This post is the third in a 4-part series capturing my unforgettable journey through Amsterdam—five days of bikes, bites, boats, and beautiful moments you won’t want to miss!
Today felt like stepping into a storybook. From the romantic spires of Castle De Haar to the cozy charm of Utrecht’s canals, this day trip from Amsterdam was the perfect blend of fairytale fantasy and everyday Dutch life.
🚉 Getting There: From Amsterdam to a Fairytale
Getting to Castle De Haar from Amsterdam offers a few routes, depending on your travel style and budget. If you're after comfort and convenience, an organized tour is the way to go—complete with transportation, entry tickets, and sometimes even a guide to bring the castle’s history to life. These can be booked through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide. That said, tours can be pricey and run on tight schedules.
Rideshares like Uber or Bolt are another solid option for direct, door-to-door comfort. The journey takes about 45 minutes and typically costs between €70 and €110, depending on traffic and time of day. Traditional taxis cost a bit more. It’s a smooth ride with no transfers, which we appreciated on an early morning start.
Public transportation is by far the most budget-friendly option, but requires a bit more planning. Start with a 30-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal. From there, hop on bus 127 or 128 to the town of Vleuten, followed by bus 111 to the castle (though this one only runs a few times a day, mostly on weekends). Alternatively, you can walk or rent a bike for the final stretch—about 30 to 40 minutes through lovely countryside.
Our route? We took a rideshare out to the castle for €50—easy, direct, and worth it. After exploring De Haar, we used public transportation to make our way into the heart of Utrecht, and eventually caught a train back to Amsterdam later that evening.
🏰 Castle De Haar: A Step Into a Dream
Jodi in front of Castle De Haar
Castle De Haar is the kind of place that makes you gasp before you even cross the drawbridge. Nestled just outside of Utrecht, this majestic structure rises from the landscape like a film set—complete with pointed turrets, a shimmering moat, and sprawling gardens. Though its origins date back to the 14th century, the castle as it stands today was dramatically reimagined in the late 1800s by none other than Pierre Cuypers—the same mind behind the Rijksmuseum.
Once inside, it’s a treasure trove of opulence. The interiors dazzle with hand-carved woodwork, vibrant stained glass, and room after room of antiques, tapestries, and heirlooms. You’re not just walking through a museum; you’re stepping into the lavish life once lived by the Van Zuylen family and their famously fabulous guests, from aristocrats to Hollywood stars.
The magic extends to the gardens, which are a dreamy escape in their own right. With perfectly trimmed hedges, reflective ponds, and quiet benches tucked under flowering trees, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and breathe it all in. For history buffs, romantics, and architecture lovers alike, Castle De Haar is an absolute gem.
🏙️ Utrecht: A Hidden Gem of the Netherlands
Utrecht Netherlands
After soaking in all the grandeur of De Haar, we made our way into Utrecht—a city that immediately felt warm, welcoming, and wonderfully lived-in. While smaller and more relaxed than Amsterdam, it has its own brand of charm, especially along its unique two-level canals.
We wandered down one of the staircases that lead to the canal level and landed at Burgers and Barrels for lunch. Known for their burgers and slow-roasted brisket, I opted for the vegetarian burger—and wow, did it deliver. Juicy, savory, and totally satisfying, it was one of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever had. Eating canal-side, watching boats float past, made it all the more magical.
After lunch, we strolled toward the Dom Tower, hoping to climb its 465 steps. Note to future self: book in advance. Tickets were sold out, but to be honest, I wasn’t devastated—I’m slightly terrified of heights, and this gave me the perfect excuse to keep my feet on the ground. We used the extra time to browse local shops and enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe.
We wrapped up our time in Utrecht with a canal-side drink, savoring the peaceful rhythm of a city that feels like a well-kept secret. Then it was a quick and easy train ride back to Amsterdam.
Jodi found a little hidden alley in Utrecht Netherlands
🍝 Back in Amsterdam: The Perfect Evening
Returning to Amsterdam Centraal, we strolled through the glowing city streets, winding our way back to our rental in the Jordaan. We detoured through De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)—a shopper’s paradise—and couldn’t resist grabbing a sleek new pair of blue Adidas sneakers.
As the evening settled in, we cozied up at a local café with a spread of Dutch comfort food: bitterballen, frikandellen, cheese sticks, and a round of local brews. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day packed with adventure and discovery.
🕯️ A Moment of Reflection: Dodenherdenking
That evening brought an unexpectedly powerful experience. May 4th is Dodenherdenking, the Netherlands’ national Remembrance Day. At 7:45 PM, church bells tolled across the city, signaling the coming moment of silence. As the clock struck 7:58, everyone paused—locals, tourists, cyclists, even waitstaff in the café where we were sitting. For two minutes, Amsterdam fell completely still.
It was one of the most moving moments of our trip. To witness an entire country stop—together, in silence—was a profound reminder of how deeply history lives in the present here. A collective breath held in memory. It was beautiful, sobering, and unforgettable.
🌙 Ready for Tomorrow
By 9:00 PM, we were back at our rental for an early night, grateful and full of reflection. Tomorrow will be our last full day in Amsterdam, and we’re planning to dive deeper into the city’s history with a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter and a visit to the Anne Frank House. A thoughtful, meaningful way to end our time in this incredible city.
Until then—tot ziens, Amsterdam. 💫