You want to visit Castle De Haar Utrecht but do not know a thing about it, like the ticket, the rule, or even the basic instruction on how to get there? Well, you’ve come to the right address. We’ll show you all about this famous site in the Netherlands. But it’s just not that, there are also other attractions you might feel interested in. So, don’t skip this post so soon!
Castle De Haar Utrecht
About Castle De Haar Utrecht
De Haar is the most extensive castle in the Netherlands. It’s so big that when it was constructed in 1822, Haarzuilens villagers had to move. Also, it’s the most appealing castle due to its fairy-tale nicely look.
De Haar is about 16 kilometers from Utrecht’s west side. This place is famous for its huge collection of tapestries, paintings, furniture, and antiquities. Apart from that, there is rich décor such as rare a Japanese coach, tableware, ornate wood carvings, etc.
The 135 treed acres grounds of the castle are worth exploring as well. You’ll see a lovely formal garden and the fountains when going down. Important festivals are also usually hosted here. The yearly Country and Christmas Fair is an example. And if you’re looking for souvenirs, you can go to the on-site store.
How To Get To Castle De Haar Utrecht
The detailed address is Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Haarzuilens.
Castle De Haar is easily accessible by public transport such as train and bus.
Using the train – Starting from Utrecht Centraal, catch a train with Den Haag Centraal as your destination.
Using bus – From Vleuten train station, take bus 111 to Kasteel de Haar, then walk 2 mins to reach the site. Or else, you can catch bus 127 and stop at Brink in Haarzuilens. But when taking this bus, you’ll have to walk 15 mins to reach Castle De Haar Utrecht.
Opening Hours
Generally, the castle is available on a daily basis. The park is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and the castle is open until 4 p.m.
However, there are exceptions that may lead to early closing or even not being in service. So, check in advance before going.
Castle De Haar Ticket
There are two options for visitors when it comes to buying a Castle De Haar ticket.
- BUYING THE CASTLE TICKET – If you buy this kind of ticket, you’re free to visit the park. It costs €18 for an adult, and €12,50 for a 4 to 12-year-old child. Children under the age of 4 and those who have a museum card are totally free to come.
- BUYING THE PARK TICKET – If you only want to see the park, you have to pay €7,00 per adult. A ticket for a 4 to 12 years old child costs €5,00. It’s free for kids under 4. And in this case, a museum card is not acceptable.
The parking fee is €6,00. Plus, you might have to pay an extra fee if there are special events. That’s all about the Castle De Haar ticket matter. Read it carefully to avoid unexpected situations.
Castle De Haar Utrecht – Rules
Just like other attractions, Castle De Haar Utrecht has rules for visitors. So, let’s check them out before going!
- Take only memories, leave only footprints! Don’t touch anything here to respect its historical values
- Leave backpacks, coats, and umbrellas in the lockers
- Vehicles for the disabled are not allowed into the castle. Therefore, you have to leave them at the entrance
- No drinking, eating or smoking inside the castle
- No pets but guide dogs. Still, you have to consult the castle staff
- No flash photography or using any professional video tools
- Visitors have to follow the castle staff’s instructions immediately
- Visitors have to leave the park before closing time
Other Must-Visit Tourist Attractions In Utrecht
Utrecht Old Canal, Oudegracht
Besides Castle De Haar, this is a must-see highlight attraction for your visit to Utrecht. The stunning Oudegracht, or the Old canal, runs through the city center. If you’ve got the time, let’s try a kayak or cruise adventure.
The canal begins in the city’s southeast area. The northern part of it comprises parts of a canal made roughly AD 1000 that combined the Rhine to the River Vecht.
There were once numerous warehouses, wharves, and quays alongside the canal shores in 1257. However, these old cellars have been transformed into cafés, boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Speelklok Museum
In English, Speelklok Museum means Musical Clock Museum. It specializes in displaying instruments such as barrel organs, music boxes, etc. These 18th-century devices are mostly still capable of performing music without human involvement.
Its address is at Steenweg 6, 3511 JP Utrecht.
Railway Museum
In fact, this museum is located in Maliebaan, which is an old station that has been closed. Highlights of this 1927 national railway museum comprise a portion of the transit history of the Netherlands. Specifically, it’s the railways and tram systems with old models and vehicles to enjoy on the go.
Railway Museum displays the early ages of railroads, the heyday of the 1900s, for example. Besides the impressive locomotives collection, kids will certainly love the railway model and playground here.
The address is at Maliebaanstation, 3581 XW Utrecht.
Utrecht University Botanic Gardens
You can find the gardens at Budapestlaan 17, 3584 CD Utrecht. This 22-acre spot would be perfect for those who are green spaces lovers. The Utrecht University Botanic Gardens trace its roots back to the 17th century when the university was first opened.
There are six distinctive gardens to discover. The most popular ones are the Birders Den and the Bee Hotel. The equatorial greenhouses are also worth visiting.
The gardens are available from spring to December. We suggest joining informative guided tours so that you can get the most from your adventure. Plus, the gardens are quite far from Castle De Haar, so make sure that you choose the right time to visit both of these places.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral lies in Dompleine, the heart of Utrecht Cathedral Square. It’s more familiar to the citizens here as Domkerk (the Dom Church). Also, this is one of the most substantial churches in the entire country. The specific address is Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht.
In fact, this 1254 Dom Church was originally built in the place of an earlier Romanesque church. But the cathedral today includes two chapels, the 15th-century transepts, and the 14th-century choir.
There are must-see highlights such as old tombs and a stunning cloister. People say that these burials contain the organs of Emperors Conrad II and Henry IV, who perished in Utrecht. Apart from that, let’s take a look at the scenic 14th-century cloister. It connects the cathedral with the academy. Beyond its windows are the life of St. Martin’s scenes since he is the patron saint.
Related Posts You Can Read:
Why is Utrecht the weirdest town in the Netherlands?
