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There are few castles in Holland that come so close to fulfilling the ideal image that people have of a medieval fort as does Castle De Haar. Like a true fairy tale castle it rises above a heavily wooded park, surrounded by old gardens and ponds. The medievl house was built during the 14th century on higher ground along a dead arm of the Rhine. What makes De Haar unique is the fact that under supervision of the Dutch architect Cuypers,the castle was reconstructed over one hundred years ago in the restauration style of that period. The architecture, the interior,the gardens and even the church and the village took on a new shine as a result.
Castle Huis Doorn in Doorn 
Castle Huis Doorn, which was completely rebuilt at the end of the 18th century,is situated
in a lovely wooded park. It owes its fame to the last resident, ex-kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm II, who lived there from 1920 until his death in 1941.This fine palace is now open
to the public.Visitors are guided through the beautiful Victorian interiors and get an impression of the grand living culture from around the turn of the century. Beautiful commodes, rare tapestries,works of art of German court painters and French rococo masters, valuable porcelain and silver are silent witnesses of the glorious past of the Hohenzollerns.
Strictly speaking, a castle is the fortified residence of a nobleman. In the middle ages a castle formed the economic and cultural center of a region. Legal decisions were made there, battles fought, business deals carried out and, of course, celebrations took place.
The country's most famous Medieval castle is the Rijksmuseum Muiderslot in North Holland's Muiden. This stronghold on the estuary of the Vecht was built around 1280 by Count Floris V, but in 1296 it was destroyed by Bishop Willem van Mechelen. In 1370 a new castle was built on the remains of the old one, which remains in perfect condition to this day, 600 years later.
The Muiderslot has served as a courthouse, national prison, and the official residence of its castellans. One of the most famous such castellan (or castle constable) was the writer and poet P.C. Hooft, who lived there from 1609 to 1674. During his time the Muiderslot was the apex of science and art, serving as a meeting place for leading citizens known as the Muiderkring.
The Muiderslot, surrounded by a splendid castle moat, is furnished and decorated with art and everyday objects from the time of Hooft. The castle is open to visitors for a great part of the year. The herb garden, too, is certainly worth a visit.
Duivenvoorde Castle, Voorschoten
Castle Duivenvoorde is situated near The Hague, between Voorschoten and Leidschendam. A tree lined drive brings you from the road to the manor. Duivenvoorde originates from a 13th century moated tower. Its present style dates from major restauration works in 1631 and 1717.
The manor always remained in the same family and was never sold. Since 1960 it has been in the care of a trust and open to the public as a museum. A guided tour shows the magnificent rooms, furnished as if they were still lived in. Duivenvoorde also boasts a unique collection of family portraits, silverware, Delft earthenware and Chinese and European porcelain. The great hall can be seen in its original splendour.
Castle Loevestein
Virtually every Dutchman knows him: Hugo de Groot. This Rotterdam scholar and Pensionary managed to make a spectacular escape from Castle Loevestein in 1621 by having himself smuggled out hidden in a bookcase. De Groot had been sentenced to life in prison.
The six-hundred-year -old castle was originally built as a penitentiary. If you visit Loevestein, be sure to take a look at the room where Hugo de Groot was incarcerated for two years.
Castle Loevestein in the little town of Poederoyen in Gelderland is located at the junction of the Meuse and Waal rivers. After a thorough restoration from 1925 to 1967, Castle Loevestein is now open to the public daily from April through October.