Relax in the tranquil rose garden of Huis Doorn, the place that years ago the emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II visited to be alone with his thoughts. See his decorated mausoleum and be sure to check out personal items that were once the property of Frederick the Great.
The Huis Doorn is an original 14th-century house surrounded by open grounds and encircled by a moat. See the one tower that remains of the old medieval building. The house is most famous for being the home of Kaiser Wilhelm, who fled to the neutral Netherlands in 1920 following defeat in World War I. He lived here until his death and was buried here in 1941 under orders from his son.
Wander through the beautiful park and find marble statues and benches hidden among lush trees and flowers. Head to the Auguste Viktoria Rose Garden. This is a smaller version of an almost identical garden in Potsdam, Germany. Make your way from here to the mausoleum where Wilhelm is buried. Flags and candles surround the tomb, while a copper sphere and cross sit on top. These were actually made using old kitchen pans from the house.
Inside the house you will find rooms lavishly decorated with tapestries and paintings that depict great German leaders. As with the garden, the interior of the house was made to resemble the grand imperial palaces of Berlin and Potsdam. Admire the silverware arranged in the dining room and look for an array of army uniforms positioned around the building. Don’t miss another highlight of Huis Doorn: a selection of watches and snuffboxes that belonged to Frederick the Great.
Huis Doorn is located on the outskirts of Utrecht. Parking is available and a bus service runs from the city centre to the house. The admission fee for Huis Doorn includes a guided tour with a Dutch-speaking guide. Ask in advance about the possibility of arranging a tour in English.
