Castles in the Region!
A glimpse into the past
Dare to uncover the secrets of centuries-old castles! The Region of Surprises is home to more than fifteen castles, country estates and historic manor houses. From medieval fortresses to stately summer residences built by wealthy merchants during the Golden Age. Discover them for yourself!
Castle Day
Every year on Whit Monday, castles and country estates in the Region open their doors to the public. Join in with tastings, small performances, storytellers, falconry shows and guided tours. New this year are the draught horse shows! The theme of 2026 is 'Love' — discover the romantic stories behind the castle walls. Can you find all fifteen castles and country estates in our Region?
Castle open day
Visit 1 of the 15 Castles or Country Estates
- Kasteel Duivenvoorde — Voorschoten
- Kasteel Oud-Poelgeest — Oegstgeest
- Kasteel Endegeest — Oegstgeest
- Huys te Warmont — Warmond
- Buitenplaats Vroenhof — Warmond
- Buitenplaats Oostergeest — Warmond
- Buitenplaats Berbice — Voorschoten
- Kasteel de Wittenburg — Wassenaar
- Landgoed De Horsten — Wassenaar
- Buitenplaats Backershagen — Wassenaar
- Buitenplaats De Paauw — Wassenaar
- Museum Voorlinden — Wassenaar
- Kasteel Keukenhof — Lisse
- Huygens' Hofwijck — Voorburg
- Ruïne Teylingen — Voorhout
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Kasteel Duivenvoorde
Duivenvoorde Castle is one of the oldest castles in South Holland, inhabited for nearly 800 years and now open to visitors as a museum. You can walk through the park, take guided tours, and visit the castle shop.
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Kasteel Oud Poelgeest
Oud Poelgeest Castle is a historic castle featuring a hotel, restaurant, and 8 period rooms. You can take guided tours, walk on the estate, and relax in the castle bar with a terrace overlooking the pond. The castle originated shortly after 1300 and acquired its current form around 1640.
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Kasteel de Wittenburg
De Wittenburg Castle offers 10 exclusive hotel rooms, fine dining at Restaurant Sophie, and regular events. The castle was built in 1899 by Helenus Marinus Speelman and opened to guests in 1963. The monumental building combines a tranquil, historic atmosphere with modern luxury.
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De Zilverfabriek / Buitenplaats Berbice
When driving from Leiden to Voorschoten, upon entering, you will see the striking Silver Factory on the right, with its long white facade and stepped gables. It was built in 1857 by Johannes M. van Kempen III, who moved from Utrecht to realize his plans here.
Castles full of stories
Every castle and country estate in the Region is unique they are beautiful places full of stories that give character to the landscape. During the Golden Age, wealthy city dwellers and noble families built their summer residences along the inner dune ridge, as green oases away from the bustle of the city.
That rich history is still tangible today, not only in the magnificent houses and historic interiors, but also in the surrounding landscape gardens and parklands. Curious about the stories behind the castle walls?
Discover story's
Cycle along the castles of Voorschoten
Want to discover the castles of the Region at your own pace? Grab your bike and ride the Silver Route! This 16-kilometre experience route takes you past Kasteel Duivenvoorde and Buitenplaats Berbice in Voorschoten. Walk through centuries-old castle gardens, discover the silver heritage of the village and enjoy beautiful views over the polders and waterways. The route can also be combined with a cycle trip into the city centre of Leiden. A perfect castle day on the bike!
Cycle along the castles
Ontdek nog meer!
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Cycling & Walking Routes
Cycling & Walking Routes
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Culture
Culture
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Nature
Nature
