Rhijnauwen Castle is located on the right bank of the Kromme Rijn, about two kilometers west of the city of Utrecht, Bunnik.
In the 18th-century mansion, parts of an older house that must have stood here earlier can be seen at the back and on the left side. The house is the center of a large, much-visited country estate where you can stroll through beautiful avenues. Since 1933 a youth hostel has been located in the manor making it the oldest youth hostel in the Netherlands. Next to the youth hostel is the Rhijnauwen teahouse, one of the area's major attractions.
Kasteel Rhijnauwen History
The name Rhijnauwen is probably derived from auen, an old word for wet meadows along the Rhine. The structure probably dates back to the 13th century. The first mention of the manor of Rhijnauwen dates back to the year 1212. In the first half of the 14th century the estate was owned by the Van Lichtenberg family, at that time one of the most powerful in Utrecht, and they also owned Huis Lichtenberg, which was located on a site that is now part of Utrecht City Hall. In 1536 Rhijnauwen was officially recognized as a knight's residence.
After the marriage of Aleid van Lichtenberg and Jan IV van Renesse the manor passed into the hands of the Zeeland dynasty of Renesse. In 1449 the brothers Frederik and Johan Renesse were banished after Rudolf of Diepholt's victory over Zweder van Culemborg, and in 1450 the house Rhijnauwen was set on fire by order of the city of Utrecht. After this, the manor changed hands several times.
The last private owner of the Rhijnauwen house was the Strick van Linschoten family who bought Rhijnauwen in 1773. In 1919 the estate was purchased by the municipality of Utrecht. The then occupant, the widow Strick van Linschoten was allowed to continue living there until the end of her life. In 1933 Rhijnauwen was leased to the foundation of the youth hostel, which gave the building its current purpose.
Rhijnauwen is located on a sandy bank of the Kromme Rijn, a logical place since it is higher than the marshy surroundings and provides a solid base on which to build.
The original appearance of the house is unknown. It was probably some kind of keep, surrounded by a moat with a farm nearby. In 1450 this building was destroyed by fire. Remains of it are still visible in the east and south facade. During the 15th century a new house was built on the foundations.
In the 18th century the garden wall, the outer bailey and the guardhouse were removed and a new west wing was built. Thus was born the building that still stands today, although during various renovations after 1950 most of the 18th century elements were removed from the interior. The doors, including the frames, and a Louis XV style staircase are still original.