Take a beautiful walk and learn more about the intriguing history of Castle de Haar and its former noble residents, the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family ? This is possible every Sunday during the guided tour: 'Park full of stories'. An enthusiastic guide will take you through the castle park and share all the stories behind the highlights in the park.

Discover the treasures of the park

Not only does the castle provide a unique glimpse into the lives of its noble inhabitants, the surrounding park also tells a part of its rich history. Reason for Castle de Haar to share these stories with you.

When the castle was rebuilt, the park and gardens were to be at least as imposing as the castle. To this end, Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt engaged the well-known garden architect Hendrik Copijn in 1895. Copijn designed a romantic English landscape park with French style gardens, a deer park, maze, winding paths and leafy bridges.

Dive into history

The park tour 'Park full of stories' takes you through this green opulence and the intriguing history of Castle de Haar. You will discover how the fortune of Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt and his wife Hélène de Rothschild made the dream of rebuilding possible, why and how the village of Haarzuilens was relocated and how a mature forest was created in a short period of time.

You will pass special places such as the Rose Garden, with as many as 80 different kinds of roses, the Roman Garden, the Cross Pond and the Maze. But also along more hidden places like the 'Cat Trail' and the 'Gnome Village'. In addition, the route passes several monuments that refer to the tragic story of Hélin van Zuylen van Nijevelt, the son of Baron Etienne and his wife. All are puzzle pieces that bring the story of Castle de Haar to life.

Visitor information
The tour is in Dutch, takes 1 to 1.5 hours and is for anyone interested in a special piece of history in the heart of Utrecht, including families with children. Bookable every Sunday afternoon at 12.00 and 14.00 (max. 15 people). Put on your walking shoes, as the tour does not go only on paved paths. The route is less suitable for people with walking difficulties.

A park tour ticket gives you access to the entire park, which you can explore further on your own before or after the tour.Cost of access park including the guided tour: €12.50 for adults. Different rates apply for children, park season ticket holders, Museum cards and Friends Lottery VIP cards.

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