Top 15 Castles around Scherpenzeel
Best castles around Scherpenzeel are situated in a region characterized by a mix of historical estates and natural landscapes. This area, bordering the Veluwe and Utrechtse Heuvelrug, offers a blend of forests, rural settings, and waterways. The castles often stand within extensive parklands or near significant historical villages, reflecting centuries of regional heritage. These sites provide insights into local history and architecture.
Best castles around Scherpenzeel
- The most popular castles is Amerongen Castle, a castle located in the floodplains of the Lower Rhine. It is notable for housing German Emperor Wilhelm II after WWI, where he signed his abdication.
- Another must-see spot is Renswoude Castle, a castle built in 1654. Visitors can expect to see its gardens, created around 1800 in the French style, and national monuments like the pigeon tower.
- Visitors also love De Schaffelaar Castle, a monumental country house on an estate. It is special for its English neo-gothic and Tudor style architecture, making it a National Monument.
- Scherpenzeel is known for historical castles, country houses, and former knight's estates. These sites offer a variety of architectural styles and historical backgrounds to explore.
- The castles around Scherpenzeel are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 200 photos shared.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Amerongen Castle
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Parc Broekhuizen
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Renswoude Castle
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De Schaffelaar Castle
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Site of Castle Lievendaal
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In 1419, Jan van Driebergen, bastard son of Willem van Abcoude, was granted a farmstead and ten morgen of land near Amerongen by his cousin Jacob van Gaasbeek. The fief book from 1498 speaks of a 'stone house with farmstead with all its tympanum and with ten margins of land ... stretching with one end on the spyckdyck [and with the other end on the] common street of the village'. In 1536, the estate was recognized as a knight's estate by the States of Utrecht.
In 1646/47, Roelant Roghman made two drawings of Lievendaal, which had already fallen into ruin.
(nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lievendaal_(Amerongen))
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful building to see.
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@Marieke: at least reading would be nice before you write a tip about a location you've apparently never been to; "The castle and the castle square are not accessible for taking wedding photos etc. due to the rental enjoyment of the tenants of the castle complex. You can, however, take wedding photos on the castle bridge and in the castle park." (https://www.kasteelrenswoude.nl/)
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Nice walk through the center of Barneveld with nice shops and then through the farmland and park forest back to the Schaffelaar parking lot with the dome and pancake house on the Barnseweg. free parking)
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Lievendaal Castle stood in the floodplains near Amerongen. The castle was first mentioned in 1419 as a farmstead, but the estate is older because in the fourteenth century there was already talk of a loan. The castle was already a ruin in the seventeenth century. The castle ruin was probably demolished around 1690.
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We were here in November. So all the trees were bare. I would also like to see this beautiful castle garden in the spring. In any case, there are enough opportunities to extend your walk through the castle garden with, for example, a visit to Fort aan de Buurtsteeg
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Impressive castle, nice to walk around the park (cycling is not allowed there)
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Lievendaal is a former castle and recognized knight's estate near Amerongen, municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug, in the Dutch province of Utrecht. In 1419, Jan van Driebergen, bastard son of Willem van Abcoude, was granted a farmstead and ten morgen of land near Amerongen by his cousin Jacob van Gaasbeek. The fief book from 1498 speaks of a 'stone house with farmstead with all its tympanum and with ten margins of land ... stretching with one end on the spyckdyck [and with the other end on the] common street of the village'. In 1536, the estate was recognized as a knight's estate by the States of Utrecht. In 1646/47, Roelant Roghman made two drawings of Lievendaal, which had already fallen into ruin. (https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lievendaal_(Amerongen))
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Amerongen Castle is a beautiful 'House' from the seventeenth century. The House, the garden and inventory form a unity that is not common in the Netherlands. The history of Amerongen Castle officially begins in 1286. On July 20 of that year, Floris V of Holland declared that Henric and Diederic Borre van Amerongen had become his fief of the "Huyse dat si do carpentry". The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times in those early years. In 1557 the house was sold to Goert van Reede 1516-1585). He married Geertruid van Nijenrode, who was the heir to nearby Zuylestein. The first map depicting Amerongen Castle dates from 1597, the year in which the house was recognized as a knight's court town. Frederik van Reede inherited the house from his father and in turn left it to his son Goert. With Goert's son Godard Adriaan van Reede, who acquired the house in 1641, a new era began for the house. Source and info: Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Scherpenzeel?
Yes, several castles in the region are suitable for families. Amerongen Castle, Renswoude Castle, and De Schaffelaar Castle are all categorized as family-friendly. Parc Broekhuizen also offers a beautiful estate for walks, which can be enjoyable for families.
What historical significance do the castles around Scherpenzeel hold?
The castles in this region are rich in history. Amerongen Castle is particularly notable as the place where German Emperor Wilhelm II signed his abdication after WWI. Renswoude Castle, built in 1654, has a long history, including renovations after WWII. De Schaffelaar Castle is a National Monument, showcasing unique English neo-gothic and Tudor style architecture.
Are there any castles with notable gardens or parklands?
Yes, Renswoude Castle features beautiful castle gardens created around 1800 in the French style, offering fantastic views. De Schaffelaar Castle is situated on a beautiful estate surrounded by park and forest. Parc Broekhuizen also boasts a lovely estate where a walk in the park is recommended.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Scherpenzeel offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as those in the Cycling around Scherpenzeel guide, or explore Road Cycling Routes. For off-road adventures, consider the Gravel biking around Scherpenzeel guide, which includes routes like the 'Owl Forest Singletrack'.
Are there viewpoints or scenic spots near the castles?
Yes, both Renswoude Castle and Parc Broekhuizen are noted for their scenic views. Renswoude Castle's gardens provide picturesque backdrops, while Parc Broekhuizen offers beautiful views of the country house from its bridge and throughout the estate.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see among the castles?
The castles around Scherpenzeel display a variety of architectural styles. De Schaffelaar Castle is a prime example of English neo-gothic and Tudor style. Renswoude Castle is built in the Dutch Classicist style, while Amerongen Castle represents a classic castle structure in the floodplains.
Can I find parking facilities near the castles?
Yes, Parc Broekhuizen is listed as having parking facilities. For other castles, it's advisable to check their official websites or local information for specific parking options, as many are located on estates that may offer visitor parking.
What are some unique features or national monuments to look out for?
At Renswoude Castle, you can find national monuments like the pigeon tower and a tea house. De Schaffelaar Castle itself is a National Monument and one of the top 100 Dutch UNESCO monuments due to its well-preserved English neo-gothic and Tudor style.
Are there any castles that also serve as venues or accommodations?
Yes, Renswoude Castle is a popular wedding venue, and apartments have been realized within the castle and its outbuildings. Parc Broekhuizen has been redeveloped to include catering and hotel destinations, offering a unique stay experience.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Scherpenzeel?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical estates and natural landscapes. The castles offer insights into local history and architecture, often set within extensive parklands. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, sharing over 200 photos and giving more than 400 upvotes for these sites, highlighting their appeal for both historical interest and scenic beauty.
Is there a castle that was once a ruin but has historical significance?
Yes, the Site of Castle Lievendaal near Amerongen is a former castle and recognized knight's estate. Although it was already a ruin in the 17th century and likely demolished around 1690, its history dates back to 1419, making it an interesting historical site to explore for those interested in the region's past.
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