7 Awesome Things to do in Muiden
When we decided to visit Amsterdam I bought a map of the city, which had an extra map on the back of the area around the city too. Under the name Muiden there was a castle-icon and since I like historic buildings I decided to check it out on Google. The photos that first showed up convinced me instantly that we had to visit the lovely place mostly for its medieval castle (it is only a short bus ride from Amsterdam). But when we got there it turned out that there was a lot more to Muiden than we initially thought. Below you will find seven awesome things you can do in the small municipality, giving home to 6261 souls:
The castle that lured us to this town looks like it was cut out from a fairy-tale. Although it’s small, it is in a very good shape thanks to constant renovation and care. The first building was constructed way back in 1280! If you want to learn more about the castle and its interesting history, it is open weekdays from 10 to 18 (and on weekends from 12). The entrance costs 13,5 euros which seemed a bit much at first but was totally worth it in the end. There is a guided tour included, and although only a few of us were English-speakers, and the tour guide explained things mostly in Dutch, she gave us a pamphlet with all info in English and explained the gist of it separately for us. There are a few rooms you can visit individually, most of them have interactive and educational games for kids, so don’t leave your children at home!
Muiderslot Castle
17-th century kitchen
beautiful globe in the Master bedroom
inside Muiderslot Castle walls
The medieval armor weighed between 20 and 45 kg
In the 17th century the people slept sitting up
Muiderslot from behind
2. Stroll around the castle gardens
Unfortunately there was not much going on in the gardens last week, since the weather was still cold, but the arrangements are already made, the shrubs were cut and all they were waiting for is Spring. I’m guessing the whole place looks really good when the weather gets a little warmer, so make sure you don’t miss the gardens. Here’s a little preview:
Muiderslot Gardens
3. Get an extra history lesson about the Defense Line of Amsterdam
Right behind the castle you’ll see a white bunker-like thing. When we entered, an animation started, depicting the strong and awe-striking (my jaw literally dropped) defense line of Amsterdam, which started at Muiden. You can read more about it here, but honestly the animation was very cool and it’s totally worth your time if you’re interested in history.
animation in the bunker next to Muiderslot
4. Drink a cup of coffee/tea on a terrace overlooking the canals
Muiden has plenty of lovely terraces along its canals. It’s the perfect setting: lovely boats, greenish water and beautiful architecture in the background. Add a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy the moment.
canals of Muiden
canals of Muiden
canals of Muiden
5. Get lost between the beautiful streets
I just love the kind of cities/towns that have authentic and iconic streets. I was instantly hooked by how the small houses were all linked to each other as I walked down the narrow streets along the canal.
streets of Muiden
6. Check out Westbatterij
Another fortification located close to Muiderslot, Westbatterij was actually a bunker of the defense line, but now it houses a scout group of youngsters. We actually got to meet one of the guys who was very kind, offered us a private tour and even some of their local liquor.
Muizenfort, Muiden
7. Chill by the beach
Since Muiden is located on the seaside, you can find a small beach close to the bunker. Since we were there in March, the wind was blowing pretty hard and the weather was relatively cold. But we still sat and relaxed a bit in the sand. It was the first time I visited any beach in boots, and winter clothes.
chilling on the beach of Muiden
If you liked the post, get the GPS-guided tour of Muiden at this link!
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The castle looks fascinating, but I’m even more attracted by the gardens !
I was too, and would’ve loved to see it in full bloom 🙂
Beautiful location and gorgeous pictures! I’ve been there last year, in winter, but unfortunately the castle was closed *sniff*. After seeing your pictures, I know I have to get back there haha 🙂
You should totally go again!
The interior is also nice and I imagine the gardens are even more so in the summertime 🙂
Muiden sounds like a great day trip from Amsterdam, that garden looks beautiful! When I visited Amsterdam, I decided to spend a couple of days in The Hague for the beach and even though it was August, it was chilly and the water was rather cold, but I did go for a swim with another friend, haha. The others thought we were crazy 😀
I was also on the beach close to Haarlem back in the August of 2006! It was freezing cold, but it felt so liberating to swim around even if it was for a short time 😀 You’re not crazy, you’re awesome! 😉
Thanks for visiting my hometown! photo 6 is not “het Muizenfort” it calls: “westbatterij”.
Thanks a lot for the correction 🙂
You have a beautiful hometown!
It’s great to hear so much beautiful things about your hometown,thanks.
enjoy your visit at muidenopdekaart! facebook!
You have a lovely hometown, it was an absolute pleasure visiting it! 🙂
Greeting from the netherlands
i love that liked the tour i gave you in the west batterij, and i love to see i gave you guys a good time
maiby we can stay in contact ?
Oh wow, how did you find the blog? 🙂
We LOVED the tour, you were extremely kind to show us around 🙂 Sure we can stay in touch!
I told a few friend about you guys, and they read the blog and sended me a link 🙂
You can reach me true facebook by the name Danny Fokker
if you visit Muiden again, make sure you pay “ome ko” a visit:) “ome ko” is famous by it’s saté 🙂 in the summer it’s really perfect as from the terrace you have a perfect view on the boat lock (bank) not sure about the translating 🙂
Thank you for your recommendation Sebastiaan! 🙂
I will definitely put it on my list for next time!