1,000 years of history—do you know how long that is?
Coming soon to
: Splendor & Grandeur
A St. Nicholas scavenger hunt at Heeswijk Castle!
A St. Nicholas scavenger hunt at Heeswijk Castle! Ozosnel, St. Nicholas’s famous horse, feels like a real thoroughbred! 
He strides proudly through the lavishly decorated halls of Heeswijk Castle—amidst sparkling chandeliers, piles of gifts, colorful ribbons, and all the pomp and splendor!
During this cheerful scavenger hunt help children discover all there is to see in the castle.
Every room has something special to offer: sparkling secrets, royal artifacts, and sometimes even a little prank from the Pieten. 
Want to make a reservation for your class? Fill out the form below.
The cost is 5 euros per child, and the scavenger hunt takes about 1 hour.
museumschatjes '26/27'
Grades 6, 7, 8
Will you come discover the treasures of Heeswijk Castle? We’ll start with a brief introduction. Then the children (divided into three groups and supervised by parent chaperones and teachers) will set off on an exploration of the castle, following the tasks from “Museumschatjes.”
In the introductory lesson at school, prior to the museum visit, the students have already learned what actually makes an object valuable. Not just because it’s worth a lot of money, but also because it’s rare or has a special story behind it. The castle is packed with treasures! Afterward, the students are asked what they personally consider to be a valuable treasure!
80 Years of Market Garden
Grades 7 and 8
World War II: recent history that must never be forgotten.
On September 17, 1944, paratroopers from the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st US Airborne Division, landed at the Heeswijk Estate. During Operation Market Garden, they worked alongside other airborne units to clear the way for the advancing Allied armies. Thanks to the heroic actions of American soldiers, this part of the Netherlands was liberated from German occupation.
Starting in September 2024, we will take students on a discovery tour of and around the castle to get a sense of that special day: September 17, 1944, Operation Market Garden—the day Francis Sampson, chaplain of the 101st U.S. Airborne Division, landed by parachute in the moat of Heeswijk Castle.
Duration: approx.1 hour
After a group introduction, the participants will be divided into five groups to complete five different tasks.
Admission: €5.00 per student.
Parents/guardians driving the group may accompany them free of charge.
Groups 1–3
Explore the castle as a knight or princess
Why does a castle have such a thick door? And is there water around the castle? And why are there bells in the kitchen? Together with the guide, the youngest students learn a lot about life in a castle.
In the basement, the students listen to the story of Kunegonde, who lived in the castle, and Knight Frogleg. The princess knights the knights. They practice walking, bowing, waving, and speaking like nobility. As accomplished knights and a princess, the students leave the castle!
Admission: 5 euros per student
Duration: approx. 1 hour
The students are divided into two groups.
Parents/guardians driving the group do so free of charge
Fruit and drinks outside the gate
Group 4–6
How did people used to live in a castle?
Why is there a bridge in front of the castle? What is a dovecote used for? How much does a suit of armor weigh? What is a lampet set? Why are there curtains around the bed?
Together with the guide, the students will find the answers to all these questions. And if they get the answers right, they’ll see the word we’re looking for. They’ll definitely be able to do it!
In the basement, the students learn what the castle used to look like, see the well, and find out what happened if you misbehaved …
Additional activity:
How did people write letters in the old days? Not on a computer, but with a quill pen? Why not give it a try yourself!
Admission: 5 euros per student
Duration: approx. 1 hour
The students are divided into two groups.
Parents/guardians driving the group provide transportation free of charge. Fruit and drinks are available outside the gate.
Grades 7–8: "
" – Architectural History and Traditional Crafts
Do you know how long it took to build the castle? What a motte-and-bailey castle is? How thick the walls are? Why castles didn't have windows in the past?
Inside the castle, you’ll discover many different architectural styles and crafts, such as the wooden panels in the Tinkamer, the gold-leaf wallpaper on the walls, and the painted ceilings. In the IJzertoren and outside, you’ll see a lot of wrought ironwork—do you know what that is?
The guide will tell you about the castle’s history and traditional crafts. Then you’ll go on a scavenger hunt through the castle on your own. Did you get all the answers right?
Bonus Activity: Back in the day, if you wanted to send a message, you couldn’t do it on your phone or computer—you had to write a letter with ink and a quill pen! Give it a try yourself!
Admission: 5 euros per student
Duration: approx. 1 hour
After the guide has provided the information, you will explore the castle on your own in small groups, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to complete the activities.
Fruit and drinks outside the gate
juggling with dates
