Ruins of Brederode - Image 1
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Brederode Castle Ruins

4.5
·1k reviews·Santpoort-Zuid, Netherlands

Explore the atmospheric 13th-century brick castle ruins, a historical gem near Haarlem, offering a glimpse into medieval life.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, lovely light

CrowdLow
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Ruins of Brederode - Image 1

Brederode Castle Ruins

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, lovely light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric 13th-century brick castle ruins, a historical gem near Haarlem, offering a glimpse into medieval life.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful castle ruin! A visit is definitely worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike Your Way There

The Netherlands' bike highways make cycling to the ruins a scenic and recommended option.

⏰ Check Opening Hours

The castle closes for winter end of Oct. Always verify opening days/hours before visiting.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Standing Walls

The Standing Walls

Main castle structure

Explore the remaining 13th-century brick walls and imagine the grandeur of this once-powerful fortress.

Visible Foundations

Visible Foundations

Castle grounds

Trace the outlines of the former castle rooms and courtyards, offering a tangible connection to its history.

Moated Surroundings

Moated Surroundings

Castle perimeter

Admire the moat that once protected the castle, now adding to the picturesque and serene landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Castle Exploration

Brederode Castle Ruins are not open year-round; they typically close for the winter at the end of October. Check opening days and hours before your visit, as they aren't open daily. Arriving by bike is highly recommended for a scenic Dutch experience.

Embrace the Ruin's Charm

While only a quarter of the castle stands, the visible foundations offer a unique glimpse into its past. The site is partially restored to preserve its structure, making it a fascinating historical exploration. It's a great spot for photography and imagining medieval life.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, lovely light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Myron van Brederode has skills! 💫
@azalkmaar
5.1K likes • 89.8K views

🚲 Bike Your Way There

The Netherlands' bike highways make cycling to the ruins a scenic and recommended option. Instagram

⏰ Check Opening Hours

The castle closes for winter end of Oct. Always verify opening days/hours before visiting. Reddit

This has been on my to-do list for ages and today was too perfect of a day to not visit these gorgeous old ruins of a castle just outside Haarlem! It’s only open until the end of October and then will close for the winter so take advantage of the lovely weather this weekend to visit this little piece of history 🧡 Unfortunately not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. 📍Ruïne van Brederode (Bre...
tiny.amsterdam
53 likes • 3.6K views
Brederode Castle, also called the Ruins of Brederode, is located near Santpoort-Zuid. The castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century by William I van Brederode. William was a descendant of the lords van Teylingen, who were related to the counts of Holland. The castle formed part of the high lordship Brederode, which had been given in loan in the 13th century to the lords of Brederod...
arezoo_h_1984
0 likes • 247 views

📸 Photo Opportunities Abound

Capture stunning shots of the ruins amidst beautiful trees and natural scenery. Instagram+1

☕ Refreshments Available

A small cafe offers drinks and apple pie, perfect for a break during your visit. Reddit

📍Santpoort-Zuid, Netherlands Castle Brederode dates back to the 12th century and has had several rulers over it, before being left to ruins in 1573. Located near the town of Santpoort-Druid, only 27 km from Amsterdam, it's an easy day trip that gets you out of the city. Highly recommend doing it on bike, as The Netherlands bike high ways are a must see in themselves. 6 euros for admission #cas...
but_where_is_home
11 likes • 210 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike Your Way There

The Netherlands' bike highways make cycling to the ruins a scenic and recommended option. Instagram

⏰ Check Opening Hours

The castle closes for winter end of Oct. Always verify opening days/hours before visiting. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Abound

Capture stunning shots of the ruins amidst beautiful trees and natural scenery. Instagram+1

☕ Refreshments Available

A small cafe offers drinks and apple pie, perfect for a break during your visit. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

Expect a modest entrance fee of around €6 for a worthwhile historical experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Brederode Castle Ruins as a beautiful and worthwhile historical site, offering a great glimpse into medieval life. The interactive elements for children are a significant highlight, making it a family-friendly destination. While only partially standing, the ruins are well-maintained and surrounded by lovely scenery, with convenient amenities like a cafe and parking.

"A beautiful castle ruin! A visit is definitely worth it. A tour of the castle gives a wonderful insight into what medieval castle life might have been like. A knightly room has been set up, and there are numerous information panels. Great care has been taken to vividly convey the history of Brederode Castle. For children, there are costumes, hobby horses, and wooden swords and shields to play with. Our children had a blast exploring various areas of the castle, playing and running around. A café also offers refreshments. Restrooms are available.
Simply a wonderful castle ruin!"

Heiko Ziegler

"Neat place to check out. About 20 min walk from the train. Has a little cafe there too. We enjoyed walking through everything."

Kyly Thurlow

"Impressive historical castle built in the 13th century. It's surrounded by beautiful trees that add to the beautiful scenery.
They charge a €6 entrance fee.
There is free parking next to the castle. At the entrance, there is a seating area in the shade underneath the trees. You can get something to drink such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks with apple pie.
By car from Amsterdam, it's only 31 minutes. I found it worthwhile visiting, and I was able to take some great photos 📸

Before you go, check the opening hours and days of operation because they're not open every day."

Epicurean Flow

What People Like

Beautiful castle ruins
Interactive for kids
Historical insights

What People Dislike

Only partially standing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brederode Castle Ruins are conveniently located about 27 km from Amsterdam. Many visitors opt for a scenic bike ride, utilizing the excellent Dutch cycling paths.Instagram If driving, it's approximately a 31-minute journey by car.Reddit Public transport is also an option, with a walk of about 20 minutes from the nearest train station.Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available next to the castle, making it accessible for those arriving by car.Reddit

Yes, you can reach Brederode Castle Ruins via public transport. It's about a 20-minute walk from the nearest train station, offering a pleasant stroll through the area.Reddit

The castle is located near Santpoort-Zuid and Santpoort-Noord, and is well-signposted. Many visitors find it easy to locate, especially when using navigation or following cycling routes.

Many visitors highly recommend traveling by bike due to the beautiful Dutch landscape and extensive bike paths.Instagram Driving is also a quick option from nearby cities like Amsterdam.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Brederode Castle Ruins have specific opening hours and are not open every day. They typically close for the winter at the end of October, so it's crucial to check their official website or local listings before your visit.InstagramReddit

The entrance fee is around €6 per person, which is considered worthwhile for the historical insights and experience provided.Reddit

While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to check the official website for any advance booking requirements, especially during peak seasons or for special events.

Information on discounts for specific groups (e.g., children, seniors, students) is best found on the official Brederode Castle Ruins website or by contacting them directly.

One visitor mentioned that the site might not be suitable for strollers,Instagram likely due to the uneven terrain and historical nature of the ruins. It's best to be prepared for walking on paths and potentially uneven ground.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the remaining 13th-century brick walls, visible foundations of former rooms, and the surrounding moat. Information panels provide historical context, and a knightly room is set up to illustrate medieval life.Reddit

Yes, it's very family-friendly! Children can enjoy costumes, hobby horses, and wooden swords and shields, making history interactive and fun. They often have a blast exploring and running around.Reddit

Absolutely! The ruins, surrounded by beautiful trees, offer many picturesque spots for photography. Drone footage also captures the impressive scale of the site.Instagram+2

Founded in the second half of the 13th century by William I van Brederode, it was a significant fortress. It was left in ruins in 1573 after surviving wars and fires, with only a portion remaining today.Instagram+1

Yes, restrooms are available on-site for visitors.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small cafe on-site that offers refreshments like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and apple pie.Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned as a designated picnic area, the surrounding grounds and seating areas under trees might offer opportunities for a picnic, especially if you bring your own food.Instagram

The castle is located near Santpoort-Zuid and Santpoort-Noord, which are charming towns likely to have local eateries and cafes if you wish to dine outside the castle grounds.

📸 📸 Photography

The standing walls, the moat, and the surrounding natural landscape offer excellent photographic opportunities. Drone shots can capture the scale of the ruins and their setting.Instagram+1

While some drone footage exists,Instagram+1 it's always best to check local regulations and any specific rules posted at the site regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a softer glow on the ruins. Sunrise shots can also be particularly stunning.Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require special permission, so it's wise to inquire if you have specific professional needs.

You can capture atmospheric shots of the medieval ruins, the moat, and the surrounding greenery. The site offers a blend of historical architecture and natural beauty, perfect for landscape and historical photography.Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brederode Castle Ruins are a fantastic destination for families. The site offers a unique blend of historical exploration and interactive fun for children. They can dress up in costumes, play with wooden swords and shields, and run around the grounds, making history come alive.Reddit The partially restored ruins provide a safe yet exciting environment for kids to explore and imagine themselves as knights or royalty.

Beyond the play aspects, the informative panels and the knightly room offer educational value. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshments, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming for families. It's an ideal outing that combines outdoor activity with a dose of history, ensuring an engaging experience for both parents and children.

🚲 Cycling Enthusiasts

For those who love to cycle, Brederode Castle Ruins are a must-visit. The Netherlands is renowned for its cycling infrastructure, and the routes leading to the castle are often described as scenic and enjoyable.Instagram You can easily incorporate a visit into a longer cycling tour of the region, experiencing the Dutch countryside firsthand.

Arriving by bike allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the ruins. The castle itself is a rewarding destination after a pleasant ride, and the availability of parking for bikes makes it convenient. It's a perfect way to combine your passion for cycling with historical discovery.

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Brederode Castle Ruins to be a visually rich location. The interplay of the ancient brickwork, the surrounding greenery, and the moat creates numerous compelling compositions.Instagram+2 The ruins offer a sense of history and atmosphere that can be captured beautifully, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.Instagram

Whether you're interested in architectural details, landscape shots, or atmospheric historical photography, the site provides ample opportunities. Drone photography can also offer unique perspectives on the scale and setting of the ruins,Instagram+1 though it's always wise to check local regulations.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Medieval Life

Brederode Castle Ruins offer a tangible connection to the past, dating back to the 13th century. Founded by William I van Brederode, it was a significant stronghold in the region. Though much of it was destroyed in 1573, the remaining structures and visible foundations provide a fascinating insight into medieval architecture and life. The site has undergone partial restoration to preserve its historical integrity, allowing visitors to walk through what remains and imagine its former glory.

Visitors can explore the standing brick walls and trace the outlines of rooms and courtyards. The presence of information panels and a dedicated knightly room helps to vividly convey the history and daily life within the castle walls.Reddit This makes it more than just a pile of old stones; it's an educational and immersive experience for history enthusiasts.

For families, the castle goes the extra mile by offering interactive elements. Children can dress up in historical costumes and play with wooden swords and shields, making the exploration engaging and fun. This hands-on approach ensures that younger visitors can connect with history in a memorable way, turning a visit into an adventure.Reddit

The Scenic Journey to the Ruins

Reaching Brederode Castle Ruins is part of the experience, especially for those who appreciate the Dutch landscape. Many travelers highly recommend arriving by bicycle, taking advantage of the country's extensive and well-maintained cycling paths.Instagram This allows for a leisurely journey through picturesque surroundings, offering a true taste of the Netherlands.

For those traveling by car, the castle is easily accessible, with free parking available on-site.Reddit The drive from nearby cities like Amsterdam is relatively short, making it a convenient day trip. Public transport is also a viable option, with a pleasant 20-minute walk from the nearest train station to the ruins.Reddit This walk itself can be an opportunity to enjoy the local scenery.

Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the journey to Brederode Castle Ruins is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable. The proximity to towns like Santpoort-Zuid and Santpoort-Noord also means you can easily combine your visit with exploring these charming local areas.

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