If you enjoy a leisurely stroll, you can explore the gardens through the eyes of landscape architect Copijn. This free, marked walking route brings together nature, history, and architecture. The walk takes you past the most beautiful spots in the castle gardens, where you’ll learn more about Copijn’s garden design and philosophy. Signs along the route and a handy online guide will reveal fascinating stories. Did you know, for example, that Copijn had hundreds of mature trees transported to De Haar from all over the Netherlands? You’ll find out during this walk!

The gardens of Copijn

When the castle was rebuilt, the gardens had to be at least as impressive as the castle itself. To this end, Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt commissioned the renowned landscape architect Hendrik Copijn in 1895.

Copijn came from a nationally known family of nurserymen and garden architects and was one of the most famous garden architects of the 19th century. For De Haar he realized a romantic English landscape park with pleasure gardens and geometric French style gardens, with the castle as the radiant centerpiece.

Visitor information

The walking tour takes about 1 hour and is included free of charge with a ticket to the castle or the gardens. Scan the QR code at the start and follow the route on your phone (no app download required). Prefer not to go fully digital? There are also informational signs along the route. For more in-depth information, you can read further and view (historical) photos on your phone.

Bring good shoes, part of the route goes along an unpaved path.

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