Castle Muiderslot

Adventures continue to call out to our little family, and yesterday found us answering the call and going way back in history, as we explored Castle Muiderslot.  We had a relaxed morning (which is not typical for "adventure days"), and boarded our train at lunch time, ensuring our arrival to the castle to be just after it opened for the day.  Our train took us to Weesp, which is near Amsterdam, and then we hopped on a bus that took us into the town of Muiden.  From the little we walked through to get to the castle, we found it to be a charming, and very quaint Dutch town (I read the population is around 6,200).

Charming.  

There is the castle in the distance, as viewed from town.

They are standing in front of the sign, "Muiderslot," but it's difficult to see.

It was our first visit to a real castle in Europe.  Pretty cool that we were able to visit one in the Netherlands!

All three of them were pretty happy about the drawbridge.

Muiderslot was built around 1280, and had several owners over the centuries who resided inside of its walls. It is currently a national museum, and the insides of the castle, its rooms and kitchens, have been restored to look like they did in the 17th century.  Several of the rooms now house a good collection of arms and armour, which was neat to be able to see and explore with the kids.  In fact, the entire castle was so child-friendly, the visit was incredibly simple and easy to enjoy. :)

The dungeon...  we couldn't quite explain too much of it in detail to the kids.

Geoffrey, just chillin' on the big, and very old, rocks.  They would use stones like these to drop down on enemies and intruders, from up above.

We went on a 30 minute tour, which gave us a far more in-depth look into the inner rooms of the castle.  Our guide informed us that most all of the furniture in the rooms are the original pieces from the 17th century.  

Taking in the view, while the tour guide talks.  

Unfortunately, the seat was not big enough for two, which caused for a noisy disruption.

We managed to work it out.

Every room had a giant fireplace, but this was the most immaculate. 

Tile lined the base of the walls, with every other piece being a Delftware picture, depicting children's play. 

The fireplace was also lined with Delftware.

The pillars on this mantle are the original sandstone pieces.

And the restored box-bed in the corner, for people to sleep in the sitting up position - I can't imagine sleeping like that.

A little extra touch on the staircase.

After the tour, we were able to explore the remainder of the castle freely.  I was pleasantly surprised at how open the entire place was, as I had sort of been expecting to have many restricted areas.  We all had a great time on our castle exploration!

Remember the picture of Geoffrey sitting on some big stones?  See those little people down below?  This hole is one of many found throughout the castle, where guards would be able to drop the big stones...

Both kids were in awe that they were exploring a real castle!

A look down into the courtyard.

Geoffrey was a real trooper, considering we set foot on the castle grounds right when his nap time usually commences.  He made it all the way through (and crashed on the train ride home!).

This was one particular door where there was no entry, which was rare.  There were all sorts of nooks and crannies like this one, perfect for the kids to discover.

Here we are, pulling at swords stuck in a table.

Maddie insisted we take their picture in front of the barrels.

If you look closely, you can see how worn down the brick stairs are - and how old!

The top of one of the towers.

It is so fascinating to me to have been able to peer inside several towers this year, each one built so differently.

We continued on, and ventured into the next room, which speaks for itself.

I never miss an opportunity to use "jazz hands!"

Oh, I cannot begin to tell you how excited she was about this one!

Lady Maddie and Knight Geoffrey

I can't find the right caption for this picture; there are just too many...

Oh, yes.  And then this happened.  :)

Like I said, very kid friendly.

I spy with my little eye, two little braids and a pair of red shoes.

So much to explore.

Lady Maddie and Knight Geoffrey were promoted to Queen Maddie and King Geoffrey.  They were thrilled - really, they were!

Trying to open the well...why spoil their fun and tell them that it is sealed shut?

I can't take credit for this picture, nor can I give an explanation for what is happening.  It just is.

It was a successful trip!

And here comes mama at the rear, holding everyone's belongings.  It's a job I'm blessed to have!

Goodbye, Castle Muiderslot.

Every little king and queen deserves gelato - and so do their parents!

We have 6 more weeks left in the Netherlands, before we fly back home to America.  That is plenty of time to go on many more family adventures!