Exploring Muiden, The Netherlands

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Muiden is a city in The Netherlands about 30 minutes east of the capital Amsterdam (post HERE), known for its castle, fortresses and charming streets. The city dates back to the 10th Century, and was a key link in the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a 135 km-long fortification that once protected the city from invaders. If you’re in Amsterdam, or exploring The Netherlands then visiting Muiden is well worth it.

We visited on an overcast winter’s day, but in typically European weather style, by mid afternoon it was bright sunshine requiring sunglasses, early evening it was raining and by the end of the day I needed a hat and scarf to keep warm. Because of it, my photos look like they are from all the seasons (but really just one day!)


  1. Contents
  2. Things to do in Muiden
    1. Muiderslot (Muiden Castle)
    2. Muiden town
    3. Pampus Fort
  3. How to get to Muiden from Amsterdam

Without doubt the key attraction in Muiden is its incredible castle. Dating back to 1280, the castle was built by Floris V to enforce tolls on the traders using the river between Utrecht and Amsterdam. Floris was later kidnapped and murdered and by 1300 the original castle was destroyed. In 1400 the castle was rebuilt, used as a defence, a private home, and a prison before becoming a museum in the late 1800s.

Visiting the castle today is a fun experience – it’s set in a beautiful moat with some lovely gardens. You can take two tours around the castle using an audioguide, one in to the towers and one inside the castle itself. There is also a nice little gift shop and cafe on site, as well as an outdoor theatre which is used for productions in the summer. Overall, it’s worth spending a couple of hours at Muiderslot.

Moated beauty

Muiden is full of quaint houses, more canals (of course) and cosy cafes to eat, drink and watch the world go by in. We enjoyed strolling along the waterfront, watching the bridges open for the boats, taking in the harbour and architecture and then sitting down to a delicious traditional Dutch lunch (meatballs).

After the castle and a late lunch, we boarded a ferry to the Pampus Fort. The Fort was commissioned in 1895 as a defence and had space for 200 men. It only achieved this during WW1, and in WW2 the Nazis occupied the site. Once the Nazis had left, the Fort was used to detonate unexploded grenades and other military items.

Arriving at Pampus

Now you can explore the partly desolate Fort, learn about its history and enjoy beautiful sea views out back towards Muiden. The ferry leaves from the water front (a 3 minute walk from the castle), and the journey over is stunning. We were lucky as the sun came out for our ferry ride, alongside some mist, making the water look incredible.

Stunning views out

As a side note, please take cash to pay – Pampus only take Dutch bank cards so we physically couldn’t pay for our trip. They were so nice and let us take the ride and tour the Fort for free (!), but we felt awful. I think they took pity on us because I’d reached my post-operation limit of walking at the castle, so really needed to sit down on the ferry!


You can get to Muiden via car (or Uber) from Amsterdam in about 30 minutes. There is parking at the castle but it’s limited, so I recommend getting there for opening to guarantee a space.

If you don’t have a car, you can also get to Muiden via train although it’s a bit complicated because there’s no train station at Muiden. You will need to get the train to nearby Weesp, and then take bus 110 to Muiden which takes only 5 minutes.

Another sunny Muiden ferry view – where does the sky start?

So, what do you think of Muiden? Would you visit if you were in Amsterdam? We really enjoyed our day there (apart from the crazy weather) and found it a great break from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam centre to take things a bit slower. Let me know what you think – stay safe and happy travelling everyone!

45 responses to “Exploring Muiden, The Netherlands”

  1. When I saw the pictures of a castle on your post, I just knew what I needed to read before going to bed 😄. The castle almost look like a picture out of a fairytale book. And what a pretty picture of the reflections in the water in Muiden … and wow, that last photo – stunning!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Aw I’m so glad you enjoyed it, you know I love a good castle 🙂 Thanks so much for reading Corna, and have a lovely day!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thanks for sharing this .We loved visiting this Castle and so historic.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s a lovely place to visit and escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Thanks for reading Anita 🙂

      Like

  3. We were thinking of Netherlands for Easter 2020 – visiting a few of those lovely towns and cities – away from Amsterdam… of course those plans were shelved but I’d definitely include this place now – thank you!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh I’m sorry your plans were cancelled, but hopefully one day you can visit The Netherlands – it’s a beautiful and underrated country I think, and there is so much more to it than just Amsterdam! 🙂

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  4. Muiden looks quite interesting and beautiful. I can’t believe I never actually got to go there in all my years in Amsterdam. The castle is stunning and ferry views are lovely. Great photography, Hannah.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I can’t believe you didn’t either, it’s only 30 minutes away! But it’s always the way, we never do things on our doorstep. So glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks so much for reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank you for sharing, Hannah! It looks beautiful! My friend from NJ moved to the Netherlands to be with her boyfriend. I told her I want to try to visit them. Saving this list in case that happens later on this year! 😊 Thanks!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah I’m so glad you like it……and yes definitely worth a visit, especially if you have a friend there that you can stay with. I think The Netherlands has lots of lovely towns and cities that are well worth exploring 🙂 Thanks so much for reading, have a great day.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. That castle looks like it’s from a fairytale. I love it when the interior is made to look as it would have been at some period in the past. That just makes it all the more magical.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It really is a fairytale castle isn’t it, it was very special to have it to ourselves and definitely found it magical. Thanks so much for reading 🙂 And congrats on your wordpress feature, a great interview.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! I’ll be posting it later this week as my blog post for the week, so you’re ahead of the game!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. The castle looks like the ‘perfect’ castle. Love your picture of it surrounded by the moat. Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I totally agree, it’s fairytale like isn’t it. Thanks so much for your kind words Maggie, have a great day 🙂

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  8. I’ve actually never heard of Muiden before, but what a charming little place! Goes to show that day trips out of Amsterdam are worth it and more abundant than you think! Thanks for sharing this gem of a place, Han. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw I’m glad to show you somewhere new then 🙂 I totally agree, there are so many great day trips and places in The Netherlands away from Amsterdam well worth a visit. Thanks for visiting and have a great day.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I’ve visited Amsterdam a couple of times but not been out to this castle. Thank you for bringing it to my attention Hannah, definitely on the list for a future visit!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah it’s definitely worth a visit if you do go to Amsterdam again, it’s a beautiful and super easy day trip. Thanks for reading Marion, have a great day.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Muiden looks beautiful. I love the castle and the moat around it. It looks like you guys had the place all to yourselves.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad you like it and thanks for reading – we were very lucky to have it all to ourselves. The Netherlands was actually in lockdown when we visited, although sites were open they had to close at 3pm which I think just mean lots less visitors with people choosing not to travel.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. What a lovely place! I’ve never even heard of it, but it sure looks worth a visit. I especially enjoyed the waterfront photos with such clear reflections.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah I’m glad to show you somewhere new Diana, and really glad you like it. It’s fun exploring lesser known towns and cities 🙂 Thanks for reading and have a great day.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Superb pics…. Beautiful fairytale castle 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Looks like wonderful place to get away from the city and take a stroll through those charming streets. And anywhere with a historical castle in definitely on my list. Even with the crazy weather- I would love to visit the Netherlands 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I definitely think The Netherlands is an underrated European country, it’s absolutely beautiful with lots to do in quite a small area – and it’s easy to get around with a good train network. Muiden was definitely a good day trip option to escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam 🙂 Thanks so much for reading Meg, have a great day.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. NattyTravels

    The castle looks like it’s out of a fairytale! Seems like a charming city too. Thanks for sharing 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw so glad you like it, thanks very much for reading 🙂

      Like

  15. Wow, what a beautiful place to explore and photograph! Although there are a lot of great reasons to visit Amsterdam, the Netherlands is so much more than its most famous city. Thanks for sharing and introducing me to a new place worth visiting 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Aiva, that’s so kind of you to say. I definitely agree there is so much to see in The Netherlands, it’s definitely worth exploring beyond Amsterdam 🙂 xx

      Liked by 1 person

  16. That castle is so cool and the town looks so quaint! I’d definitely love to visit!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw so glad you like it Lyssy, thanks so much for reading 🙂

      Like

  17. This little town seems really nice! I have never been to Muiden but I am very curious to check it out now! I really like smaller towns with canals and for sure it must have been a welcome break from busy Amsterdam. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a beautiful little place, and definitely worth a visit 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks so much for reading. Have a great day Juliette.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Its a nice place worth visiting

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It definitely is – thanks for reading 🙂

      Like

  19. Castles, history, waterfront landscapes, interesting architecture and villages…you travels include such wonderful and oftentimes diverse locations!!! Thank you for sharing, Hannah 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw you’re too kind, thanks so much Phil. Have a great day 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. A lovely find I hadn’t heard of. That last photo is so dreamy…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was definitely a weird weather day to go from overcast to glorious sunshine. Glad to show you somewhere new, and have a lovely day 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Fabulous castle – those towers make me think of the Rapunzel story, lovely ✨

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw so glad you like it Cherryl, thanks so much for reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Informative post, Such buildings only seen in children’s cartoons and fairytale story books.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad you found it helpful, thank you for reading 🙂

      Like

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About the author

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a travel blogger from the UK who fits travel around a full time (and full on) job. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and hopefully help you to find some inspiration for destinations, things to do or places to stay. Thanks for stopping by – stay safe and happy travelling.

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