Muiderslot: visiting Muiden Castle from Amsterdam

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Muiderslot is a moated brick castle at the mouth of the Vecht, about 15 kilometres south-east of Amsterdam. Count Floris V had a fortress built here around 1280; destroyed after his murder in 1296, it was rebuilt around 1370 on the same plan. Now a national museum (Rijksmuseum Muiderslot), the castle has rooms furnished as in the 17th century, a collection of arms and armour, and recreated gardens. Allow two to three hours on site, and half a day including the journey.

Highlights

The castle and its moat

Four corner towers, crenellated walls and a brick access bridge: the Muiderslot has the outline of a medieval fortress. Walking around the outside, along the moat, lets you see the castle from every angle.

The gardens

The gardens reproduce the one P.C. Hooft had laid out in the 17th century, with old and endangered varieties. The Kruidhof brings together culinary, medicinal and dye herbs; a tunnel of clipped beech, the berceau, divides the garden in two and leads to the pavilion on the water.

The rooms of P.C. Hooft

The poet and historian P.C. Hooft was bailiff of the castle for 39 years, until his death in 1647. Here he hosted the Muiderkring, a circle of writers, artists and scholars that included Vondel and Constantijn Huygens. The restored rooms recall that period.

Arms and armour

Part of the castle displays weapons, armour and military objects. Routes of 20 to 45 minutes through the castle and gardens are offered, depending on how much time you have.

Opening hours and prices

From 1 April to 31 October, open every day from 10am to 5pm; from 1 November to 31 March, Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Open during school holidays and on public holidays, from noon on 1 January. The ticket office closes at 4.30pm. Adults €19.50, children aged 4 to 11 €7.50, free under 4 and with the Museumkaart or the I amsterdam City Card. Free audio tour in Dutch and English.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Booking online is not compulsory, but it guarantees entry on busy days. Leave time for the centre of Muiden and the quays along the Vecht, a few minutes' walk away. Prices checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden. From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Weesp station, then bus 110 to the Muiden Centrum stop, about a 10-minute walk from the castle. Another option: metro 51, 53 or 54 to Amsterdam Amstel, then bus 320 to Muiden P+R, and from there bus 110 towards Muiden Centrum or a 30-minute walk. At weekends from 24 April to 16 October 2026, the MuiderslotExpress shuttle (line 510) links Muiden P+R with the centre of Muiden. By car, free car parks are a 10 or 15-minute walk away.