💬 I’ve been visiting 🏰 (and writing ✍️) about many castles in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 lately — and while this one is technically a palace, not a castle, it’s still absolutely worth a visit! ✨

Because I’m talking about Paleis Het Loo — the former royal home of the House of Orange-Nassau 👑, lived in by Dutch royalty until 1975. It’s one of the Top 100 Dutch heritage sites, known for its beautiful gardens 🌷, royal history 🏛️, and magical seasonal events 🎄☀️.

I’ve visited twice — once on a cozy Christmas Eve ❄️ and once during a warm Dutch summer ☀️, and both felt completely different yet equally special 💫

🏰 Paleis Het Loo Through the Seasons

🕒 Best Time: All year (seasonal events)
ℹ️ Info: The royal palace of the Dutch kings — now a stunning museum and garden escape 🌿

💬 Paleis Het Loo is one of the most elegant royal palaces in the Netherlands 👑. Built in the 17th century for King William III, it showcases Dutch history, royal life, and grand Baroque gardens. Whether you come for summer blooms 🌞 or winter sparkle ❄️, this place always feels magical 🕊️

🏛️ About Paleis Het Loo

📍 Where: Apeldoorn
🕒 Best Time: April–September or Christmas period
ℹ️ Info: A royal residence turned museum full of art, gardens, and stories 👑

🏰 The name actually means “The Woods Palace” 🌳 — quite fitting, since it’s surrounded by royal forests and gardens.

Princess Margriet lived in the right wing until 1975, and in 1984 it reopened as a museum 🖼️. Today, you can walk through its grand rooms, gardens 🌷, and stables to see how the Dutch royals lived for 300 years ✨

✨ Built between 1684 and 1686, Paleis Het Loo was designed in elegant Dutch Baroque style. Originally a hunting lodge 🦌 for King Willem III, it later became a royal residence for the House of Orange-Nassau 👑.

• 👑 Former home of Dutch royals
• 🏰 Classic Baroque architecture
• 🌷 Elegant fountains and gardens
• 🖼️ Royal exhibitions inside

☀️ Paleis Het Loo in Summer

📍 Where: Palace Gardens, Apeldoorn
🕒 Best Time: June–August
ℹ️ Info: Colorful gardens, rooftop views, and warm sunshine 🌸

☀️ Paleis Het Loo was during one of the hottest summers ever in the Netherlands 🔥 — and honestly, it was the best time to see the palace gardens in full bloom 🌸.

When we first visited at Christmas 🎄, everything was quiet and frozen ❄️, but in summer the gardens came alive — fountains flowing 💦, flowers glowing 🌷, and Delft Blue planters 🏺 sparkling in the sun. We even climbed up the palace scaffolding (part of the renovation) for a rare rooftop view over the gardens — such a stunning sight 😍

You’ll find so many cool details — fish swimming in ponds 🐠, ornate statues, and peaceful walkways shaded by trees 🌳. If you love Dutch gardens, this is a dream spot 🌿.

• 🌺 Gardens in full bloom
• 🏛️ Rooftop view over the park
• 🐴 Royal stables & exhibitions
• ☕ Outdoor cafés and snacks

❄️ Paleis Het Loo in Winter

🕒 Best Time December (Christmas opening)
ℹ️ Info: A royal Christmas wonderland with festive decor and skating ⛸️

❄️ During winter, Paleis Het Loo transforms into a royal Christmas wonderland 🎄. The palace and gardens usually stay closed in cold months, except during their special Christmas opening event ✨ — so always check the official site for updated times and tickets.

When we visited last Christmas 🎅, the palace halls were beautifully decorated with twinkling trees 🌟 and grand dinner tables 🍽️ — each one showing how Dutch royals celebrated Christmas through the years. It honestly felt like walking through a living royal storybook 📖

My favorite room was cozy and golden 💛 — with candlelight, festive food displays, and trees dressed in every color 🎄. It’s truly one of the warmest winter experiences in the Netherlands 🇳🇱

• 🎄 Royal Christmas displays
• ❄️ Ice-skating near stables
• 🍷 Hot drinks & treats
• 🕯️ Cozy candlelight vibes

🍂 Spring & Autumn at Het Loo

🕒 Best Time: April–May, September–October
ℹ️ Info: Quiet beauty — blossoms in spring, golden leaves in fall 🌼🍁

In spring 🌷, tulips and trees fill the gardens with color.
In autumn 🍂, the park turns gold and peaceful — perfect for long walks 🚶‍♀️. You can even spot Het Oude Loo, the royal family’s private country house 🏡 surrounded by calm ponds and forest trails 🌳

• 🌷 Tulips and spring flowers
• 🍁 Golden autumn trees
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking trails and ponds
• 🏡 Royal retreat nearby

🚆 Getting to Paleis Het Loo

🕒 Best Time: Any season
ℹ️ Info: Easy to reach by car or train from Dutch cities 🚗

You can reach Paleis Het Loo in about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam Centraal 🚆. A short bus from Apeldoorn station drops you near the entrance 🚌.
If you’re driving, parking costs around €2.50/hour, and it’s free off-season. Use 9292.nl to plan your trip easily 📱

• 🚗 1-hour drive from Amsterdam
• 🚆 Direct trains to Apeldoorn
• 🚌 Bus stop close to the palace
• 📱 Plan via 9292.nl

🌷 Paleis Het Loo in Short

🕒 Best For: Day trips & history lovers
ℹ️ Info: A royal Dutch palace full of art, gardens & peace 👑

No matter the season, Paleis Het Loo is one of the Netherlands’ most peaceful royal gems 🌸. With gardens, galleries, and royal stories, it’s a must-visit for history lovers and travelers alike ✨

• 🏰 Historic royal palace
• 🌿 Seasonal gardens & fountains
• 🎄 Christmas magic in winter
• ☕ Perfect for weekend trips

🚲 Explore with Bike Taxi – The Fun Way to See Amsterdam!

After exploring beautiful places like Paleis Het Loo, enjoy a relaxed ride back in Amsterdam with Bike Taxi — the city’s most eco-friendly and scenic experience 🌷

💨 Skip the walking and traffic — glide through canals, bridges, and cozy streets with a friendly local guide 🚴‍♂️. It’s perfect for sightseeing, taking photos, or just relaxing after a royal day out 📸

• 💐 Private rides for 1–2 people
• 📸 Great for canal & museum photos
• 🏛️ Local guides share hidden gems
• 🌿 100% electric & eco-friendly

📍 Pick-Up Points: Dam Square, Rijksmuseum & Central Station
🕒 Best Time: Day or evening rides

🪶 Disclaimer: Bike Taxi is an independent service and not affiliated with Paleis Het Loo or other listed attractions.

👉 Book Now: https://amsterdam-bike-taxi.com/booking/

All Image Credit – thingstodoinamsterdam.com