Castle Het Loo. My Unexpected Versailles Moment in the Netherlands
From Castles to Culture: A Personal Dutch Journey
After sharing my adventures in Texel and Garderen, it’s time to write and inspire you with my very first visit to Castle Het Loo, just outside Apeldoorn.
Wauw. That’s honestly the only word that captures the moment I stepped into this majestic former royal residence.
Actually, that’s not quite accurate because I was silent and lost for words. And for me, that is even more breathtaking than “wauw.”
Dutch castles
I’ve always had a passion for castles. Not because I also love Disney but because I am born and raised in the Netherlads. Europe has a rich culture with countless castles.
I’ve written before about my Castle Keukenhof in Lisse and the fairytale-like Castle de Haar and I recently booked myself a castle tour at Castle Amerongen. Each has its own story and full of Dutch history.
However Castle Het Loo took me by surprise. What impressed me most was its phenomenal size and grace.
The exhibitions, the portraits, and the personal belongings on display offered a richer, more complete narrative. It wasn’t just about royal history. It was about leadership, resilience, and influence across centuries.
It reminded me of what I felt while walking through the halls of Castle Amerongen. Like other castles history tells the story of powerful women who held the estate together during turbulent times including war and political uprize.
Visiting Paleis Het Loo gave me that same sense of respect and admiration.
The rooftop moment
Looking out over the palace garden. So immense, so symmetrical and most of all so perfectly maintained by so many volunteers.
I suddenly thought of Versailles.
It’s been on my bucketlist for so many years. I was even in Paris this spring but had to postpone my visit to Versailles due to rain that day.
Little did I know, standing on the rooftop Castle Het Loo, I think it might feel similar.
A Dutch version of Versailles, steeped in our own history and charm.
Taking a vacation to Garderen gave me the chance to cross Castle Het Loo off my bucket list. It gave me so much more: inspiration, pride, and a reminder that history is not just to be observed, but felt.
Stepping Through History, One Castle at a Time
There’s so much to see nearby and in the other provinces, and so many stories to uncover.
The Netherlands continues to surprise me with its castles, its beauty, and its powerful women who, through the centuries, have influenced architectural design.
They passed this legacy on to generations to come. Many of these places are now preserved by foundations for us to enjoy and step back in time, even if just for one afternoon.
Visiting places like Castle Het Loo doesn’t just feed my love for castles it feeds something deeper.
As I walk through these halls and gardens, I find myself learning not only about the history of my country, but also about myself. Shared past with its beauty and its shadows and shapes who we are today.
One Card, Endless Castles and Culture
And if you’ve read my blogs before, you know I’m a practical woman.
If you’re on a similar journey and curious about your own heritage, eager to learn, or simply in love with the beauty of Dutch history. I truly recommend the Dutch Museumkaart.
With this card, you can literally stick your nose into a museum, a castle, or a garden. Explore and see if it’s for you. If you love it, stay, explore, dive deep. If you’re inside and it turns out it’s not your cup of tea? No worries. You didn’t waste your money, and you can cross it off your bucket list (if you have one).
It’s freedom, flexibility, and discovery. All in one little card.
It gives you access to over 500 museums, castles and more across the Netherlands. Including places like Paleis Het Loo, Castle Ameronge, Castle Lisse or Castle de Haar. It’s the perfect companion for anyone wanting to dive deeper into Dutch culture and heritage.
You can find more about the Museumkaart on my page: https://carolinepintercoaching.com/museumjaarkaart/
Let history guide you through the Netherlands and its rich culture.
Not just through the country, but through the reflections, contrasts, and surprising similarities with your own culture.
