Netherlands > Amerongen Castle

Breakfast is served in the restaurant. We can choose from the menu. We both opt for the standard breakfast: a croissant, bread, and a fried egg. A fine start to the day. After breakfast, we walk back to the car. For the last time, we pass through the historic center. In just under twenty minutes, we drive along the Lekdijk to Amerongen. We park the car near the sports fields. From here, it’s about a fifteen-minute walk to the entrance of Amerongen Castle. As early as the thirteenth century, a fortified residential tower was built on this site. In 1557, the castle came into the hands of the Van Reede family. During the French invasion in 1672, the castle was set on fire. The Van Reedes immediately decided to rebuild the castle in the Dutch classicist style. We are a bit early for the tour. The castle is not yet open. This gives us time to walk through the beautifully landscaped garden. At exactly eleven o’clock, we cross the staff bridge to the castle.

Netherlands - The castle of Amerongen

The access bridge has two levels. The upper level was for the residents; the lower provided access for the staff. We are warmly welcomed. There is no audio tour available, but in each room someone is present to provide explanations, we are told. On weekdays there are guided tours; during busy weekends, room attendants are used. In the kitchen, we immediately receive a detailed explanation of the castle’s history. We walk from room to room. The castle’s interior is magnificent, and the explanation in each room is interesting. The castle also played a role during the First World War. After Germany’s surrender in 1918, Emperor Wilhelm II fled to the castle. He was supposed to stay three days but ended up staying one and a half years. It was at this castle that he signed his abdication.

Netherlands - Sterkenburg Castle is built onto the defensive walls

Later, the emperor moved to Huis Doorn. We conclude our visit to Amerongen Castle in the State Room, a beautifully furnished castle room. The attendant points out the special marquetry cabinets made from a thin layer of inlaid wood. These cabinets, by Jan van Mekeren from the early 18th century, exist worldwide in only five copies, continues the attendant. Two of them are at Amerongen Castle. On the terrace of the Coach House, we have a drink with a view of the castle. From the castle starts a walk through the Amerongen forests. The route is not marked, but based on the description, we follow the eleven-kilometer path. We pass the church of Amerongen and enter the forest on the other side of the village. Soon we climb up the Amerongse Berg, a hill in the landscape. After two hours of walking, we are back at the car. Quickly, we set off to our next castle. Tonight we stay at Sterkenburg Castle. Along the route to the castle, we see several other castles and country estates in the area.

Netherlands - The reception room of Sterkenburg Castle

Soon, the large round residential tower of Sterkenburg Castle appears ahead. The castle tower dates from the thirteenth century. The castle itself was built later. We are welcomed by Joris, the host. He takes his time to greet us and show us around the castle. He warns us of a steep climb to our tower room. He leads the way up the narrow stone spiral staircase. A little later, we stand in the atmospherically furnished tower room of the castle. A round room with small windows. The ceiling is a brick dome. In the middle hangs a large chandelier. What a special place to sleep. Joris also takes us to the roof of the tower. From here, we have a view of the surroundings. In the distance, I see the outlines of Utrecht. Back downstairs, Joris asks if he can serve us tea or coffee. In the castle’s reception room, he pours us a cup of tea. From the large armchairs, we enjoy this ambiance. For dinner, we drive to Driebergen-Rijsenhout. At the Wapen van Rijsenhout, we order something to eat. After dinner, we quickly return to our own castle room.

Netherlands - Sleeping in the tower room of the castle