Soestdijk Palace
Utrecht
Soestdijk Palace, located just north of the village of Soestdijk in Baarn, Utrecht province, is a former royal palace with a history spanning over 350 years. Originally built as a country house in the mid-17th century for Cornelis de Graeff, it was acquired by Stadtholder William III in 1674 and transformed into a hunting lodge between 1674 and 1678 by architect Maurits Post. The palace features a central block with two wings and is adjacent to the Baarnse Bos, a forest developed as a French landscape garden in the 18th century. Over centuries, it served various royal occupants, most notably Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, who lived there from 1937 until their deaths in 2004. The palace was extensively renovated as a wedding gift to the couple and became their full-time residence, breaking tradition. After 1971, the palace became state property but remained their official residence until 2004. Today, Soestdijk Palace functions as a vibrant cultural venue hosting exhibitions, events, and the annual Royal Park Live music festival. Its architecture reflects neoclassical influences and royal heritage, making it a unique window into Dutch monarchical history and culture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official website for current exhibitions and events such as the Royal Park Live music festival held annually in July. Buying tickets in advance is recommended during event periods. Spring and summer offer the best experience with the palace gardens in full bloom and outdoor cultural activities. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. The palace is easily accessible by public transport and car, with guided tours providing deeper insight into its history and art collections.
Interesting facts
- •Soestdijk Palace was originally a hunting lodge built between 1674 and 1678 by Maurits Post, who also worked on Huis ten Bosch and Noordeinde Palaces.
- •The palace was seized and used as lodging for French troops during the French invasion in 1795.
- •King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, expanded and refurbished the palace during his reign as King of Holland.
- •The palace was gifted to Prince William II in 1815 in recognition of his role at the Battle of Waterloo.
- •Queen Juliana lived full-time at Soestdijk Palace from 1948, breaking the tradition of using it only as a summer residence.
- •Since 2016, the palace gardens host Royal Park Live, an annual music festival attracting thousands of visitors.
History
The site began as a country house built around 1650 for Cornelis de Graeff, a key figure in Amsterdam.
In 1674, it was sold to Stadtholder William III, who converted it into a hunting lodge by 1678.
After passing through several royal hands, including King Louis Bonaparte during the French occupation, it was gifted to Prince William II in 1815 after his role at Waterloo.
Significant expansions were made between 1816 and 1821, adding two wings inspired by Russian architecture.
The palace was the summer residence for royal families through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
From 1937, Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard lived there full-time until 2004, after which it became state property and opened to the public.
In 2017, it was sold to a consortium planning to develop it further while preserving its cultural significance.
Place Guide
Central Block1674-1678
The main building of Soestdijk Palace housing the principal royal apartments and ceremonial rooms, showcasing neoclassical architecture and royal furnishings.
Northern (Baarn) Wing1816-1821
Added between 1816 and 1821, this wing was designed to expand the palace's capacity and includes elegant colonnades inspired by the Tsar's palace in Pavlovsk, Russia.
Southern (Soest) Wing1816-1821
Constructed alongside the Baarn wing, this southern wing complements the palace's symmetrical design and houses additional royal living spaces.
Baarnse Bos (Baarn Forest)1733-1758
A French-style landscape garden developed between 1733 and 1758 next to the palace, offering scenic walking paths and natural beauty.
Royal Park Live Festival VenueSince 2016
The palace gardens host an annual summer music festival featuring national and international artists, revitalizing the cultural life of the estate.
Contact
Phone: 035 541 2841
