The entire village of Haarzuilens was relocated in the 19th century to make room for the castle's expanded parkland.
The castle contains a hidden 'Electric Room' that was technologically advanced for its time of installation.
Many interior features, including the wood carvings, were inspired by the aesthetic of the Dutch Golden Age.
The family crest of the Van Zuylen family appears throughout the interior, including on the ceiling of the main hall.
A permanent exhibition displays the extensive collection of personal belongings from the family who summered here.
The castle features a unique central heating and lighting system installed during the major turn-of-the-century renovation.
The castle is surrounded by a moat that is fed by the river Rhine via a complex hydraulic system.
De Haar Castle is the largest fortification in the Netherlands, originally built in the 14th century and extensively reconstructed between 1892 and 1912. The project was commissioned by Baron Étienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt and architect Pierre Cuypers, transforming the ruins into a Neo-Gothic residence. The castle complex is surrounded by a 135-acre parkland, which includes a formal garden and a landscape park designed by Hendrik Copijn. The interior features elaborate wood carvings, ornate ceilings, and a collection of historical artworks and furniture. The site was once a summer residence for the Van Zuylen family and hosted international celebrities during the 20th century. The estate is encircled by a moat and accessible via bridges over the surrounding water. It remains one of the most visited historical sites in the Utrecht province.
The central drawbridge overlooking the moat, providing a direct symmetrical view of the main gatehouse.
Explore the surrounding parkland trails, as they offer the best perspectives of the castle exterior.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions that often focus on 20th-century history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the combination of park grounds and castle interior requires significant walking.
Do not attempt to walk through the restricted private sections of the park or enter areas marked as family-only residences.
The park and castle are open daily, but the interior can occasionally close for private events or restoration work.
Photography is generally permitted for private use without flash; food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the castle rooms.
