Staverden Castle & Estate - Image 1
1 / 3

Staverden Castle and Estate

4.7
·29 reviews·Ermelo, Netherlands

A historic estate with Art Nouveau architecture, beautiful gardens, and unique white peacocks, offering peaceful walks and on-site amenities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy blooming gardens and pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Staverden Castle & Estate - Image 1

Staverden Castle and Estate

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy blooming gardens and pleasant weather

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic estate with Art Nouveau architecture, beautiful gardens, and unique white peacocks, offering peaceful walks and on-site amenities.

4.7
(29 reviews)

"Beautiful place to visit 100% once you're in the area! Great to hiking, enjoying the sun and learning some history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The estate has well-maintained paths, perfect for walking. :athletic_shoe:

Check Brasserie Hours

The brasserie isn't open on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly for food and drinks. :coffee:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The White Peacocks

The White Peacocks

Enclosure within the estate

Spot the unique white peacocks, a symbol of the Staverden family, though they are now housed in an enclosure.

Art Nouveau Gardens

Art Nouveau Gardens

Ornamental garden area

Wander through a beautiful ornamental garden featuring a greenhouse, berceau, and fountain.

Historic Castle Exterior

Historic Castle Exterior

Central castle building

Admire the 18th-century Art Nouveau architecture built upon medieval foundations, often viewed from the outside.

Beech Hedge Maze

Beech Hedge Maze

Garden area

Navigate through a charming maze crafted from beech hedges, offering a playful experience.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Staverden

Staverden Castle and Estate offers beautiful grounds for walking and history. While the castle itself is often viewed from the outside due to renovations or emptiness, the estate boasts gardens, a bistro, and a brewery. Researching specific opening times for amenities like the brasserie is advised, as they can vary.

Estate Amenities & Access

Enjoy free access to the park and walking routes. The estate features a bistro, brewery, and visitor center. Note that the castle is primarily viewed externally, and some attractions like the water wheel may not always be operational. Ample free parking is available.

Best Times

When
Spring and Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy blooming gardens and pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The estate has well-maintained paths, perfect for walking. :athletic_shoe:

Check Brasserie Hours

The brasserie isn't open on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly for food and drinks. :coffee:

Explore Walking Routes

Three marked routes of 3-4 km offer a great way to see the estate. :hiking_boot:

Castle Views Vary

The castle is often viewed externally; check for any ongoing restoration work. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The estate has well-maintained paths, perfect for walking. :athletic_shoe:

Check Brasserie Hours

The brasserie isn't open on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly for food and drinks. :coffee:

Explore Walking Routes

Three marked routes of 3-4 km offer a great way to see the estate. :hiking_boot:

Castle Views Vary

The castle is often viewed externally; check for any ongoing restoration work. :camerawithflash:

Free Parking Available

Ample free parking makes arrival easy for visitors. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(29 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Staverden Castle and Estate for its beautiful, peaceful grounds and free access, making it a highly recommended stop for hiking and enjoying nature. While the castle itself is primarily viewed from the outside, the well-maintained gardens, unique white peacocks, and on-site amenities like the bistro and brewery add to the overall positive experience. Some visitors note that information might require prior research, and specific amenities have limited opening hours.

"Beautiful place to visit 100% once you're in the area! Great to hiking, enjoying the sun and learning some history. You might have to search for information beforehand but it's worth it. Next to it there's a great café to enjoy some drinks or food. Highly recommended!"

Eva Vasileiou

"It remains a beautiful estate. I've cycled there several times and just enjoyed the peace and quiet.
It remains beautiful every time. Definitely worth a visit.
(During my recent visit, the castle was covered in scaffolding.)"

Biru Bleeker

"Welcome to the city of Staverden. Yes, a city, because Staverden has city rights. But the smallest number of inhabitants. Count Reinald I of Gelre made sure of that. The castle was his hunting lodge.

A beautiful garden. There is a bistro, a brewery and a visitor centre.

You should not come there at night. There is a ghost wandering around. A black woman who died of heartbreak. Even now, people can hear her. Her grave is still on the grounds. The grave island.

The peacock is the symbol of the family and is still held in high esteem today.

The castle was built in the 18th century Art Nouveau style on a much older building from the Middle Ages.

The building is now empty."

allard lanson

What People Like

Beautiful and peaceful estate
Free access to grounds
Lovely walking paths

What People Dislike

Castle viewed externally
Limited opening hours for amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Staverden Castle and Estate is accessible by car, with ample free parking available on site. Public transport options might require further connections, so driving is often the most convenient method for visitors. Reddit

Yes, there is large, free parking available at the estate, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy cycling to Staverden, appreciating the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to explore the estate on two wheels. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the gardens and park of Staverden Castle and Estate is generally free, allowing visitors to enjoy the grounds without an admission fee. Reddit

While the park and gardens are often accessible, specific amenities like the brasserie have varying hours and may be closed on certain days, such as Tuesdays. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The castle building itself is often empty or undergoing renovations, meaning visitors typically view it from the outside. Information about interior access is limited. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking through the beautiful gardens and park, spot the white peacocks, explore a beech hedge maze, and visit the visitor center. There's also a bistro and a brewery on site. Reddit

Yes, the estate offers three well-maintained walking routes of approximately 3-4 km, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the grounds. Reddit

Staverden holds city rights and was originally Count Reinald I of Gelre's hunting lodge. The castle itself was built in the 18th-century Art Nouveau style on older medieval foundations. Reddit

Visitors can see the unique white peacocks, a beech hedge maze, an ornamental garden with a greenhouse and fountain, and a historic water wheel. Reddit

Many visitors describe Staverden as a place of peace and quiet, especially when visited during off-peak hours or on weekdays. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a brasserie (bistro) on the estate that serves drinks and food, though it is not open on Tuesdays. Reddit

The estate has a brewery with a terrace where you can enjoy a delicious beer on tap, coffee, or soft drinks. Reddit

The bistro offers drinks or food, catering to visitors looking for refreshments during their exploration of the estate. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ornamental gardens, the exterior of the Art Nouveau castle, and the white peacocks offer picturesque opportunities for photography. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed within the public areas of the estate for personal use. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the gardens, while late afternoon might offer softer light on the castle exterior. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Staverden Castle and Estate offers a pleasant outing for families. The free access to the park and gardens means kids can run around and explore without worrying about admission fees. The beech hedge maze is a definite highlight for children, providing a fun and engaging activity. Pack a picnic or plan to visit the bistro or brewery for refreshments, keeping in mind the brasserie is closed on Tuesdays. The walking routes are generally easy and suitable for little legs, making it a relaxed family adventure. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature & Walking Enthusiasts

For those who love to walk and immerse themselves in nature, Staverden is ideal. The estate provides three well-marked walking routes of about 3-4 km, allowing you to discover its diverse landscapes. You'll encounter beautiful gardens, open parkland, and unique features like the water wheel and the white peacocks. The peace and quiet often mentioned by visitors make it a perfect escape for a rejuvenating walk. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Staverden to be a charming location. The ornamental gardens with their greenhouse and fountain offer beautiful compositions, especially during spring and summer. The exterior of the Art Nouveau castle provides a striking architectural subject. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique white peacocks. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can provide the best light for your shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Staverden Estate

Staverden Castle and Estate is a sprawling property offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors can embark on several walking routes, typically around 3-4 km, which are well-maintained and provide access to various points of interest. These paths wind through the estate, showcasing its manicured gardens, open parkland, and the unique features that make Staverden special. The free access to the park and gardens makes it an inviting destination for a leisurely day out. Reddit

Key attractions within the estate include the ornamental garden, complete with a greenhouse, berceau, and fountain, offering a tranquil space for reflection. For a touch of whimsy, there's a beech hedge maze that provides a fun diversion. The white peacocks, a symbol of the Staverden family, are a notable sight, though they are now kept in a dedicated enclosure for their protection. Information signs are placed throughout the grounds, offering insights into the history and features of the estate. Reddit

While the castle itself is often viewed externally, its 18th-century Art Nouveau architecture built on older medieval foundations is still impressive. The estate also features a historic water wheel and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet escape and a connection with nature and history. Reddit

History and Legends of Staverden

Staverden holds a unique place in history as a 'city' with a very small population, a status granted by Count Reinald I of Gelre, who established the castle as his hunting lodge. The current castle structure, dating from the 18th century, is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau style and stands on the foundations of a much older medieval building. This layering of history is palpable as you explore the grounds. Reddit

Beyond its architectural and historical significance, Staverden is also associated with local legends. One intriguing tale speaks of a ghost – a black woman who died of heartbreak and whose grave is said to be on the estate's grave island. While this adds a layer of mystique, the primary draw for most visitors remains the estate's serene beauty and historical architecture. The peacock, as a symbol of the family, continues to be held in high esteem, adding to the estate's unique identity. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2