Castellum Hoge Woerd
Explore a free Roman castellum with a world-class boat exhibit, farm animals, and castle ramparts. Fun for all ages!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Outdoor fun & farm animals
Castellum Hoge Woerd
Best Time
Outdoor fun & farm animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a free Roman castellum with a world-class boat exhibit, farm animals, and castle ramparts. Fun for all ages!
"Amazing!!! Free and fun for all ages. The Roman boat exhibit is world class."
Translate Dutch Displays
Use Google Lens or similar apps to translate info displays for a richer understanding. :iphone:
Bring Kids for Fun
Perfect for families! Lots of activities, animals, and space to run around. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Roman Boat
Museum Hoge Woerd
Marvel at an authentic Roman boat, the star exhibit, offering a tangible link to ancient history.

Castle Ramparts & Views
Exterior
Explore the impressive castle ramparts for panoramic views and a sense of historical grandeur.

Farm Animals & Playground
Outdoor area
Delight kids with friendly farm animals to pet and a fun playground for active exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Roman History & Family Fun
Navigating Information & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Going on a citytrip to Utrecht this summer, what shouldn't I miss?
Translate Dutch Displays
Use Google Lens or similar apps to translate info displays for a richer understanding. :iphone:
Bring Kids for Fun
Perfect for families! Lots of activities, animals, and space to run around. :child:
Coming to visit from Canada looking for things to do that aren’t “touristy”
Cafe Delights
Enjoy great pizza and beer at the cafe, but expect potentially slow service. :beer:
Free Parking Available
Parking is free, though it's a bit of a walk to the castellum. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Translate Dutch Displays
Use Google Lens or similar apps to translate info displays for a richer understanding. :iphone:
Bring Kids for Fun
Perfect for families! Lots of activities, animals, and space to run around. :child:
Cafe Delights
Enjoy great pizza and beer at the cafe, but expect potentially slow service. :beer:
Free Parking Available
Parking is free, though it's a bit of a walk to the castellum. :car:
Dog-Friendly Spot
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for pet owners. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Castellum Hoge Woerd, highlighting its free entry, impressive Roman boat exhibit, and family-friendly atmosphere with farm animals and a playground. The castle ramparts offer great views, and the on-site cafe provides good food at reasonable prices, though service can be slow. The main drawback is that most information is in Dutch, requiring translation tools for non-Dutch speakers.
"Amazing!!! Free and fun for all ages.
The Roman boat and associated exhibits are absolutely world class and worth the stop alone, but they also have a full additional history museum, kids activities, and of course the cool castle ramparts to explore (and did I mention, farm animals?)
Free parking too (it's a bit of a walk) and friendly staff.
Caveat- info displays are almost all in Dutch, so we had to use google lens to translate to English."
t b
"Super visit with kids
A lot of think to learn about Roman life there
And animals to pet at the end of the visit"
laura gomez
"Great exhibit, free entrance. Cafe has an awesome beer selection! Lunch or dinner is great here. Very reasonable prices. Bring your kids in the summer with outdoor seating while you keep an eye on them through the big glass windows.
Service can be slow, not very attentive. Open kitchen with a big gas furnace for fresh pizzas.
Dogs welcome too, and nice.
Recommended!"
Christian Peper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castellum Hoge Woerd is easily accessible from Utrecht. While driving is an option with free parking available (though a short walk away), public transport is also convenient. Buses frequently run from Utrecht Central Station towards Leidsche Rijn, with stops near the castellum. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Yes, there is free parking available at Castellum Hoge Woerd. However, it's important to note that the parking lot is a bit of a walk from the main attraction. Plan for a short stroll after parking your vehicle.
Cycling is a popular and recommended way to reach Castellum Hoge Woerd, especially from Utrecht. There are dedicated bike paths, and the journey offers scenic views. Bicycle parking is available on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Castellum Hoge Woerd is free! This makes it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly attraction for everyone.
Opening hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check the official Castellum Hoge Woerd website or their social media pages for the most current opening times before your visit.
Since entry is free, advance booking is generally not required for general admission. However, for special events or workshops, it's advisable to check if reservations are necessary.
Castellum Hoge Woerd often hosts special exhibits and events, particularly during school holidays. These can include historical reenactments, workshops for children, and themed activities. Keep an eye on their official channels for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Castellum Hoge Woerd offers a rich experience with its world-class Roman boat exhibit, a history museum, interactive displays, castle ramparts to explore, a playground, and farm animals. It's designed to be engaging for all ages.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families. Kids will love the farm animals, the playground, and the interactive elements of the museum. The Roman boat is also a captivating sight for younger visitors.
Most of the information displays are in Dutch. Visitors can use translation apps like Google Lens on their smartphones to translate the text into English or other languages for a better understanding.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Castellum Hoge Woerd, provided they are well-behaved. This makes it a great destination for visitors who want to bring their furry companions along.
The site is generally accessible, with paved paths in many areas. The outdoor spaces and museum are designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, though some older sections might have limitations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Castellum Hoge Woerd that serves food and drinks. They are known for their fresh pizzas and have an excellent beer selection. It's a great spot for lunch or dinner.
The cafe offers a menu that includes fresh pizzas made in an open kitchen, as well as other lunch and dinner options. They also have a notable selection of beers.
Reviewers generally find the prices at the cafe to be very reasonable, offering good value for the quality of food and drinks served.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for historical sites with cafes to prefer visitors patronize their food services. Picnicking might be possible in designated outdoor areas, but it's best to confirm on-site.
Yes, the cafe is very family-friendly. It has large glass windows allowing parents to keep an eye on children playing outside while they dine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Roman boat exhibit offers unique and striking photo opportunities. The castle ramparts provide excellent vantage points for wider shots, and the farm animals add charming subjects. The architecture of the castellum itself is also photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography which can sometimes be prohibited to protect artifacts.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and public attractions due to privacy and safety regulations. It's highly unlikely that drone photography would be permitted at Castellum Hoge Woerd.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the ramparts. Midday can be good for capturing the details of the Roman boat exhibit indoors.
Yes, taking photos of the farm animals is encouraged and makes for delightful snapshots, especially for families. Just be mindful of the animals' comfort and avoid using flash directly at them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. The cafe is also a great spot for families, offering good food at reasonable prices and a vantage point to watch children play. Remember to bring a translation app for the Dutch information displays to enhance the learning experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down further, consider packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. While the cafe offers good value, bringing your own provisions is always an option. The free parking also adds to the cost-saving benefits of a visit.
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them. The open spaces and ramparts offer plenty of room for a dog to enjoy a walk. It’s a great opportunity for both you and your pet to experience a unique historical site together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Legacy at Hoge Woerd
Beyond the boat, the museum provides insights into Roman engineering and military strategy. Visitors can learn about the construction of the castellum and its role in the vast Roman Empire. The exhibits are designed to be engaging, making complex historical topics accessible to a broad audience.
Community Tip: While the displays are primarily in Dutch, leveraging translation apps like Google Lens can unlock a deeper understanding of the exhibits, transforming a visual experience into an informative one.
Family Adventures at the Castellum
The interactive nature of the museum, combined with the open spaces of the castle ramparts, provides ample opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. Parents can relax in the cafe, which offers views of the outdoor play areas, while keeping an eye on their children. The combination of historical discovery and hands-on activities makes it a memorable outing for all ages.
Traveler Insight: Many visitors highlight the joy their children experienced interacting with the animals and the freedom to explore the ramparts, making it a highly recommended destination for a family day trip.
Dining and Amenities
While the food and drink receive high marks, some visitors note that the service can be slow. This is something to be aware of, especially during peak times. However, the cafe's family-friendly atmosphere, with large windows overlooking play areas, and the welcoming policy for dogs, add to its appeal.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting with children, the cafe's setup allows you to supervise them easily while enjoying your meal or a drink. It’s a convenient amenity that enhances the overall visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit