2025 Gooise Meren Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

🌟【Muiden Town Guide｜A Journey Through a Medieval Water Castle】🇳🇱 . 🏰 Muiderslot Castle . As one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Netherlands, Muiderslot Castle, originally built in 1280, served as a military fortress and aristocratic residence. Surrounded by a moat, the castle's typical Gothic towers and brick-and-stone structure showcase the architectural ingenuity of the 13th century. Today, it has been transformed into a museum, exhibiting medieval weapons, armor, and scenes of aristocratic life. You can also climb the tower for a panoramic view of the Amstel River! . 🌊 Muiden Harbor . Strolling along Muiden Harbor feels like stepping into a painting! Colorful boats are moored along the tranquil canals, against a backdrop of old brick houses and blue skies dotted with white clouds. As part of the Amsterdam Defense Line, it historically played a role in defending against maritime invasions. Renting a boat to explore the town along the waterways is highly recommended, allowing you to experience the romance of the "Venice of the North." . ⚓ Fortress Muiden Fortress Muiden is a crucial part of the Dutch Waterline, built in the 19th century to defend against enemy forces. The massive fortress and its underground tunnel system are steeped in military history. Today, some areas are open to the public, perfect for adventurous travelers! . 🌳 Vestingmuseum Muiden (Muiden Fortress Museum) . Want to delve deeper into Dutch defense history? This museum uses interactive exhibits to recreate Muiden's transformation as a strategic location, even allowing you to experience simulated turret operations! Outside the museum, there are walking trails surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for taking photos. 📸 Must-See Photo Spots! Castle Gardens and Riverside Sunsets The Renaissance Garden of Muiderslot Castle is picturesque year-round, with tulips blooming in spring and red leaves carpeting the paths in autumn. In the evening, head to the banks of the Amstel River to catch a sunset, where the reflection of the castle intertwines with the sunset glow, creating stunning photo opportunities! --- 🚗 **Transportation Tips**: Take bus 110 or a boat from Amsterdam Central Station, which takes about 30 minutes. Perfect for a day trip! ⏰ **Opening Hours**: 10:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays). It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance on the official website.

1) A’dam Lookout is a spectacular tower holding the highest swing in Europe. This is a very affordable and extremely worthwhile experience, to feel like you are flying with your friend or partner beside you! The views from the tower alone are worthwhile if you don’t fancy braving the swing. Also, if you’re a group of three, one of you will get to go twice! As A’dam is over on the Northern side of the city, not everyone realises that access is very simple. There’s a regular free ferry that crosses the canal, accessible around the back of central station. While you’re there, it’s also worth checking out the EYE film museum right next door! 2) Muiderslot castle. Muiderslot is easily missed by visitors to the city as it lies on the outskirts in Muiden, and is waterlocked, but it this historical treasure is well worth a visit. Built in 1370 by the Duke of Bavaria, it is one of the best preserved medieval castles I’ve ever seen. Although it is technically accessible by road, the easiest (and most fun) way to get there is taking the bus to Ijberg then boarding the Amsterdam Tourist Ferry's jetty. Travel there and back included, you’ll have a 4 hour trip to explore this beautiful castle and listen to the audio tour recounting its fascinating history. You can also explore the vast gardens and grounds. 3) Hortus botanicus is often missed in favour of the Amsterdam zoo, but it is actually one of the worlds OLDEST botanical gardens. It has several different ‘biomes’ in its greenhouses, including a rainforest room, while the outdoor gardens are a beautiful place to spend an hour and relax among the rare plants and art installations, or wander into its hidden-gem butterfly house to see all the little critters feeding on fresh fruit and fluttering around you! #100waysoftravel #historicallandmarks #amsterdam #Netherlands

#hollandtrip Muiderslot is a stunning medieval castle just outside Amsterdam, offering a journey back in time. Built in the 13th century, it features turrets, moats, and beautifully restored interiors. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, medieval armor displays, and historical rooms that showcase life in the Dutch Golden Age. The well-manicured castle gardens add to the charm. Guided tours bring the castle’s rich history to life, and the location along the water makes for scenic views. It’s an easy day trip from Amsterdam and a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone fascinated by fairytale-like castles.

Just a short trip from Amsterdam, Muiderslot is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic and best-preserved medieval castles. Built in 1285 by Count Floris V, this fortress has stood the test of time, serving as a military stronghold, noble residence, and even a prison. With its moat, drawbridge, round towers, and fortified walls, Muiderslot looks like it was plucked straight from a medieval legend. A Castle with a Storied Past Muiderslot’s history is filled with drama. Count Floris V, its original builder, used the castle to control trade routes but was later betrayed by his own noblemen and assassinated. Over the centuries, Muiderslot was attacked, rebuilt, and even abandoned before being restored in the 19th century. Today, it is a national museum, showcasing medieval weaponry, armor, and lavishly decorated rooms that transport visitors back in time. The Golden Age Connection During the 17th century, the castle gained fame as the home of P.C. Hooft, a celebrated Dutch poet and historian. Under his residence, Muiderslot became a cultural hotspot where artists, writers, and scholars gathered—earning it the nickname “Dutch Versailles.” Visitors today can still see beautifully furnished rooms reflecting this Dutch Golden Age elegance, including antique furniture and intricate tapestries. Enchanting Gardens and Moat Views Muiderslot isn’t just about history—it’s also a stunning outdoor escape. The castle’s gardens, inspired by 17th-century designs, are filled with medicinal herbs, flowers, and vegetables, all arranged in perfect symmetry. The surrounding moat and scenic water views make for a perfect setting for a leisurely walk or even a boat ride. A Must-Visit Medieval Gem With its hands-on exhibitions, guided tours, and medieval reenactments, Muiderslot offers a fascinating experience for history lovers and families alike. Whether you’re exploring its knight’s hall, walking the battlements, or enjoying a falconry show, this legendary Dutch castle brings the medieval era to life in an unforgettable way. #hollandtrip

Quite easy to go from Amsterdam, just that have to look at bus 110 schedule to make sure you don't miss the bus otherwise have to wait for 1 hour. Nice with audio tour, able to appreciate the beauty of castle better.

Amsterdam 😇 #tripaway#triplocal