Eindhoven & North Brabant - Heusden

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Heusden

Eindhoven & North Brabant

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Heusden The guide was updated: 2024-09-16

The enchanting and historic fortified town of Heusden

This charming, medieval fortress town, Heusden, dates back to 1200, when an urban settlement was established beside the River Maas. A golden age dawned with the arrival of the fortifications: from the end of the 16th century the garrison town of Heusden was home to thousands of soldiers. Then, mostly as now, the town resembled the 17th century drawings made by the Amsterdam cartographer Joan Blaeu; a fortification surrounded by sturdy earthwork ramparts, bastions, ditches and ravelins. When the town was fully restored in the 1970’s, Heusden was honoured with the highest European award, the ‘Europa Nostra’ prize for restoration.

Experience the fortified city of Heusden!

Heusden is a ‘hidden gem’ not widely known to foreign visitors. During your visit, you will see many historical houses, the harbour and fish market square, the museum and gardens, the defensive walls and the three windmills on the riverside (which can also be visited by appointment). In the visitors centre where the Tourist Office of Heusden is located in the old town hall, there is also a scale model of the fortified town and a model of the old castle. Wander through its picturesque streets and alleyways and discover numerous buildings dating back centuries. This historic setting is home to galleries, speciality shops, culinary standard restaurants and pavement cafes. There are two well-equipped harbours for tourists arriving by water, and there are lovely views of the town, the river and the surrounding countryside, from the ramparts. A great destination for lovers of art, culture, history and good cuisine.

Discover the Loonse and Drunen Dunes

This beautiful National Park is located 8 km to the south of the fortress Heusden. The countryside is very varied, with high dunes formed by shifting sand, heath land, coniferous and deciduous woods, beautiful meadows and pools. This is a good location to discover nature, relax or be active outside, with hiking, cycling, mountain biking or horse riding. The choice is yours!

Link: www.visitbrabant.com/en/places-to-go/heusden

Antique market - Heusden

Antique market - Heusden

When you visit the charming Brocantemarkt in the fortified town of Heusden it is wonderful to walk around and look at fine antiques and curios. More than fifty top dealers show their most extraordinary finds from the Netherlands, France and Belgium. Silver and glassware, crockery, vintage, bottles, industrial items, mannequins and small furniture is all there for visitors to enjoy or purchase, often at very reasonable prices. The Brocantmarkt on the Burchtplein can be visited every first Saturday of the month.

Windmills - Heusden

Windmills - Heusden

On the ramparts of Heusden, close to the Bergsche Maas River, there are a total of three windmills (molen) all of them corn mills. In times of siege, the windmills ensured that the city was self-sufficient. Every first Saturday of the month and on the National Mills Day you can watch the windmills turn and the millers kindly share their knowledge. The mills can be visited by appointment all year round.

Heusden’s ice cream parlour – Heusden

Heusden’s ice cream parlour – Heusden

Just repeat: “I want ice-cream!” A visit to 't Heusden's IJshuys in the fully restored 17th century trading town of Heusden should definitely be on your bucket list! The ice cream parlor is known for its traditional, freshly homemade ice cream. The showcase is bursting with quality artisanal ice cream in many delicious flavors. You can also enjoy exclusive chocolates, fresh waffles, worstenbroodje, the local treat of bread wrapped sausages, and homemade cakes with coffee or hot chocolate. Come in, come and taste, come and enjoy the famous Brabant hospitality at it`s best.

The Governors House Museum - Heusden

The Governors House Museum - Heusden

A visit to the historic Gouverneurshuis is the perfect start to your day in Heusden. The governor's house, dating from 1592, is one of the finest buildings in the fortified town of Heusden, and is the place to bring the history of Heusden to life with its permanent collection and interesting temporary exhibitions. In the museum café or the walled garden you can enjoy a cup of coffee, light lunch or a glass of wine.

The Three Linden - Giersbergen

The Three Linden - Giersbergen

The characteristic atmosphere of the hamlet of Giersbergen and the warm welcome provided at the restaurant of the Herberg de Drie Linden deliver what the Dutch like to call a “Burgundian” ambiance. Quality fresh products are the focus of the lunch menu. You can also go for mountain bike rides here (bike rental is available), walking tours and there is a nice playground for the children. Having a picnic is great fun in the nearby inland dune area of the National Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen.

The Visitors Centre - Heusden

The Visitors Centre - Heusden

The visitors' centre where the Tourist office is located, includes an impressive 30 sq. m “scale model” of the Heusden fortress and a film about the history of Heusden fortress (in Dutch and English). There is also a Guild Room and a wedding room in the building, where changing exhibitions take place. The Visitors Centre is the starting point of the guided or self-guided city walks, and is wheelchair-friendly and has a disabled toilet.

Brouwcafé Kareltje - Heusden

Brouwcafé Kareltje - Heusden

In the picturesque fortified town of Heusden traditional beer has been brewed since 2001, with the brand name 'Kareltje'. In addition to 35 types of specialty beer, Brouwcafé Kareltje has three home-brewed Kareltje beers on tap. The brewing café also has a small lunch menu. Enjoy your home brewed beer on the (heated) terrace or in the delightful interior of the café, where you can request music with the jukebox app.

Restaurant & Kookstudio Van Dijk - Heusden

Restaurant & Kookstudio Van Dijk - Heusden

A versatile restaurant, in a beautiful location on the Vismarkt, overlooking the harbour in the fortified town of Heusden. Everything is freshly prepared by the chef and the delicious “classic” fish and meat dishes on the menu go hand in hand with some surprise dishes. Take a seat on the sunny terrace, at the Grillbar or in one of the lovely lounge couches at the Chef`s Table for an enjoyable experience.

BOEI35 - Heusden

BOEI35 - Heusden

BOEI35 is located on the second floor of a distinctive round tower in the fortified town of Heusden. From the terrace and in the restaurant on the Bergsche Maas you have a beautiful view over the fortress, the marina and the river! At Boei35 you can not only go for a drink, but also for a snack, a tasty lunch or dinner. This is a great spot for a night out, whether you are celebrating or just chatting at the bar.

General shopping - Heusden

General shopping - Heusden

In the beautifully restored fortified town of Heusden you will find delightful shops, selling all kinds of merchandise, wonderful trinkets and gifts. The shops are also open in the afternoon on Sundays. During your city stroll through Heusden’s pretty streets, why not visit the liquor store called the Water Carrier (Waterdrager) on Engstraat, where you can sample several of their own home made liquors – one favourite is the mocha flavoured ‘A Taste of Heusden’ - Smaak van Heusden. You can also purchase local Dutch craft beers and famous Dutch Ginevers (the origin of Gin) as well as a great selection of international spirits and Scotch whiskies.

Restaurant In Den Verdwaalde Koogel - Heusden

Restaurant In Den Verdwaalde Koogel - Heusden

The restaurant is located in the middle of the fortified town of Heusden in a charming historic building from 1620. 'In Den Verwaalde Koogel' has been a popular destination for more than 30 years. The a la carte restaurant with seasonal specialties and a choice of top wines provides a great atmosphere for a wonderful afternoon or evening around the table!

Art Galleries - Heusden

Art Galleries - Heusden

In the beautifully restored fortified town of Heusden you will find enchanting shops with artisan goods, artistic shops and workshops, and beautiful galleries.

Restaurant Duinrand - Drunen

Restaurant Duinrand - Drunen

This restaurant, located close to the National Park of De Loonse and Drunense Duinen specialises in the culinary philosophy of “Taste from the Start” which is based around the use and taste of fresh ingredients. The majority of dishes come from a culinary view of popular classics, complementing the culinary life of the countries around the Mediterranean. A not to be missed experience!

Hotel In den Verdwaalde Koogel - Heusden

Hotel In den Verdwaalde Koogel - Heusden

The eleven-roomed hotel is located in a historic building from 1620 in the fortified town of Heusden. The hotel is located on the central square of the Vismarkt, in the centre of this charming Dutch town. Make use of the “Fortress” deal, which consists of a welcome aperitif, an information package about Heusden, a 3-course menu and an overnight stay including breakfast.

Bed and Breakfast Bed&Brood&Zo - Heusden

Bed and Breakfast Bed&Brood&Zo - Heusden

Situated as it is, in the heart of the fortified town of Heusden, means all the historical attractions are within walking distance from Bed&Brood&Zo. This bed and breakfast has two luxurious rooms with comfortable electric beds. The rooms are equipped with a lavish bathroom, with a walk-in “rain shower”, a toilet and washbasin. There are also bathrobes available to borrow for your comfort. Illy coffee, tea, snacks and juice are available in your room.

De Schaapskooi - Drunen

De Schaapskooi - Drunen

If you ever wanted to stay on a Dutch farm De Schaapskooi in Drunen is the place. It is located on the edge of the National Park Loonse and Drunense Duinen and offers various accommodation options ~ there is an area for tents, caravans and campervans but, if you prefer, there are also new log cabins and apartments.

City walks - Heusden

City walks - Heusden

In the booklet 'Dagje Heusden' there are two self-guided city walks including a map of the fortress. The booklet gives you information about the history of the fortress and the historic buildings that you will pass along the way. The two routes can be walked independently. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours. The 'Through The City' (Door de Stad) walk starts at the Visitor Centre, taking you past the historic Catharijnekerk, by national monuments and beautiful old buildings in the town, alongside windmills and over the towns ramparts. The second walk, 'Fortifications' (Vestingwerken) also starts at the Visitor Centre and goes along the bastions and fortifications, past the historic cannons, the windmills and the marinas. Every Sunday afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour with a “City Guide”. The guide will tell you about the town’s history, the fortifications, about the restoration of the city and the striking buildings. The start is always at 14.30 pm at the Visitor Centre at Pelsestraat 17 in Heusden, and takes around 75 minutes.

Boat tour Wiljo - Heusden

Boat tour Wiljo - Heusden

In July and August you can make boat tours on the Maas River, from the fortified town of Heusden. The tour boat, Wiljo, departs from the Molensteiger, the windmill base at the harbor at 13.30 and 15.00. The route runs along the Maas River and passes through the Heusden Canal (a man-made section of the river), past the village of Wijk & Aalburg and into the “dead end“ of the original Maas River and, after an hour of sailing, the boat returns to Heusden. Various drinks can be bought on board, both on the upper deck and in the cozy room below deck.

Loonse and Drunense Dunes - Heusden

Loonse and Drunense Dunes - Heusden

Cyclists are welcome in these inland sand dunes, on the beautiful wide cycle paths or on the mountain bike trail, but the park is especially suitable to explore on foot or with a dog, if kept on a leash. With the help of the marked hiking routes you can explore the area on your own. It is advisable to bring a walking map so that you do not get lost! For mountain bikers, unpaved bike paths and routes have been set out and horse riding is possible on the marked riding trails (and free riding over the sand). Mountain bikers and riders need a permit, available at Natuurmonumenten, the surrounding catering establishments and riding schools.

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