Explore Naarden, a star-shaped fortress town with quiet streets and old-world charm. Then visit Amsterdam Castle (Muiderslot), a real medieval castle with towers, a moat, and lovely gardens. Two historic spots, just outside the city, perfect for a day full of stories and sights.
Visit Naarden, a quiet old fortress town shaped like a star, and Muiderslot, a real medieval castle with towers, a moat, and pretty gardens. Two great places to see, just a short trip from the city.
Here’s why Naarden and Muiderslot should be at the top of your travel list:
Naarden is one of the best-kept fortress towns in the Netherlands. The fortress itself was built in the 17th century in a unique star shape, surrounded by moats and strong walls to protect it from enemies. The town played an important role in Dutch defence and still shows off its military past with old gates, bastions, and canals. Today, Naarden is peaceful and full of charm, where history meets quiet beauty.
Naarden was part of the Dutch Water Defence Lines, a clever system that used water to stop enemies. The land around the town could be flooded on purpose, making it hard for soldiers and horses to get through. This smart use of water, along with strong walls and moats, helped protect Naarden for centuries. Today, you can still see how water shaped the town’s defence.
Explore the old bastions and get inside real underground bunkers and tunnels. See cannons, maps, and models that show how Naarden was protected long ago. It’s a fun and hands-on way to learn about Dutch history and clever defence technques.
Visit one of the oldest buildings in Naarden, with a calm and grand atmosphere. Look up to see the amazing wooden ceiling and painted scenes from the Bible. The church is known for its concerts, thanks to its great acoustics. It’s a peaceful place full of history and beauty.
Climb the narrow stairs up the bell tower for a great view over Naarden’s rooftops and star-shaped walls. The climb is a bit steep but worth every step for the stunning panorama. Along the way, you’ll see the old bells that have rung out for centuries. It’s a unique chance to see the town from high above and feel part of its history.
The Spanish House in Naarden was first built as the town’s medieval town hall. In 1572, during the Eighty Years’ War, Spanish soldiers took over the building when they captured Naarden. Sadly, many townspeople were killed there, which is why the house is called the Spanish House. Over the years, the building was used for different things, like a place for weavers and later a museum. Today, it is the Weegschaal Museum, showing the history of weights and measures.
The Naardermeer is one of the oldest nature reserves in the Netherlands. t is known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous bird species and rare plants. The area boats tranquil lakes, reed beds, and marshes, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
Muiderslot is one of the Netherlands’ best-preserved medieval castles—a real fairy-tale fortress complete with towers, moats, drawbridges, and gardens. Built around 1285 by Count Floris V to control trade routes and assert his power, the castle has a rich and colourful history, having served as a royal residence, prison, and even a military outpost. Today, it’s a national museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a window into the Dutch Golden Age and the Middle Ages.
Discover the magic of Muiderslot as you explore its beautiful old rooms, full of tapestries, period furniture, and shining armour. Climb the towers for amazing views and learn how people lived and protected the castle in the past. Enjoy a quiet walk in the gardens, full of herbs and vegetables like those grown back in the 1600s. On weekends and holidays, the castle comes to life with fun shows like sword fighting, falconry, and medieval crafts. Children can follow a treasure trail, dress up as knights, and listen to exciting stories.
Naarden’s fortified old town is small enough to explore in an hour, but the bakeries and food shops tucked inside the star-shaped walls are worth stopping in. Look for regional biscuits and hand-made chocolates from the Gooi area – several shops near the central square stock things you will not find anywhere else in the region.
Naarden is easy to reach by train or car. Trains from Amsterdam often stop at Naarden-Bussum station, a short taxi or bus ride from the historic town. Driving takes about 30 to 40 minutes from central Amsterdam.
Most visitors spend about half a day exploring the fortified town. If you want to include a museum visit or a relaxed lunch, plan for a full day.
Families enjoy the open green spaces, gentle walking routes on the fortifications, and the fun of exploring the old town layout and bastions.
The star-shaped fortifications have pathways around and on top of them, offering easy walking and nice views of the ramparts and surrounding water.
There are cafu00e9s, terraces and restaurants in and around the old town, perfect for a midday break after sightseeing.
Local markets, music events and occasional historical reenactments happen throughout the year. Check local tourism calendars before your visit for dates.
