Kasteel Radboud

Current exhibitions

About the museum

After Count Floris V of Holland had subjugated West Friesland, in the 1280s he quickly built a chain of strongholds to control the rebellious region. The castle in Medemblik, completed around 1288, is the only one of them to survive. Its layout originally resembled that of the Muiderslot; the name Radboud comes from the legend that it stands on the foundations of a residence of the Frisian king Radbod.

Over the centuries the castle was besieged several times, for example in 1517 by the troops of Grutte Pier and in 1572 during the Eighty Years’ War. Once Medemblik had its own town walls, the castle lost its military importance and fell into disrepair; no noble family ever lived here. In 1889 the complex passed to the state, which had it restored under the direction of Pierre Cuypers until 1897. Later the district court met here, and at the start of World War II, Rembrandt’s Night Watch was temporarily stored within its walls.

After another restoration in the mid-1960s, a museum was set up. Two residential wings, two square towers, and a round tower survive. Since 2016 the castle has belonged to the Stichting Monumentenbezit, and the museum is run by the Stichting Kasteel Radboud. Exhibitions are devoted to Floris V, early medieval Frisia, and Medemblik’s seafaring history; there is also an herb garden modeled on medieval examples and the Graventapijt, a wall hanging project embroidered by volunteers using medieval techniques.

Highlights

• The only surviving stronghold of Count Floris V in West Friesland
• Knights’ Hall and views over Medemblik and the IJsselmeer
• Graventapijt – an embroidered lineage of the Counts of Holland in the medieval manner
• Medieval herb garden
• Audio tour with Floris V, Beatrijs, and the mascot Gerrie de Leeuwdraak
• Play attic for children and falconry demonstrations in the castle courtyard

Permanent exhibitions

• De Strijd om West-Friesland – Shows how the Counts of Holland conquered prosperous, independent West Friesland and why Floris V had the castle in Medemblik built.

Operated by

Stichting Kasteel Radboud (Eigentümer: Stichting Monumentenbezit)

Director

Emma Buis (Algemeen manager)

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart (€1 reservation fee per card); also free with the VriendenLoterij VIP card for one person (for two people in May, castle month). Card payment only at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The historic building has many thresholds, obstacles, and steep stairs and is not accessible to wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. Assistance dogs allowed; other dogs only in the courtyard and in the café.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Dedicated children’s audio tour with the mascot Gerrie de Leeuwdraak, scavenger hunts, and a play attic with coloring pages, table soccer, and dress-up clothes. Falconers in the castle courtyard in good weather; during school holidays, craft afternoons, owl workshops, fairy-tale days, and old-Dutch game days. Children’s birthday parties can be booked.

Getting there & parking

About 10 minutes from the A7 highway; in Medemblik, follow the route via Vlietsingel and Oosterdijk to reach the entrance side. A poorly signposted footpath leads from the town center and the Pekelharinghaven to the castle (not suitable for people with limited mobility).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Kasteel Café in the vaulted cellars (tavern) with a terrace, also accessible without visiting the museum; lunch, coffee and cake, high tea, reservations possible. Museum shop in the vaulted cellars.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 150 guests.

Corporate events for 10 to 150 people (conferences, team building, dinners), including in the Knights’ Hall and the Casteleins Camer, presentation equipment included; also weddings, family celebrations, baby showers, children’s birthday parties, and photo shoots.

Plan your visit