What’s one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands? Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn

Best place to visit in the Netherlands | Paleis Het Loo

Looking for one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands? An undiscovered gem that is off the beaten track. Discover Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn. Just a one-hour journey from Amsterdam, Paleis Het Loo is the Netherlands’ largest palace, complete with baroque gardens and stables. Since becoming a museum in 1984, every year some 500,000 guests discover Paleis Het Loo as one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

Built in 1689 on the commission of King-Stadtholder Willem III and his wife Queen Mary, the palace is a masterpiece of 17th century Dutch baroque style. It serves as the summer palace for the Dutch royal family for over 300 years. Paleis Het Loo brings the history of The House of Orange and the Dutch nation to life. With original interiors and furnishings, you see how generations of Dutch royals live, work and relax. It’s one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands to discover the story of the Netherlands.

Baroque gardens | Paleis Het Loo
Baroque gardens of Paleis Het Loo
Queen Wilhelmina’s drawing room | Paleis Het Loo
Queen Wilhelmina’s drawing room in the palace

One of the best places to visit in the Netherlands for all ages

Whether you’re young or young at heart, a history buff, a garden enthusiast or an art lover, there’s something for everyone at Paleis Het Loo. This is why it is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands whatever your age or interests. Younger visitors have a ball in the Junior Palace. Art and history lovers are amazed by the museum’s collection of 160,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and Delftware. All displayed in the historical context of the people who live and work in the palace. Garden lovers delight in the 17th century baroque garden with boxwood in intricate patterns, historical plants, flowers, cascades and fountains. Add in the restaurants, themed exhibitions and palace park and it’s clear that Paleis Het Loo is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.    

Junior palace | Paleis Het Loo
The best place for kids: the Junior Palace

Don’t miss one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands

There is so much for you to discover in the Netherlands beyond the canals, windmills and tulip fields. Venture off the beaten track to explore the many facets of Dutch history and culture. Travel just one hour by car or train to reach the heart of the country with its Veluwe forest. It’s one of the best places to visit in Holland to explore the Dutch heartland.

This is the Netherlands you probably haven’t seen before. Dense forests, rolling dunes and open heathland create a landscape of natural beauty. And the crowning glory nestled in the forest is Paleis Het Loo. You’ve never seen a palace like this before. Perfect symmetry, restrained grandeur, manicured baroque gardens, coach houses, royal stables – Paleis Het Loo has it all. It’s one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you love nature, history and culture.

Stable yard | Paleis Het Loo
Stable yard of Paleis Het Loo

Hidden gem Apeldoorn is the best city to visit in the Netherlands

Paleis Het Loo is located in the leafy outskirts of the Dutch city of Apeldoorn. As the ‘capital of the Veluwe’, Apeldoorn stands at the crossroads between the Dutch towns of Amersfoort and Deventer and Arnhem and Zwolle. It’s the best of both worlds: beautiful nature and buzzing city life. In Apeldoorn, you’re never far from beautiful forests and vast nature areas. But it offers the best of city life too with great shopping, bustling cafes and excellent restaurants. It’s also a centre of culture as home to the contemporary CODA Museum and Theater Orpheus. Where urban and nature meet – Apeldoorn is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.