De Haar Castle is situated just outside the city of Utrecht. While it doesn’t have a history of noble donations, it has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries and exudes the charm of a fairytale castle, similar to Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. This enchanting appearance makes it a popular venue for spring festivals celebrating elves and fairies.

The castle’s current form dates back to the late nineteenth century. At that time, it was in ruins but was completely rebuilt thanks to the generous financial support of the Rothschild family. Hélène de Rothschild married the castle’s noble owner, Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt, which likely influenced this generosity.

The reconstruction took twenty years, transforming the ruins into a stunning neo-Gothic castle with spires, battlements, a water-filled moat, and a drawbridge. Inside, you’ll find wooden furniture inspired by Catholic churches, many pieces originally owned by the Rothschilds, and some items from China and Japan.

The castle is surrounded by expansive gardens that have large trees, fountains, and water features, reminiscent of the gardens at Versailles. These gardens did suffer damage during the war and the Nazi occupation but have since been restored.

The gardens open daily at 9:00 AM, and the castle itself opens at 11:00 AM, closing at 5:00 PM. Entrance to the gardens costs €3.5 for adults and €2.5 for children. If you wish to tour the castle, guided tours are available at a cost of €12.5 for adults and €9.5 for children. The castle is conveniently located just 35 kilometers from Amsterdam.