Pastime #4 – Muiden: Murder, Power & the Fall of a Count ⚔️

Step back into the 13th century and uncover one of the most dramatic stories in Dutch history.

For this new chapter of the Pastime series, we head to Muiden, where politics, betrayal, and power collided in a way that still echoes today. Here, in 1296, Floris V, one of the most influential rulers of medieval Holland, was captured and assassinated, allegedly as part of a plot involving Edward I of England.

This walk will take us through landscapes that feel far removed from modern life — along polders, dikes, and waterways — while we reconstruct the rise and fall of a man who shaped the destiny of the region.

Along the way, we’ll explore:

the fragmented medieval Netherlands (counties, duchies, shifting alliances) the life and legacy of Floris V
the events leading to his assassination and the traces of this era around Muiderslot Castle, one of the most iconic castles in the country

🚶‍♂️ Walk details:
A scenic ~5 km walk through a mix of paved and unpaved paths, including dikes and countryside.

⚠️ Note: the route can get muddy in bad weather and includes a few small obstacles (like stepping over fences).

🍺 After the walk:
We’ll head to Ruis aan de Sluis for a well-earned break. You’ll be able to grab a drink or something to eat, including beers from the local Muyder Brewery — among them the “Muyder 1296”, brewed specifically to commemorate the death of Floris V.
A perfect way to close the loop between history and taste.

History, storytelling, nature — and a well deserved drink at the end. Join us ⚔️🍺