In the footsteps of Floris V

In the region, there are still many remains to be found from the time that Floris V went to war against the West Frisians. Around the year 1280, Floris V ordered the construction of five castles in order to be able to fight the West Frisians. And a number of these castles can still be visited today.

Radboud Castle in Medemblik

The first castle that can still be visited is Radboud Castle in Medemblik. This castle is open to the public and currently serves as a museum. The castle is surrounded on three sides by the IJsselmeer, which made it very easy to defend in the past. This is also the reason that the castle has been largely preserved.

The Nuwendoorn in Krabbendam

Near Park Zijpersluis you will find the remains of De Nuwendoorn. This castle was built in 1282, destroyed in 1370 and only rediscovered in 1948. In 2006 it was decided to renovate the castle and the grounds. This job was completed in 2011, and since then there is a castle tower again with several other buildings that you can visit. The tower serves as a lookout tower.

The Nieuwburg in the ‘Six Wheels area’

North of Alkmaar you will find the foundation of Kasteel De Nieuwburg. This is the third and last castle of Floris V of which remains can still be seen. These foundations give a good impression of how the castle used to look. A visit to this castle can be nicely combined with a visit to Alkmaar or to the other castles.