Estate Haarzuilens hike + visit stunning fairy tale castle De Haar! (13,5 km)

Today we will have a nice circular hike (13,5 km) through the estates of Haarzuilens in autumn colours, located in a valuable area culturally-historical and archaeologically.

The hike starts and ends at train station NS Vleuten, from there it is a 3 km walk to castle De Haar (museum), which we will visit. The route leads through a rural area passing the medieval village of Haarzuilens, before arriving at the enchanting castle! The last part (10,5km) goes through a meadow area.

Gathering point 10:45 @ NS Vleuten. We start hiking after meeting and greeting.

Castle De Haar
Here we enter a wonderful world of beauty and tranquility. This unique castle complex and its gardens is a fascinating and curious mixture of medieval atmosphere and late 19th century modern luxury. Its origin goes back to the 16th century, when a moated 14th century farm developed into a castle with 3 round and 4 square towers.
Architect P. Cuypers has transformed the 19th century ruins left from a medieval 14th century castle into a neo-Gothic fairytale castle with a park that has so many different tree species that we can almost speak of an arboretum! In terms of interior, the castle was decorated with tapestries, antique furniture, paintings, porcelain, etc...
For more impressions, see the website:
https://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/english/?lang=en

*After the castle and gardens visit, we can have drinks/lunch in the museum café.

Quiet peat meadow area
After lunch, we will continue our path and we dive into the vastness and silence of the vast peat meadow area back to the station.

Come and join this beautiful hike and discover the most magnificent castle of the Netherlands!

Tickets
I advise to buy your ticket online, the price is Euro 18,-/free with Museum Card. You have to select CASTLE VISIT TICKETS (PARK ENTRY INCLUDED). Choose timeslot 12:30:
https://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/english/?lang=en

Notifications:

• Meet up contribution fee: Eur 4,- for early birds before 1 Octobre/ Euro 5,- from 1 Octobre to be paid directly when signing by tickie (you can change the amount):
  https://www.ing.nl/particulier/betaalverzoek/index.html?trxid=JiADpLIjHENbrRuANk3CoRxQEsTYqijS
• We walk fast at (5 km an hour average) with 2/3 breaks, you should be fit for it and used to long distance walks of -+ 15 km ;-).
• Bring sufficient water, snacks and lunch, although we might stop at a restaurant.
• I advise to wear comfortable hiking gear with layers and a rain coat just in case...
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, participating is at your own risk.
• The hike might be cancelled or postponed in case of extreme bad weather or few people signed up. Check messages for last-minute updates the evening before.
• Please only sign up if you are attending to join. And change your RSVP if something unexpected occurs. Last-minutes cancellations are not appreciated and NO SHOWS will be recorded! No refund. Thank you.