There is always something to do at Kasteel de Haar, whether you come for the many beautiful stories of the castle, the art collection or the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family. The wonderful nature, the beautiful landscape gardens and the largest castle in the Netherlands, make a day at Kasteel de Haar an unforgettable experience.
But there is even more to do in and around the village. Combine your visit to the castle with everything Haarzuilens has to offer. We would like to share our favorite activities with you.
Hiking & biking
Do you have a taste for more nature after your walk in the park? Around Castle de Haar is Landgoed Haarzuilens where you can walk and cycle to your heart's content. Natuurmonumenten and NBTC have put together several routes:
On the outskirts of the city of Utrecht lies the Haarzuilens estate. You walk through an area where about a thousand years ago the peat bog was reclaimed. The meadows have been grazed and hayed for centuries. The river has deposited fertile soil, creating higher ridges, these places have been inhabited since the Iron Age.
Short walk through the Wielrevelt. Discover the rich past of this place on Haarzuilens estate. People have lived on the Wielrevelt for more than 2000 years. For those who look closely, traces of the past can still be found. During this walk on the Historical Path you will discover them.
This unmarked circular walk starts and ends at Vleuten station and takes you through the green outskirts of the city of Utrecht. A semi-rural walk through the foothills of the Maximapark along the Themater fields, a new nature area on the edge of the Haarrijnse Plas. You will find reed beds, water birds and old cherry orchard.
In early spring, especially between February and April, hares rattle. That's when the males fight each other over the females. They hit each other with their hind legs, which is always quite a spectacle. But even without rattling hares, this tour is worthwhile. You will pass the fairytale Kasteelde Haar, where you can eat, drink and discover at Gasterij Wielrevelt. The tour continues past peat ponds, polders, marsh and swamp forest. And through the old village centers of places along the Vecht.
Discover the rich cultural history and beautiful nature of Haarzuilens estate during this bicycle tour. You cycle through an area where about a thousand years ago the peat bog was reclaimed. The meadows have been grazed and hayed for centuries. The higher river ridges are planted with fruit trees. This landscape is culturally and archaeologically very valuable.
Fun with kids
Are you out and about with the (grand)children and looking for an adventurous activity near the castle to take a break? Haarzuilens estate has plenty to offer. Let off some steam during the exciting walking route 't Natte Laand or play in the play nature of Oerrr.
Speelnatuur on Haarzuilens estate is a natural playground where children can romp around. Playing with water, sand and mud, balancing on tree trunks, and much more! The play nature on Haarzuilens estate is also accessible for children with disabilities. The play nature is designed so that all children can play together.
't Natte Laand is an adventurous hiking trail for the whole family through the flowery meadows of the Wielrevelt. Along the way, you will cross ditches with a drawbridge, wobble raft and balance over narrow tree trunks over the ditch. Fun for the whole family!
Food & Drink
Between your visit to the castle and the activities, of course, there is always time for a little break. Have you already left the castle or walked past the Laverie? You can also refuel and catch your breath in one of the cozy restaurants nearby. To make it easy for you, here are the castle favorites.
Like the castle, this inn and council chamber was built to the design of architect Cuypers. Open Tuesday through Sunday for coffee and cake, lunch, high-tea, drinks and dinner on the terrace or inside the restaurant.
Restaurant Toetje is an attractive and versatile fusion restaurant (French with Eastern influences) with a striking interior. Hospitality, cozy dining, tasty dishes with fresh ingredients and atmosphere are the focus.
This former stable has been converted into a delightful restaurant with a rural character. During the day you can enjoy tasty lunch dishes and pancakes. Time for lunch with a country character!
The Brewery is located in a 16e-century national monument in the village of Vleuten. On the first floor is a lively brasserie which is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am. Here you can enjoy lunch, coffee with homemade cakes, dinner and a drink at the bar. The Brewery is located 3.6 km from the castle and are easily accessible by car and bicycle.
Good food and good drinks with small parties or large groups. Kortjak is the place to have a good time together. With a popular menu we have known for years to spoil our guests. Kortjak is situated in a unique location with wide views of the green surroundings. Come and taste the Harmelen coziness!
Cozy, homely, familiar. That typifies Hotel Het Wapen van Harmelen. The feeling of home is always paramount for us. We want everyone to really feel at ease with us. That is why we like to get to know our guests.
Overnight
Complete your visit to Castle de Haar? Stay overnight, completely in style. Spending the night in the castle itself is unfortunately no longer possible. But fortunately there are plenty of nice places in the vicinity of the castle. Below you will find the most beautiful ones.
Hotel and brasserie De Brouwerij is located in a 16th-century national monument. You will find this small but fine hotel on the 1st floor, above the brasserie. De Brouwerij includes a hotel room and a spacious apartment in the style of the monumental building.
Completely in style with the castle, stay overnight on the river Vecht in Breukelen. This 7-room lodge is located in a beautiful country house and is fully equipped with all conveniences.
From visiting a luxury castle to sleeping in a city palace in the historic center of Utrecht. It's possible at Hotel Beijers! This boutique hotel has 14 different rooms and offers views of the Dom.
Always wanted to sleep in a monumental building overlooking the beautiful river De Vecht? You can!
You are welcome to come stay with us and enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner in our adjacent restaurant, The Riverside.
In the middle of the polders of Woerden, the capital of the Green Heart. An ideal overnight spot for a (mini) vacation or a business stay.
Farm Hazenveld with B&B, mini-camping and camper spaces is located between Utrecht and Amsterdam, in the Green Heart of the Netherlands.
On Farm Hazenveld you stay within biking distance of Castle de Haar and fairytale Haarzuilens (3 km).
In the middle of the meadows between Amsterdam and Utrecht lies Bed & Breakfast Oud Aa.A characteristic farmhouse from 1860, completely renovated in 2020. Retaining details of the past, equipped with the luxuries of today.
A stone's throw from the country's most central train station, we've converted a former church into an affordable headquarters for your next urban adventure. It's where locals come to collaborate and make contacts, and where travelers come to unwind.
Logement Swaenenvecht is a luxury house where you can stay overnight and breakfast, the lodge is located in a National Monument from 1678 and situated on the river Vecht under the smoke of Utrecht. The lodge has nine beautiful rooms, each with its own special historical details of course equipped with all modern comforts.
Cozy, homely, familiar. That typifies Hotel Het Wapen van Harmelen. The feeling of home is always paramount for us. We want everyone to really feel at ease with us. That is why we like to get to know our guests.