We’ve wanted to go to this place since we arrived in Europe, but every time we had the trip planned, something got in the way. We finally drove to the Netherlands on one sunny Sunday to feast our eyes upon the glory that is Castle De Haar.

The original castle suffered major damages in a fire and was rebuilt many years later. The outside was kept in the Neo-Gothic style, but the interior was modernised in places. The castle even sports a beauty salon. It was interesting to see this mesh of new and old pulled off so well. We’ve visited other castles that had been remodelled to the point where the interior spaces lost all resemblance to their original states – a sad thing if you ask me. This wasn’t the case with De Haar.

Even if you’re not a fan of castles (we can’t be friends anymore 😛 ) the park surrounding the castle makes the trip well worth the time. Gorgeous is too small a word here. You can also get lost in a hedge maze – I know we did. The park is enormous, but we saw only the outer edge of it because we got caught in the rain. We brought umbrellas, but left them in the car. Fail. 🙂

Oh, have I mentioned this castle has moats? IMO that counts major points in the epic-o-meter. And not one moat, but two. You cross a drawbridge to get to the grounds, and another to enter the actual castle.

This is one of the more expensive castles to visit at 18 Euro per adult and 10 Euro for kids aged 4 – 12, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. To enter the garden only is less expensive at 5 Euro for adults and 3,50 for kids aged 4 – 12. If you’re on a tighter budget, Schloss Burg in Solingen, Germany, is still the best value for money at 6 Euro pp.

Get ready for 140 photos. You’ve been warned. 🙂

I should also probably mention that little café, Koetshuis De Haar. It has. The best. Apple pie. Ever. If you find yourself at Castle De Haar sometime, do your tastebuds a solid and order the apple pie.

That’s it from me for today, I should get back to packing. Hope you have a good week!

Yolandie.