Step inside Palace Het Loo and explore centuries of Dutch royal history. Visit historic palace wings, grand interiors, and beautifully designed baroque gardens with a private guide.
Travel advisors are welcome to book this tour for their clients. Learn more about Travel Advisors
Palace Het Loo was the summer residence of Dutch stadholders, kings, and queens for more than three centuries. Built in 1685 on the Crown Domain Het Loo, the palace was commissioned by William III, who wished to impress visitors and demonstrate his power, wealth, and status.
Together with his wife, the English princess Mary Stuart, William III was deeply interested in architecture and landscape design. When they ascended the English throne in 1689, they expanded the palace grounds with elegant gardens and pavilions worthy of their new royal position. These gardens were designed to rival those of their French counterpart at Versailles.
The palace remained in the hands of the Dutch royal family for generations. After the Second World War, Queen Wilhelmina chose Paleis Het Loo as her final residence. Following her abdication in 1948, she retired to the palace and lived there until her death in 1962.
After extensive renovations, Paleis Het Loo opened to the public in 1984, offering visitors insight into Dutch royal life across different eras.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore two wings of the palace. The East Wing, where William III and Mary Stuart resided, reflects the grandeur of their reign and their European ambitions. The West Wing was later occupied by Queen Wilhelmina and provides a more personal glimpse into royal life.
You can also visit the palace roof, which offers impressive views over the formal baroque gardens below, allowing you to fully appreciate the scale and design of the estate.
The baroque gardens change completely with the season. Our bloom calendar for the Netherlands shows what will be flowering during your visit.
What Is Included in This Private Tour?
Palace Het Loo is known for its role as a royal residence and its extensive gardens. The site offers insight into Dutch royal life and history.
Yes, the visit includes time inside the palace and in the surrounding gardens. Both areas are explored at a comfortable pace.
Yes, the tour is well-suited to guests interested in royal history, architecture, and changing lifestyles over time. The guide shares stories in a clear and accessible way.
Yes, there is space to explore certain areas on your own if you wish. Your guide will explain where and how this fits into the visit.
Yes, the palace grounds and gardens are easy to explore and work well for families. The experience can be adapted to suit different ages.
Yes, there are opportunities to stop for refreshments on site or nearby. Your guide can suggest suitable options.
Yes, as a private tour, the visit can be shaped around your interests, such as gardens, interiors or royal history. Preferences can be shared in advance or discussed on the day.
Palace Het Loo, in Apeldoorn, is about 1 hour from Amsterdam by car. This is a full-day private day trip from Amsterdam, travelling door to door so you can explore the palace and its gardens at leisure.
