Muiderslot is a medieval castle in Muiden, Netherlands, surrounded by water and green grounds. From Amsterdam, you can plan a castle visit around its seasonal opening hours, explore the historic rooms and gardens, and travel by ferry from IJburg during its operating season. For your Amsterdam stay, a four-star hotel in Amsterdam is one accommodation option.
- Location: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden, Netherlands.
- Opening pattern: Tuesday to Sunday from November through March; daily from April through October, 10:00–17:00.
- Ferry: Seasonal sailings from Amsterdam IJburg operate on selected days from April through October.
- Admission: Adult tickets cost €19.50; some age groups and cardholders receive reduced or free admission.
Why visit Muiderslot
Muiderslot combines medieval architecture with gardens, ramparts and waterside grounds. The castle dates back to 1285 and stands at Herengracht 1 in Muiden.
Its grounds include gardens, a castle square and a tournament field, with water surrounding the castle. Inside, highlights include the Knights’ Hall and a medieval chest described as the oldest piece of furniture in the castle. In the garden, look for the Berceau, a green tunnel.
How do you get from IJburg to Muiderslot?
From April through October, Veerdienst Amsterdam sails between Amsterdam IJburg and Muiderslot on Saturdays and Sundays. During North-region school holidays, the ferry also sails Tuesday through Friday.
The IJburg departure point is Krijn Taconiskade 124a. From Amsterdam Centraal, take tram 26 to Lumièrestraat to reach it. Check Veerdienst Amsterdam’s information for sailing times, prices and reservations, since the castle does not give a fixed sailing frequency. A guide to Amsterdam public transport from IJburg can help you plan the tram leg.
Another option is Transdev’s MuiderslotExpress, which connects P+R Muiden with Vestingplein, near the castle, in about 10 minutes. It runs Friday through Sunday and is coordinated with Pampus ferry departures.
The eight-passenger shuttle costs €1 per ride; children aged 11 and under travel free with an adult. Pay the driver by PIN: OV-chip cards and debit-card check-in are not accepted.
For the city portion of a longer stay, one day in Amsterdam: a practical route from IJburg lays out a route starting from the same neighborhood.
When is Muiderslot open, and what do tickets cost?
From 1 November through 31 March, Muiderslot is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00–17:00. From 1 April through 31 October, it is open daily, 10:00–17:00. The castle also opens on public holidays and during North-region school holidays; on 1 January, it opens at 12:00.
The ticket office closes at 16:30, and admission is not possible after that. Prices are free for children aged 0–3, €7.50 for ages 4–11, and €19.50 for adults. CJP, Cultuurkaart and student-pass holders pay €7.50. Museumkaart, Stadspas, Autipas, VriendenLoterij VIP-Kaart, I amsterdam City Card and ICOM-card holders are admitted free.
You do not have to buy tickets online in advance, but the castle recommends booking ahead to secure a place. Some activities and major events may sell out, and special activities or events may carry a surcharge. Opening hours, prices and transport schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
What can you see, and is Muiderslot accessible?
Admission includes free audio tours in Dutch and English, including a version suitable for children. Routes through the castle and gardens take 20–45 minutes, making the audio tour one way to structure your visit before spending time outdoors.
The castle itself is not accessible to wheelchair or mobility-scooter users because of stairs and changes in level. The gardens, ramparts, castle square and tournament field are accessible via wide paths and ramps, though the paved courtyard can be difficult to navigate in places. An accessible toilet is in the Garden Room.
Wheelchair and mobility-scooter users enter free, as does one companion per person who has a public-transport companion pass. Three free parking spaces for visitors with a disability parking permit are outside the castle gate. Official assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs and drones are not allowed on the premises.
FAQs
How long do the Muiderslot audio-tour routes take?
Routes through the castle and gardens take 20–45 minutes. Free audio tours are available in Dutch and English, including one suitable for children.
Can you visit Muiderslot by ferry from Amsterdam?
Yes. Veerdienst Amsterdam sails from Amsterdam IJburg on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October, with additional Tuesday-to-Friday sailings during North-region school holidays. Check the ferry operator’s information for schedules, prices and reservations.
Can wheelchair users visit Muiderslot?
The castle interior is not accessible to wheelchair or mobility-scooter users, but the gardens, ramparts, castle square and tournament field can be visited. The grounds have wide paths and ramps.
Do you need to book Muiderslot tickets in advance?
Advance online purchase is not required, but the castle recommends booking ahead to secure a place. Some activities and major events may sell out.