The castle has never been sold in its 800-year history, passing only through inheritance.
The interior contains a significant collection of 17th-century Dutch family portraits still hanging in their original ancestral rooms.
It remains one of the few Dutch castles that was never destroyed or looted during the 800 years of the family's occupation.
The estate features a notable collection of rare trees, including a giant sequoia planted in the 19th century.
The current structure rests on medieval foundations that date back to at least 1226.
Kasteel Duivenvoorde is one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands, remaining in the same family lineage since the 13th century. Unlike many Dutch estates that were sold or institutionalized, this site has been preserved by the Duivenvoorde Foundation to maintain its original collection. The castle features an extensive interior ensemble of family portraits, porcelain, and silverware spanning several centuries. Visitors access the castle rooms exclusively through guided tours to ensure the protection of the historic decor. The surrounding 25-hectare estate comprises an English landscape park with winding paths and water features. The building underwent significant modifications in the 17th and 19th centuries, blending medieval foundations with later architectural styles. It serves as a private foundation dedicated to heritage conservation and educational outreach.
The wooden bridge approach offering the classic mirrored reflection of the castle facade in the moat.
Book your guided tour well in advance via the official website, as capacity is strictly limited.
Allow extra time to walk the perimeter of the estate gardens, which are accessible independently of the house tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths in the landscape park.
Do not show up without a pre-booked tour reservation, as castle entry is not permitted for walk-ins.
Closed on Mondays; open seasonally from April through October.
Photography is restricted to specific areas; touching of furniture or collection items is prohibited.
