The area around Amsterdam is filled with numerous beautiful places to explore, including charming small towns, great museums, excellent restaurants, and abundant nature perfect for cycling. The region offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Dutch capital, allowing visitors to experience a glimpse of local life where everything moves at a slightly slower pace. If you’d like to explore castles and gardens in Amsterdam Area, be sure to visit the Gooi & Vecht region. Keep on reading to find out what to see there.
Exploring Castles & Gardens in the Amsterdam Area
Located just outside of Amsterdam, the Gooi & Vecht region used to offer a shelter to the city’s nobility from a busy (and in the past, quite polluted) city. Many aristocrats built their estates and holiday homes in this area, surrounded by expansive gardens.
As I explored the Amsterdam Area, it felt like I was walking in their footsteps. Strolling through the beautiful gardens of Gooi & Vecht, getting face to face with history at castles, and dining beside picturesque canals helped me understand why these locations were chosen as second homes by the nobility.
⤷ Read more: 25 Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe
Dutch Water Defence Line
The Gooi & Vecht region in the Amsterdam Area is home to the Fortress Stretch, as well. It includes three fortified towns: Naarden, Muiden, and Weesp, along with numerous fortresses and castles. This historical water defence line is so unique that it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It comprises two significant defence lines: the New Dutch Waterline and the Defence Line of Amsterdam, which were established to protect Amsterdam and the Netherlands from attacks from the east.
The 135-kilometre-long Defence Line of Amsterdam consists of 46 fortresses, numerous dikes and locks. Built between 1880 and 1914, its purpose was to deter enemies by utilising water as a protective barrier. The defence line was used in both the First and Second World Wars, but no fighting took place around it.
Despite its name, the New Dutch Water Line is actually the older of the two, having been in operation between 1814 and 1940. This 85-kilometre defence line includes 45 fortresses, six fortified towns, two castles, and many locks, shelters, and waterworks.
Most of the defence structures are located along the River Vecht. In the event of an enemy attack, the water from the river could be used to flood the surrounding area, providing protection for local residents. Today, many of these fortresses and defence structures have been restored, making it a lovely place to visit in the Amsterdam Area.
⤷ Read more: 21 Most Beautiful Castles in Europe
Nardinclant Estate
Address: Houtweg 25, 1251 CS Laren | Opening hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Entrance fee: Free of charge
The best way to explore the castles and gardens in the Amsterdam Area is by bicycle. During my two-days stay in the region, we were based at the NH Bussum Jan Tabak, which served as a perfect base for exploring the area.
After a short, relaxing ride, we arrived at our first destination: the Nardinclant Estate. This historical estate consists of an early 20th-century house and a beautifully designed garden created by renowned landscape architect Leonard Springer. The garden is home to many rare trees and plants, which you can admire while strolling through the flower-covered pergola.
Although it is privately owned, the garden is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Should you wish to learn more about its history and unique plants it’s home to, join some of the organised guided tours (be sure to check their website for more information).
⤷ TIP: If you’d like to spend more time at Nardinclant Estate, you have the option to book a room and enjoy their private swimming pool and sauna.
Singer Laren Museum
Address: Oude Drift 1, 1251 BS Laren | Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Entrance fee: Online tickets link (free with I amsterdam City Card)
A short bicycle ride away was our next stop, the Singer Laren Museum.
The Amsterdam Area (especially the Gooi & Vecht region) was inspirational to many artists, especially in the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. One of them was American artist William Henry Singer Jr. (1868-1943), who, together with his wife Anna, built a house in Laren and began collecting art, including works by many local painters.
The house was later expanded to become the Singer Laren Museum, designed by Dutch architect Wouter Hamdorff. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, which often draw inspiration from its collection. Currently, the temporary exhibitions focus on the theme of nature.
Another unmissable part of the Singer Laren Museum is its sculpture garden designed by Piet Oudolf. During the warmer months, you can stroll around it or sit in it while enjoying a cup of coffee surrounded by numerous floral species, butterflies flying around, and artworks made by contemporary Dutch sculptors.
⤷ TIP: If you’re planning to visit more museums during your stay in the Amsterdam Area, consider getting the I amsterdam City Card. You can read more about the I amsterdam City Card and whether it’s worth purchasing for your trip in this article.
Cycling along the Art Trail
Many painters have drawn inspiration from the beautiful nature of Gooi & Vecht, particularly in the villages of Laren and Blaricum, where numerous artists settled. As the Industrial Revolution transformed cities into bustling modern centres, artists in the late 19th century sought quieter lives, finding serenity in the countryside around Amsterdam.
We cycled from the Singer Laren Museum along the Art Trail, reviving some of the rich art heritage of the region that way. Stumbling upon the art signs will provide you with the information about it (check out this website for more info).
⤷ TIP – Lunch stop: Restaurant de Eendracht Blaricum. I already visited it in the winter (when its interior offers a cosy setup for a hearty lunch or a cup of warm coffee) and in summer, when you’ll enjoy beautiful vistas from its terrace of the landscape that inspired so many artists.
Naarden
The next stop on our trip exploring castles and gardens in the Amsterdam Area was the town of Naarden. This historical town gained its city rights in 1300 and is today the best-preserved fortified town in the Netherlands. Naarden is a unique example of a star fort, characterised by its fortified walls and moat. We decided to start our visit with a boat tour to explore the town’s fortifications from the water.
You can learn more about the Dutch defence line at the Dutch Fortress Museum in Naarden. The exhibitions are located in the casemate cellars, providing a unique opportunity to explore the fortress from within. Plan your visit on the third Sunday of the month because this is when the cannons are fired on “Schuttersdag”.
Once you’ve explored the star-shaped town from the water, stroll around its historical narrow streets. In Naarden, I had an impression that this place matches much more famous Dutch towns with its beauty, but it’s still mainly occupied by the locals and its residents, rather by tourists. The reason for that could also be in the fact there is only one hotel located within the old city walls.
Naarden is charming, historical and beautiful. One of my favourite activities there was sitting at one of its cafe terraces simply watching the world pass by.
A highlight of our trip to Naarden was a visit to the Grote Kerk (the “Large Church” in Dutch). The size of that medieval church is witnessing the town’s importance back in the day. Today, it’s well-known for the St Matthew Passion performed in it by The Netherlands Bach Society for over a hundred years.
However, be sure to pay a visit to this exceptional place before the end of 2026, because the church’s wooden barrel vault ceiling is currently undergoing restoration. The restoration process is open to the public, and on weekends (Friday to Sunday), you can visit the church and climb the scaffolding for a closer look at the ceiling. It’s a unique experience to see those paintings up close, as you usually see them from a distance. You can find more info about it on this link.
⤷ TIP: If you’re interested in seeing more restorations in person, visit the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s Night Watch being restored in a moment (and at least until 2030).
⤷ TIP – Restaurant recommendation in Naarden: Brasserie Bon. We had dinner at Brasserie Bon, and it was wonderful! Located on a canal overlooking some of the town’s mounds, both the food and service were fantastic, so I highly recommend it.
Muiden
The Gooi & Vecht region in the Amsterdam Area is home to a variety of charming historical towns, each with its own unique character. Although Muiden’s history dates back to the Roman era, it became a significant trading centre during the Middle Ages.
At first glance, Muiden seems like a typical small Dutch town, with its cobbled streets and numerous historical houses. However, as I stood on one of the bridges crossing the River Vecht, I was captivated by the sight of yachts and small boats cruising along the water.
One of the must-see attractions in Muiden is its historic lock, part of the Dutch Waterlines UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the town center, the Grote Zeesluis in Muiden consists of three lock chambers. It’s fascinating to watch the boats enter the locks and the water levels gradually adjust, allowing the vessels to continue their journey. Originally built in 1673, the lock has been rebuilt several times over the years. The lock is operational during the summer months, providing a great opportunity to enjoy its lively activity from one of the café terraces along the riverbank.
⤷ TIP: To explore more of the defence line surrounding Muiden, visit the Fortress Island Pampus. Located in the middle of the IJmeer lake, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy lunch at a restaurant there and learn more about the fortress through the interactive Pampus Experience.
Muiderslot Castle
Address: Oude Drift 1, 1251 BS Laren | Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Entrance fee: Online tickets link (free with I amsterdam City Card)
Muiden is also home to one of the most popular attractions in the Amsterdam Area, the well-known Dutch castle, Muiderslot. The history of this medieval castle began in 1280 when Count Floris V constructed a stone fortress on this site. It was strategically located along a trade route to Utrecht, allowing the collection of tolls from merchants. After suffering destruction, a new castle was built on the same spot, following the original plans, about a century later.
When the Amsterdam poet and writer, P. C. Hooft, became its owner in the 17th century, the Muiderslot Castle became a meeting place for many artists.
In the second half of the 19th century, nearly facing demolition, the castle was restored and converted into a national museum in 1878. The castle’s interior was restored to look as it did during the 17th century by Pierre Cuypers. You may know him as the architect who designed the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam. Today, the castle houses many paintings, armour and other objects used in its everyday life.
A lovely garden is located right next to the Muiderslot Castle. It served as a place where fruits and vegetables for the castle’s residents were grown. With its beautiful design, it also had a recreational role. The garden is especially beautiful in summer months, when it’s filled with colourful flowers. You can still wander through it and enjoy exploring one of the most beautiful castles and gardens in Amsterdam Area.
⤷ Read more: 21 Most Beautiful Castles in Europe
Weesp
The last town I visited during my trip exploring the Gooi & Vecht region was Weesp. After getting its city rights in 1355, that charming town became home to many old houses built on its canals. The River Vecht served as a defence line for centuries, giving the towns next to it a military significance. That’s why, don’t get surprised to stumble on round-shaped old forts while exploring it on one of the boat tours.
Weesp is a town you can explore with all of your senses. It’s a perfect destination for those with a sweet tooth, as it is the hometown of Van Houten chocolate. You can learn more about its history at the Museum Weesp, which is located in the old City Hall. Be sure to try a local treat called the Weespermop cookie, made from almond flour, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. The best places to buy this cookie are the Wesselman and Cor Muhl bakeries.
Another great spot in Weesp is the Wispe Brewery. Following the town’s tradition of being one of the most significant beer producers during the 17th century, three brothers—Jerrit, Jitze, and Remko Vellenga—revived this tradition in 2008 by opening the Wispe Brewery. Located in a former church in the heart of Weesp, it’s a fantastic place to visit and learn about the town’s brewing history while enjoying a hearty lunch on its terrace.
⤷ TIP: If you’d like to stay in a unique accommodation, check out the small apartment you can rent in a tower of the recently renovated St. Laurentius Church, which is home to the Wispe Brewery.
We finished our visit to Weesp with a boat tour that took us to Fort Uitermeer. The round-shaped fort was built in the mid-19th century, as a part of the Dutch Water Defence Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring that interesting structure, we finished our visit to the castles and gardens in the Amsterdam Area by sipping a drink at a terrace of the PorterHouse while enjoying the panoramic view of the River Vecht.
⤷ TIP: Would you like to visit more of the Amsterdam Area? Read my article about art and architecture in the Amsterdam Area.
Practical info for visiting Gooi & Vecht
How much time to spend in the Gooi & Vecht region?
I spent two days exploring castles and gardens in the Gooi & Vecht region of the Amsterdam Area. It was enough time to visit all of those places. So, my recommendation is to plan a weekend gateaway to the region.
Where to stay in the Gooi & Vecht region?
NH Bussum Jan Tabak – During my visit to castles and gardens in the Amsterdam Area, we stayed at the NH Bussum Jan Tabak. It’s a pleasant hotel, conveniently located to explore the region. Its restaurant on the ground floor is also a good option for dinner during your visit.
How to get to the castles and gardens in Amsterdam Area from Amsterdam?
A direct train line connects Amsterdam with Weesp, and the journey will last for around 15 minutes. From there, you can use local busses or bicycle to explore the region. Use 9292 app for finding the best and fastest connections.
Cycling through the Gooi & Vecht Region
Cycling around the Amsterdam area is much easier than cycling through the busy city. There are fewer cyclists around you, you’ll mainly ride on a dedicated bicycle paths, and it will often be in nature, making it even more enjoyable. If you’re not so sure about your physical form, rent an electric bicycle!
A trip to the Amsterdam Area is a great idea to learn and explore more during your trip to Amsterdam. With its charming town, numerous historical sites, and beautiful nature, it offers a genuine insight into both the history and local life in the Netherlands.
I visited the Gooi & Vecht Region in the Amsterdam Area during the press trip organised by amsterdam&partners, Visit Gooi Vecht and their partners. Many thanks to all of them for organising such a wonderful trip for me. However, as always, all opinions are my own.
