravel biking routes through the Veluwe National Landscape, or explore running trails in the extensive forests and parks. The parks around castles like Cannenburch Castle are also suitable for cycling.

The duration of your visit depends on the castle and how much you wish to explore. For a comprehensive visit to a larger site like Het Loo Palace, including the palace interiors, gardens, and exhibitions, you might need 3-4 hours. Smaller castles like Staverden Castle or Cannenburch Castle might take 1.5-2.5 hours, especially if you also enjoy a walk in their surrounding parks.

Most major castles in the region, including Het Loo Palace and Cannenburch Castle, offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check the specific castle's website for details on parking fees and availability, especially during peak season.

While Het Oude Loo Castle itself is generally not open to the public as it's still used by the Dutch royal family, its beautiful gardens can typically be visited during specific periods, usually in April and May. It's recommended to combine a visit to its gardens with Het Loo Palace for a complete experience of the royal domain.

Staverden Castle is unique for several reasons. It is described as a small but beautiful castle with a history dating back to the 13th century. It's particularly known for its extensive gardens, the presence of rare white peacocks, and its distinction as the smallest city in the Benelux with official city rights. It also features a brasserie and a brewery on-site.