Amsterdam
Castle Muiderslot

The most beautiful and best kept medieval castle in the Netherlands

At a stone’s throw from Amsterdam, you will go back 700 years in time for a taste of real Dutch history. The imposing Muiderslot, which is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is located at the former Zuiderzee, in the water-rich environments of the river Vecht.
When entering the castle grounds, visitors will be watched through 48 embrasures in the walls. It is no coincidence that the Muiderslot used to be one of the most important fortresses of Amsterdam.
The Muiderslot was built around 1285 by Count Floris V, an ally of the French Court and later of the British King Edward. While hunting with falcons one day in 1296, Floris was captured by his nobles and imprisoned in his own castle. In their flight from the advancing hordes, he was brutally murdered in the vicinity of Muiderberg.

Over 300 years later, Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft took up residence in the Muiderslot. This ‘Dutch Shakespeare’ is the castle’s most famous resident. Hooft was named bailiff of Muiden as well as bailiff of Gooiland in 1609 and held that position for almost 40 years until his death in 1647. He is best known for his proze, poetry and impressive voluminous history of the Dutch Revolt: De Nederlandsche Historiën.

The tour through the Golden Age with the impressive Knight’s Hall, towers and dungeon, the film in the Castle Chapel and, last but not least, the Armoury with its stunning armour collection is a fantastic experience for young and old alike. For children an interactive quest is available that will take them through a large portion of the castle.
The beautiful herb and vegetable gardens still retain the atmosphere of the Dutch Renaissance. A walk along the ramparts offers fantastic views of the water-rich environments and the Pampus island fortress.

The falconry is also inextricably linked to Floris V and the Muiderslot. In the summer months you can watch the soaring falcons and other birds of prey during live demonstrations.