Paleis Het Loo was built at the end of the 17th century as a hunting lodge and summer residence for the Orange dynasty - the royal family that has ruled the Netherlands for centuries as stadtholder and later as king or queen. Throughout the four centuries that Paleis Het Loo was inhabited, until it was transformed into a museum, the summer palace was a self-sufficient country estate with extensive forests, hunting grounds, farms as well as having a private fruit- and vegetable garden.

The citrus collection at the palace forms part of the National Plant Collection of the Netherlands and emphasises the historical varieties of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Some of the specimens are known to be more than three hundred years old. The citrus trees are inextricably linked to Paleis Het Loo: in the 17th century they formed the centerpiece of the botanical collection belonging to King-Stadtholder Willem III and Queen Mary II. In 2018, the citrus collection can be found near the entrance and stable area during the summer months.

In the King’s Gardens and the Upper Garden the espalier fruit, with heirloom fruit varieties, can still be found growing along the walls. Furthermore, the 17th century use of cold frames, will be highlighted.

Special guided tours will be organized for regional, national and international visitors during September 2018. The tours are focussed on the history of the gardens and their role on supplying the Royal Table.

• Due to a three-year renovation project of the palace, only the gardens and stables will be open from March 30th – September 30th 2018.