Loevestein Castle
Slot Loevestein
A 14th-century water castle at the confluence of the Maas and Waal rivers, famous for Hugo Grotius escaping hidden in a book crate.
Loevestein Castle was built in the 14th century. It later became part of the Dutch water-line defenses and was used as a prison for political prisoners. Its most famous story is that in 1621 Hugo Grotius, the father of international law, escaped successfully by hiding in a book crate, and that crate can still be seen inside the castle. The castle is surrounded by a moat and earthen ramparts, and its interactive exhibits suit families. Admission is about €17, and winter opening hours are shorter. It is about 25 km from Den Bosch. In summer you can reach it by ferry from Woudrichem, and the boat crossing is part of the fun.
Opening hours
Approx. 11:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; often closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Heusden
- Efteling
- Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park
- National Monument Kamp Vught
- Jan de Groot (Bossche Bol)
- Binnendieze Boat Tour
- Uilenburg
- De Moriaan