Duurstede Castle

Duurstede Castle is a medieval castle ruin located in the town of Wijk bij Duurstede in Utrecht province, Netherlands. It was historically an episcopal stronghold of the bishops of Utrecht from the medieval period.

Visitors encounter the remaining masonry of the keep and sections of defensive walls, set close to the town and the river Lek; the site is principally of archaeological and local historical interest. The castle is visible from the town and riverside paths rather than being a large intact fortress.

The castle was constructed and developed during the Middle Ages under the authority of the bishops of Utrecht and served as one of their residences and defensive positions. Over later centuries the structure fell into decay and only fragments remain today.

The ruins lie in Wijk bij Duurstede on the north bank of the river Lek in central Netherlands, within Utrecht province and reachable from the town’s centre and riverside promenade.

• Location: The ruins sit immediately adjacent to the town of Wijk bij Duurstede on the north bank of the river Lek, making the site easy to visit from the town centre.

What to See #

• Castle keep and walls: Surviving keep and curtain walls form the principal visible remains, set close to the historical town centre on the riverbank.