Top 13 Castles around Oudewater
Best castles around Oudewater are situated in a historic Dutch town known for its rich past and location within the Green Heart of the Netherlands. This region features a landscape of polders, rivers, and historic towns, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration. Oudewater itself is recognized for its monumental protected city center and cultural significance. The area offers opportunities for cycling routes and walking trails amidst its natural features.
Best castles around Oudewater
- The most popular castle is Woerden Castle…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
De Haar Castle
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Woerden Castle
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Montfoort Castle
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Hamtoren
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Hair path with view on Ham tower
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The castle was built in a relatively short time and has dominated Woerden's city center ever since. The first mention dates from 1415 and can be found on a drawing for the castle's construction. Based on this document, it is assumed that construction began in 1410. Steward Heynric Hermans is considered the first resident. He was an innkeeper and represented the Duke of Brabant, Jan van Beieren, who built the castle in Woerden. Even then, the castle served as a safe haven for the Duke's guests. The towers are connected by stone-vaulted corridors. At the end of the 15th century, it was used as the official residence of the Bailiff of the Land of Woerden. It retained this function until the end of the 18th century. In the 19th century, it served as a prison for men for a time, and later for women. Afterward, it served as a central warehouse for military supplies, a function the castle retained until the early 1980s. Now, more than 600 years later, Woerden Castle is known as the premier event venue in the Groene Hart region and serves as a safe haven for all its guests.
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Montfoort Castle is a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century, with a turbulent history of sieges and destruction, still visible today in the gatehouse and outer bailey. After centuries of education and correctional facilities, the castle has evolved into an atmospheric, multifunctional venue for gastronomy and events.
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Only a small part of the original castle remains but it is still worth including in your walk.
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Nice road with a beautiful view of the ham tower
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Beautiful castle in a very pretty village
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Montfoort Castle in Montfoort, Utrecht, was built in 1163 by Bishop Godefried van Rhenen to defend the Sticht against the county of Holland. Only part of the outer bailey still stands. Wikipedia
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Kasteel de Haar is an extensive castle complex in the Dutch town of Haarzuilens near Utrecht. The current buildings are largely a result of the work commissioned between 1892 and 1912 by the then owner Baron Étienne Van Zuylen Van Nyevelt van de Haar (1860-1934) and his wife Hélène de Rothschild (1863-1947) and under the direction of the architects Pierre and Joseph Cuyper's reconstruction of the ruins of the medieval and early modern complex.
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Elfia, the land where you can bring your dreams to life and share them with others. An empire with its own flag, passport, national anthem and elected head of state. “Is this all real? Or is it just happening in my head?" "Of course it's happening in your head. But why should that mean it's not real?" There is only one solution to properly describe Elfia and that is: experience it for yourself!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I expect to find around Oudewater?
The region around Oudewater features a mix of well-preserved castles, castle ruins, and historical sites. You can find grand, restored castles like De Haar Castle, as well as significant remnants of medieval fortresses such as Montfoort Castle, which retains its gatehouse and outer bailey.
Are there any castle ruins near Oudewater that are accessible to the public?
While Oudewater has historical castle ruins, the most notable local example, Vliet Castle (Huis te Vliet), is unfortunately situated on private farmland and is not accessible to the public. However, you can explore the remnants of Montfoort Castle, which has been repurposed for events and gastronomy, allowing visitors to experience its historic atmosphere.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Oudewater?
The Green Heart region around Oudewater offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various running trails, road cycling routes, and MTB trails that pass by or near these historical sites, allowing you to combine nature exploration with castle visits.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Oudewater area?
Yes, several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. De Haar Castle, Woerden Castle, and Montfoort Castle are all categorized as family-friendly, offering historical exploration in engaging settings.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Oudewater?
The Green Heart region, where Oudewater is located, is beautiful year-round. However, for pleasant outdoor exploration of castle grounds and surrounding nature, spring and summer offer the mildest weather. Some castles, like De Haar Castle, have parks that open early, allowing for morning visits.
Can I visit the interior of the castles, or are they mostly exterior views?
It varies by castle. De Haar Castle offers daily visits to its impressive interior and park. Woerden Castle is utilized for art exhibitions, catering, and events, so parts of its interior are accessible. Montfoort Castle functions as a venue for gastronomy and events, allowing access to its atmospheric spaces.
Are there any historical sites in Oudewater itself, beyond castles?
Yes, Oudewater is rich in history beyond its castle ruins. It's known for its monumental protected city center with over 250 protected houses and a 15th-century Protestant church. The town is also famous for its 'Heksenwaag' (Witches' Weigh House), which now operates as a museum where visitors can be weighed and receive a certificate of innocence from witchcraft accusations.
What are some unique features of the castles in this region?
De Haar Castle is notable as the largest castle in the Netherlands, surrounded by a moat. Woerden Castle, approximately 600 years old, blends history with modern use for events. Montfoort Castle, despite only a small part remaining, offers a unique atmospheric venue for gastronomy.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the castles near Oudewater?
Absolutely. The Green Heart region is ideal for cycling. You can find numerous road cycling routes that allow you to explore the polders, rivers, and historic towns, often passing by or offering views of the castles. For example, De Haar Castle is a popular spot to cycle by, with a cafe at the coach house.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Oudewater?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the picturesque settings of the castles. The komoot community has shared over 415 photos and given more than 730 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and the blend of history with the natural landscape of the Green Heart. The opportunity to combine castle visits with cycling or walking is also a popular draw.
Is it possible to stay overnight at any of the castles?
While some castles, like Woerden Castle and Montfoort Castle, host events and have catering facilities, they are not typically accommodation options for overnight stays. For accommodation, you would generally look for hotels or guesthouses in Oudewater or nearby towns like Montfoort or Woerden.
Are there any castles that are less crowded or considered 'hidden gems'?
While the main highlights like De Haar Castle can be popular, exploring the smaller, repurposed castles or ruins like Montfoort Castle during off-peak hours might offer a more intimate experience. Additionally, the historical significance of the inaccessible Vliet Castle ruin adds to the region's hidden historical narrative, even if it cannot be visited directly.
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