Most visitors to Amsterdam never make it past the canals. That's entirely understandable, but it also means they miss something extraordinary. Within an hour or two of the city, the Dutch countryside hides a handful of castles and historic estates that rival anything you'll find in France or Germany. Fewer crowds, lower entry prices, and stories that are anything but ordinary. Here are five castles near Amsterdam that deserve a place on your itinerary. / READ MORE /














