
Brederode Castle Ruins
Explore the atmospheric 13th-century brick castle ruins, a historical gem near Haarlem, offering a glimpse into medieval life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lovely light

Brederode Castle Ruins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, lovely light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric 13th-century brick castle ruins, a historical gem near Haarlem, offering a glimpse into medieval life.
"A beautiful castle ruin! A visit is definitely worth it."

🚲 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Standing Walls
Main castle structure
Explore the remaining 13th-century brick walls and imagine the grandeur of this once-powerful fortress.

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

Moated Surroundings
Castle perimeter
Admire the moat that once protected the castle, now adding to the picturesque and serene landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Castle Exploration
Embrace the Ruin's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 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.
📸 Photo Opportunities Abound
Capture stunning shots of the ruins amidst beautiful trees and natural scenery.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small cafe offers drinks and apple pie, perfect for a break during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 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.
📸 Photo Opportunities Abound
Capture stunning shots of the ruins amidst beautiful trees and natural scenery.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small cafe offers drinks and apple pie, perfect for a break during your visit.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Expect a modest entrance fee of around €6 for a worthwhile historical experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. If driving, it's approximately a 31-minute journey by car. Public transport is also an option, with a walk of about 20 minutes from the nearest train station.
Yes, there is free parking available next to the castle, making it accessible for those arriving by car.
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.
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. Driving is also a quick option from nearby cities like Amsterdam.
🎫 🎫 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.
The entrance fee is around €6 per person, which is considered worthwhile for the historical insights and experience provided.
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, 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.
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.
Absolutely! The ruins, surrounded by beautiful trees, offer many picturesque spots for photography. Drone footage also captures the impressive scale of the site.
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.
Yes, restrooms are available on-site for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe on-site that offers refreshments like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and apple pie.
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.
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.
While some drone footage exists, 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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, though it's always wise to check local regulations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
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. 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.
The Scenic Journey to the Ruins
For those traveling by car, the castle is easily accessible, with free parking available on-site. 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. 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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit