Want something fun and interesting to do in the Netherlands? Discover Paleis Het Loo
Looking for something fun and interesting to do in the Netherlands? A destination that combines history, culture and natural beauty – plus fun activities for young and old? Discover Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn. Tour the recently refurbished 17th century palace, stroll through the baroque gardens, walk in the vast palace park, take in the views from the palace roof terrace, have fun in the Junior Palace, enjoy dining at one of the restaurants - Paleis Het Loo has it all. It all combines to make Paleis Het Loo one of the best things to do in the Netherlands.
Something different to do in the Netherlands
Many people don’t know that the Netherlands has so many palaces and castles. Visiting a palace or castle is one of the best things to do in Holland. It’s a great way to discover more about the history, culture and customs of the Netherlands. Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn holds a special place in the country’s palace landscape and in the hearts of the Dutch people.
Paleis Het Loo is the biggest 17th century Dutch palace. King-Stadtholder Willem III and his wife Princess Mary commission its construction as a summer palace in 1684. It goes on to serve as the Dutch royal family’s summer residence for more than three centuries. All the rooms in the palace have their original furnishings and decors, so you experience first-hand how the palace’s residents live, work and unwind. As you walk through Paleis Het Loo, you’re stepping through the history of the Netherlands. This makes a tour of Paleis Het Loo one of the best things to do in the Netherlands to discover more about Dutch history in an up close and tangible way.
Lots to do beyond the palace doors
Beyond the palace walls, Paleis Het Loo offers lots of activities and things to do in Holland. Why not combine a visit to the palace with a walk through the palace gardens and the palace park? The baroque gardens have been restored to the original 17th century design. With the garden’s symmetrical patterns, impressive fountains and sculptures depicting gods and goddesses from Greek myths, it is unique in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s best preserved historic baroque gardens. Whether you’ve got green or brown thumbs, a visit to the Paleis Het Loo gardens is a must-see and one of the best things to do in the Netherlands.
One of the most amazing things to do in Holland
The palace park is perfect for leisurely walks in nature. The 650-hectare park is created in the early 19th century on the land around Paleis Het Loo and Het Oude Loo Castle. You wander through romantic landscaped gardens with winding paths, ponds and narrow bridges.
Want to walk like a royal? Take the ‘Orange Trail’. During this 45-minute walk, you get a glimpse into the personal life of the Dutch royal family who have loved coming here for centuries. King William III would swim in the pond at the bathing pavilion. Inspired by nature, Queen Wilhelmina enjoys painting in the park. King Willem-Alexander is said to have had fun getting lost in the maze as a young Prince of Orange. This means you’re following in the footsteps of kings, queens, princes and princesses as you take the Orange Trail. It’s one of the unforgettable things to do in the Netherlands.
A world of things to do in the Netherlands
There is plenty to see and do at Paleis Het Loo for young and old. The Junior Palace is a fantastical world for kids. Here you can do everything you don’t dare to do in the historical palace. Explore the dazzling rooms of the multi-coloured palace. Check out the Bureau of Kitchen Affairs to the Bureau of Dance Affairs. Meet their Majesties and their staff. And guess what? They ask you to organise an amazing party for their guests from around the world. So using your ‘Kingsta’ device, you set about putting on a party fit for royalty. Fun and educational, the recently opened Junior Palace is already one of kids’ favourite things to do in the Netherlands.
Paleis Het Loo organises special activities for young and old throughout the year. The ‘Prince and Princess Days’ held from mid-July to mid-August are the coolest garden party around and one of the best things to do in the Netherlands with the whole family. Music also fills the palace every summer with the NJO National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands giving concerts in the palace gardens.
There is always something new to see and do at Paleis Het Loo. Every year, Paleis Het Loo presents temporary exhibitions focussing on different themes. And don’t forget to go up on the roof when you’re at Paleis Het Loo. From the rooftop terrace, you get a 360-degree view of the gardens, palace park and Het Oude Loo Castle. Looking from this high up, you see just how spectacular the symmetrical gardens really are.
