Poederoijen, Loevestein Castle SINTERKLAAS IS LOOKING FOR HELPER PIES AT LOEVESTEIN CASTLE

Sinterklaas has an important mission for young visitors to Loevestein Castle: become an assistant!

From November 15 through December 4, 2026, the Sintfestijn will be all about the Piet Training Program. In the festively decorated castle and on the ramparts, children will learn to track, climb, aim, and much more. Anyone who completes all the challenges will earn their very own Piet diploma.

Gift Night is fast approaching, and there’s still plenty of practice to be done. Because delivering gifts sounds simple, but a good helper has to be able to do a lot. That’s why Sinterklaas is opening the doors at Loevestein to new helper trainees. From the secret Sinterklaas hotline to the kruidnoten recipe

The program begins with a peek into Sinterklaas’s bedroom. Children write their names in the Big Book and set off on their first mission: to find ten practice gifts that Sinterklaas has hidden in the castle. Together, they uncover the number for the secret Sinterklaas hotline. What message has Sinterklaas left for them? Bakpiet could use some help, too. In the kitchen, the children gather the right ingredients. Do those licorice strings belong in the mix or not? In the Kruidnotentoren, they discover the explosive kruidnoot and choose their own favorite flavor.

Ready for St. Nicholas Eve?

Afterward, the helper Pieten practice for the real thing. They aim at packages, stack presents, play shuffleboard with kruidnoten, and walk across the roof on a hobby horse. On the Pieten obstacle course, they show off their climbing and balancing skills. Have they completed all the tasks? Then it’s time to pick up their Piet diploma. Sinterklaas can count on them!

On November 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29, Sinterklaas and the Pieten will be there in person to meet the young helper Pieten. The entire Pieten training program is also available on weekdays. During those times, Sinterklaas and the Pieten will be busy preparing for Pakjesavond.

Practical information

• The Sintfestijn will take place from November 15 through December 4, 2026.

• Sinterklaas and his helpers will be there on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Sint will take a break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Museum Card, VriendenLoterij VIP Card, ICOM Pass, Vestingpas, and complimentary tickets are accepted.

• Schools and daycare centers are also welcome.

• For more information and tickets: www.slotloevestein.nl/agenda/sintfestijn/