Cultural treasures in the
cities and countryside
Heeswijk Castle
3
4
Oudenbosch
Heusden
1
2
Waalwijk
1
2
3
4
classic gems
There are even more options for great cultural outings beyond North Brabant’s big cities.
Discover these beautiful places and visit the region’s hidden gems.
1
The fortified town of Heusden, near ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is a beautiful town on the River Maas. Wander through its picturesque narrow streets or sail past the ramparts while a guide shares centuries-old stories. This historic area is home to galleries, speciality shops, charming restaurants and pavement cafés.
Walk through this beautiful, fortified town with a guide and learn more about it. The guides show you the most beautiful spots and are more than happy to tell you about the town’s history.
Combine your visit to Heusden with a boat tour, such as with Rondvaart Wiljo. You discover Heusden from the water and enjoy views of the beautifully restored homes, windmills and cannons along the way.
St John the Baptist is a unique church and with nineteen copper domes and clock towers, a clear landmark in Waalwijk.
The Shoe Quarter is in the middle of Waalwijk. This museum connects the leather and shoe industry of the past with the future. There are temporary exhibitions, a research library, a workshop and a ‘Maaklab’ (for design and prototyping).
2
The charming city of Waalwijk used to be the most important leather centre of the Netherlands. You can still see this history in the city while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
3
Heeswijk Castle is a stunning location, where the time of damsels and knights comes to life again. Discover the castle’s centuries-old history on a guided tour or find your own way up the secret staircases and climb the towers. Explore the grand castle halls and enjoy the beautiful castle gardens.
During a visit to Heeswijk Castle, you can enjoy a snack and drink at Bij de Barones. This restaurant is located in the Koetshuis (coach house) and is accessible without a castle admission ticket.
Established in 1134, Berne Abbey is the oldest existing monastic community in the Netherlands. Visit this exceptional place and enjoy a home-brewed abbey beer or tasty pastry in the Proeflokaal (Tasting Room).
The Kildonk Windmill is a unique windmill consisting of a windmill and a water mill.
Arboretum Oudenbosch is a former monastery garden that has grown into a beautiful botanical garden, home to over 2,500 remarkable trees and plants. This natural green gem in the historical heart of Oudenbosch is an oasis of peace and quiet.
Saint Louis Chapel used to be part of the Saint Louis Institute, a boy’s boarding school. Today, the chapel is a national heritage site and the guides at Saint Louis lead tours around the listed buildings of the former school.
Björn Snelders
Zouavenmuseum
In the Zouavenmuseum, you discover remarkable religious stories about the Zouaves, soldiers who defended the Papal States from Italian nationalists.
Björn Snelders
4
In Oudenbosch, you will find a scaled-down copy (1:16) of Saint Peter’s in Rome. This 19th-century masterpiece was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers. Discover the nine marvels and gems in this village, such as the Botanical Garden Arboretum Oudenbosch, Saint Louis Chapel and the Zouavenmuseum.
There are reminders of the Second World War throughout North Brabant. Cycle or walk one of the Liberation Route Brabant stages, created in collaboration with Brabant Remembers. Go past places such as Camp Vught National Memorial and De Kiek decoy airfield, discover what the war meant for the Brabant population and learn more about the liberation.
Camp Vught National Memorial is located on the site of the only SS concentration camp to have been established in the Netherlands. Visit the museum exhibitions, wander around the former camp grounds and discover stories from the past.
Overloon War Museum is the largest war museum of the Netherlands. In this museum, you learn all about the Second World War and a large part of the collection was actually used during the Battle of Overloon. You can also cycle through the museum on the cycle bridge.
Wings of Liberty tells the story of the Second World War in North Brabant and the liberation of the south of the Netherlands. The museum is located on the very site where Operation Market Garden took place.
Cultural treasures in the
cities and countryside
Heeswijk Castle
3
4
Oudenbosch
Heusden
1
2
Waalwijk
1
2
3
4
classic gems
There are even more options for great cultural outings beyond North Brabant’s big cities.
Discover these beautiful places and visit the region’s hidden gems.
1
The fortified town of Heusden, near ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is a beautiful town on the River Maas. Wander through its picturesque narrow streets or sail past the ramparts while a guide shares centuries-old stories. This historic area is home to galleries, speciality shops, charming restaurants and pavement cafés.
Walk through this beautiful, fortified town with a guide and learn more about it. The guides show you the most beautiful spots and are more than happy to tell you about the town’s history.
Combine your visit to Heusden with a boat tour, such as with Rondvaart Wiljo. You discover Heusden from the water and enjoy views of the beautifully restored homes, windmills and cannons along the way.
St John the Baptist is a unique church and with nineteen copper domes and clock towers, a clear landmark in Waalwijk.
The Shoe Quarter is in the middle of Waalwijk. This museum connects the leather and shoe industry of the past with the future. There are temporary exhibitions, a research library, a workshop and a ‘Maaklab’ (for design and prototyping).
The charming city of Waalwijk used to be the most important leather centre of the Netherlands. You can still see this history in the city while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
2
3
Heeswijk Castle is a stunning location, where the time of damsels and knights comes to life again. Discover the castle’s centuries-old history on a guided tour or find your own way up the secret staircases and climb the towers. Explore the grand castle halls and enjoy the beautiful castle gardens.
The Kildonk Windmill is a unique windmill consisting of a windmill and a water mill.
During a visit to Heeswijk Castle, you can enjoy a snack and drink at Bij de Barones. This restaurant is located in the Koetshuis (coach house) and is accessible without a castle admission ticket.
Established in 1134, Berne Abbey is the oldest existing monastic community in the Netherlands. Visit this exceptional place and enjoy a home-brewed abbey beer or tasty pastry in the Proeflokaal (Tasting Room).
Saint Louis Chapel used to be part of the Saint Louis Institute, a boy’s boarding school. Today, the chapel is a national heritage site and the guides at Saint Louis lead tours around the listed buildings of the former school.
Arboretum Oudenbosch is a former monastery garden that has grown into a beautiful botanical garden, home to over 2,500 remarkable trees and plants. This natural green gem in the historical heart of Oudenbosch is an oasis of peace and quiet.
Björn Snelders
Zouavenmuseum
In the Zouavenmuseum, you discover remarkable religious stories about the Zouaves, soldiers who defended the Papal States from Italian nationalists.
4
In Oudenbosch, you will find a scaled-down copy (1:16) of Saint Peter’s in Rome. This 19th-century masterpiece was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers. Discover the nine marvels and gems in this village, such as the Botanical Garden Arboretum Oudenbosch, Saint Louis Chapel and the Zouavenmuseum.
Björn Snelders
There are reminders of the Second World War throughout North Brabant. Cycle or walk one of the Liberation Route Brabant stages, created in collaboration with Brabant Remembers. Go past places such as Camp Vught National Memorial and De Kiek decoy airfield, discover what the war meant for the Brabant population and learn more about the liberation.
Wings of Liberty tells the story of the Second World War in North Brabant and the liberation of the south of the Netherlands. The museum is located on the very site where Operation Market Garden took place.
Overloon War Museum is the largest war museum of the Netherlands. In this museum, you learn all about the Second World War and a large part of the collection was actually used during the Battle of Overloon. You can also cycle through the museum on the cycle bridge.
Camp Vught National Memorial is located on the site of the only SS concentration camp to have been established in the Netherlands. Visit the museum exhibitions, wander around the former camp grounds and discover stories from the past.