VISIT
Should I make reservations for a castle visit?
We always recommend making reservations for a castle visit. It happens regularly that we sell out due to crowds and have no more time slots available. Reservations are made by booking your tickets in advance online through our ticket page. There is no need to make reservations for the castle gardens.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
The castle gardens are partially wheelchair accessible. The main roads are asphalted or paved, in other places there is gravel or semi-paved. There are some steps in the Roman garden.
The restrooms near the entrance in the Stable Square are wheelchair accessible.
Unfortunately, the castle is not accessible to wheelchairs and people with mobility problems, due to the many stairs in the castle.
Rollators, baby carriages and baby carriages can also not be taken into the castle. These can be left in the vestibule (at your own risk).
Are dogs and other pets allowed?
Dogs and other pets are welcome in the castle gardens, provided they are kept on a leash. Of course we assume that you clean up your pet's feces yourself. It is not possible to bring dogs and other animals inside the castle.
No matter how small and cute your little dogs, puppies or rabbits are, they are not allowed to come inside in a bag either. In fact, we ask that you keep your bag in a locker during your visit, so it's not really cozy for your little pet.
What may and may not I take into the castle?
We ask that you store luggage, bags, coats and umbrellas in the designated lockers. In addition, the consumption of food in the castle is prohibited. Baby carriages and baby carriages can unfortunately not be brought into the castle. You can park them in front of the entrance and pick them up after your visit. Walking sticks are only allowed into the castle if they are equipped with a rubber base, so that they do not damage the floors. This is at the discretion of the coordinator. For all rules consult our house rules here .
Can I also visit the castle with small children?
Everyone is welcome in the castle. For young castle visitors there are several scavenger hunts available in the castle store. Check this link for all activities. If you would like to bring a stroller or baby carriage, this is only possible in the gardens. Inside the castle it is not possible to bring a baby carriage or stroller. You can leave it outside (under the gate) and bring it back after your visit. Would you like to bring children in a baby carrier? Of course you can, but please carry your child on your belly.
Can I also eat or drink something at Castle de Haar?
Kasteel de Haar has two catering options, of which at least one location is always open. Check out the options at Restaurant Laverie and Café Tuynhuis via this page.
Where can I inquire about found objects?
You can fill out the contact form for this or call the general information number: 030-6778515.
Do I have to stick to my reserved time slot?
Yes, you need to keep to the time slot because of the capacity in the castle. From the parking lot it is about a 15 minute walk to the castle. The time slot for the castle has a limited shelf life/scannable. However, you can visit the gardens earlier, or just after your castle visit.
Do I have to join a tour?
No, nothing has to, but much is allowed. We have a room guide in the castle almost in every room. They are happy to tell you all about the castle, its history and its flamboyant residents. Several times a year we offer special tours that go to rooms that normally remain closed. When we offer these tours, you will find them as an additional option in the ticket sales.
I would like to take pictures, is that allowed?
Photoshoots, (bridal) reportages and video recordings (in any form) are not allowed.
During your visit to Kasteel de Haar and the gardens, you are welcome to take photos and videos with your cell phone or digital photo camera. Drones, tripods, gimbals and other professional recording equipment are not allowed. Flash photography is not allowed throughout the castle due to the fragility of the collection. In addition, we ask that you be considerate of other visitors.
In what languages is information offered at the castle?
We offer information in several languages. Reading cards are available in Dutch, English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. The audio tour is available in Dutch and English. The guides all speak Dutch. Some also speak English or German.
Can I have a picnic in the castle gardens?
Yes, certainly! You are welcome to come with a group (up to 10 people) on the special Picnic Meadow with a beautiful view of the castle. We assume that you will take your trash back with you and dispose of it in the trash garbage cans provided. To allow other visitors to also enjoy the Picnic Meadow, larger groups are not desired. Would you still like to picnic with more than 10 people? Then please send an email to events@kasteeldehaar.nl, they can inform you if you want to organize an event in the castle gardens.
I want to make a reservation for a group, is this possible?
Yes, you can. On our website you can find information about group reservations: www.kasteeldehaar.nl/groepen/.
If you have any further questions about this, please email groepen@kasteeldehaar.nl.
Are there toilets available?
Before you have your ticket scanned you can use the toilets on the Stable Square. There are also a number of toilets inside the castle. These are exclusively for castle visitors. There are also toilets at restaurant Laverie and at Tuynhuis Gabrielle in the gardens.
Which maintenance activities are there?
To preserve the unique story of Kasteel de Haar, we are constantly working to preserve our heritage: the castle and its buildings, the collection and the gardens. During your visit, parts of the grounds may be under maintenance.Read more.
TICKETS
Should I make reservations for a castle visit?
We always recommend making reservations for a castle visit. It happens regularly that we sell out due to crowds and have no more time slots available. Reservations are made by booking your tickets in advance online through our ticket page. There is no need to make reservations for the castle gardens.
Can I change my tickets to another date or time?
You can easily change your tickets on our website - kasteeldehaar.nl - to another day and/or time. This is only possible for groups up to 10 people. Rebooking for groups larger than 10 persons is not possible. The rebooking and the new date for your visit must be made within 2 months of your originally planned visit.
On the website choose "Tickets", "Castle visit tickets" then click on "next", after that choose "I already have a valid castle ticket". Now you can choose a new date and time slot. We ask that you bring both the old and new reservation with you when you visit, we can then see that it is a rebooking.
Any previously purchased parking ticket remains valid.
No refunds will be given for tickets once purchased.
Can I cancel my tickets and will I get my money back?
There is no refund for purchased tickets. Exchanging tickets for another time slot or date can only be done through the website, for groups of up to 10 people and based on availability. See: 'Can I exchange my tickets to another date or time' (text above).
I'm late due to a traffic jam, is that a problem?
Your ticket can still be scanned at the castle up to half an hour after your time slot starts. Do you still arrive at the castle late? Always report this to the information desk, based on availability they can then give you other tickets. Please note that it is a 10-minute walk from the entrance building to the castle.
During vacation periods, on weekends and holidays, it is sometimes so busy that you may have to wait a while to visit the castle if you are late for your own time slot. We naturally give visitors who already have a valid ticket for the day priority over those who have not yet purchased one. We always try to create a spot for you if possible. In an exceptional case, this may not be possible.
Do I always have to pass the box office even if I have purchased an online ticket?
You do not have to pass by the box office; online tickets must be scanned at the entrance gates in the entrance building in the Stable Square. This allows us to know if all pre-purchased tickets have actually been submitted. There is a special entrance for e-tickets at busy times. This is indicated in the Stable Square.
Visit with a Museum Card / Friends Lottery VIP card
Do you come to visit the museum with a Museum Card or a Friends Lottery VIP card? Then you can reserve a time slot online and choose 'I have a Museumkaart or Vriendenloterij VIP card. There will be no QR code on the ticket. You are supposed to scan your card at the entrance.
Do I get a 65+ discount? And which other discount passes are valid?
There is no 65+ discount on a visit to the castle or gardens. The following discount passes provide free admission or discount for a castle visit (except for the surcharges indicated for special activities and events):
Museumkaart
Rembrandt Association/ICOM
Friends lottery VIP card
U-pass
Can I pay with cash?
It is not possible to pay cash for the entrance to the gardens and castle or souvenirs in our museum store. You can pay by credit card or with your bank card. It is possible to pay with cash in our restaurant.
CASTLE
What is Haarzuilens Castle? And Slot Zuylen?
Over the years, people have used many names for Kasteel de Haar. The most common ones are Castle Haarzuilens, Castle Haarzuilen, Castle Haarzuylen, Castle ter Haar, Castle de Haer and Huis de Haar. But they are all the same castle: Kasteel de Haar. Slot Zuylen, on the other hand, is a different castle, near Utrecht.
What do I get to see inside the castle?
More than 20 rooms are open for viewing. Unfortunately, due to fire safety and some rooms still under restoration, not all rooms can be open. There are regular tours that show rooms that normally remain closed. There are also rooms set up as offices, broom closet or meter cupboard. These rooms remain closed to the public.
Does the family still own the castle?
No, the castle and gardens are the property of Stichting Kasteel de Haar. The family does still have the right to live in the castle for 1 month a year, but during the year they stay several weeks in the Châtelet (the 'small castle' to the left of the castle).
Where can I go for my questions about the history/inhabitants/collection of the castle?
For this, please send an email to our curator at informatie@kasteeldehaar.nl
Can I have a photo or video shoot in the castle or gardens
Photoshoots or video productions (in any form) are not allowed.
Does the foundation receive subsidy?
The foundation does not receive a structural subsidy, the exploitation must be fully covered by the income from our activities. However, the foundation has received subsidy from the state for the restoration of the castle (70% subsidy and 30% own resources) and for the maintenance of castle and gardens (50% subsidy for part of the maintenance).
Can I also become a guide at Castle de Haar?
Yes you can! On the page become a volunteer you can read more about working at Castle de Haar. Are you interested? Please send an email to informatie@kasteeldehaar.nl or check our vacancies.
I want to file a complaint, where can I do that?
You can submit your complaint via the contact form or by sending a letter to our postal address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Haarzuilens. We would like to hear how we can improve our services.
ACCESSIBILITY
Can I also reach Kasteel de Haar by public transport?
Yes, certainly! Look for all information on address & route. Or determine your route via 9292.nl. Tip: You don't have to buy a separate ticket anymore. With OVpay you easily check in and out with your debit card, credit card or mobile in train, bus, streetcar and metro. Ideal for your trip to Castle de Haar! More info on www.OVpay.nl.
I am coming by car, how does it work with parking?
You can enter the parking lot without a parking ticket. You only need your parking ticket when exiting. You can use contactless payment when exiting. If you do not want to pay contactless when exiting, you can also buy a parking ticket with your online reservation or in the entrance building. The entrance building is only open during opening hours, until 4:30 pm. Online you can purchase a parking ticket 24/7.
I am coming by bicycle, is there guarded bicycle parking?
You can park your bike in the free bike shed opposite the entrance gate. This is not guarded and parking is at your own risk.
Does Castle de Haar have facilities for electric cars or bicycles?
Our parking lot does not currently have charging stations for electric cars or bicycles.
Are there disabled parking spaces in the parking lot?
There are currently no disabled parking spaces in our parking lot. The parking lot is still being worked on. Disabled parking spaces will be created in the future. Please note, that even though there will be disabled parking spaces in the future, it is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the entrance building and another 10 minutes from here to the castle. The castle is not easily accessible for people with mobility problems.
Can a tour bus park and turn in the parking lot?
Currently, there are no dedicated parking spaces for touring cars, but there is plenty of room to park. The parking lot provides enough space to drive a lap, so there is no need to turn around in the parking lot.
