The history of castles in Utrecht goes back to the 12th and 13th century. Once the main city in the Netherlands, Utrecht has gathered an impressive collection of medieval castles. Today some of them serve as high-end stores. Other castles still relate to the former splendor of Utrecht and its richest residents.
Last updated: June 5, 2025
Medieval Castles in Utrecht
Smaller than Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, Utrecht gets its break as the city with the largest number of castles. The past of this place plays an important role in it. Formerly the biggest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht was home to some of the richest people in the country. And as the story goes, the wealthy residents of Utrecht kept building castles for their families.
Over time, the majority of these fortresses transformed into homes to such popular brands as Zara and Hollister. Some of these castles became museums that tell you all about the rich history of Utrecht and its former residents.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING MEDIEVAL CASTLES IN UTRECHT
Anything but Castles…
It’s hard to believe, but many buildings in Utrecht are former castles. This is especially true in the area near the Oudegracht, the most beautiful canal in the city.
1. Oudaen Castle
The first stop along Utrecht’s famous canal is Oudaen Castle. Locals know it better as Stadskasteel Oudaen, a castle with a story. The historic tower house is located just a few minutes away from Utrecht Centraal. Today, it’s home to a restaurant, grand café, and brewery and has certainly more to offer than just a quick glance into the past of the city and country.
2. Fresenburg Castle
Fresenburg Castle, one of a few former castles in Utrecht turned stores, is also nestled along the Oudegracht. This castle was built in the 13th century. Later it went through a major renovation that completely reshaped its facade.
But the long story of the castle didn’t end there. In the 20th centuries Vresenburg accommodated a few businesses such as the Landbouwbank, Chinese fast-food restaurant, and music store. Today, it’s home to the Hollister clothing store.
3. Groenewoude
Once one of the biggest castles in Utrecht, now Groenewoude houses one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, Zara. Similar to Fresenburg, the facade of this castle has nothing left from its original medieval look.
4. Blankenburg
Blankenburg also joined the castle boom in Utrecht in the 13th century. Like the majority of the castles of that time it had one main and a few side houses. Over the centuries, the city castle endured many changes. However, its facade, especially in the back, is still largely preserved. One of the latest residents of Blankenburg included De Slegte bookstore. Today the building is used as a clothing store.
5. Drakenburg Castle
For one of the oldest castles in Utrecht, look no further than Drakenburg Castle. This national heritage site was built in the 11th century. Three centuries later the castle belonged to the Knight of Drakenburg. One of its latest residents was a furniture store, Strand West.
Preserved Castles in Utrecht
6. De Haar Castle
De Haar Castle is considered a prime jewel of the Utrecht area. Located near the village of Haarzuilens, the structure astounds with its majestic look and size. The property includes the famous De Haar Castle, adjacent park and gardens that spread over 135 acres. Once a private residence of the Van Zuylen family, De Haar is regarded as one of the largest museums in the Netherlands.
7. Zuylen Castle
Less popular than De Haar Castle, Zuylen Castle doesn’t cease to impress visitors with its 18th-century charm. Set in the village of Oud-Zuilen near Utrecht, the castle was originally built in the 13th century as a simple donjon. A few major renovations took place in the next centuries. Finally, in 1752 Zuylen Castle was rebuilt as a country manor with a large park in English landscape style.
8. Drakensteyn Castle
Not all castles near Utrecht are open to the public. With that being said, you can admire the octagonal shape of Drakensteyn Castle, but never step inside. This small castle located about 30 minutes away from Utrecht is a private property of Princess Beatrix, the former Queen of the Netherlands.
9. Duurstede Castle
Not a private residence, Duurstede Castle wasn’t ready to open its doors to the public just recently. Today, you can visit the castle (although access is still limited), stroll along the riverbank and in the adjacent park. All visitors enter the property only via a drawbridge, an essential feature of castles built in the Middle Ages. Apart from it, the secluded castle hosts many events and is often used as a wedding venue nowadays.
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