The Dieze flowed through ’S-Hertogenbosch as early as the Middle Ages; in the city centre, the river is known as the Binnendieze. It runs behind houses and, in places, beneath houses and streets. Sightseeing boat tours are offered along this historic waterway. Timetables may vary, so it is worth checking departure times before your visit. The waterway and the city’s history are closely linked here: the Binnendieze shows how the river fits into the built-up city.
Between waterways, fortress history and wetlands
At the Bastionder, guided tours explain the military history of ’S-Hertogenbosch and its fortifications. A video presentation focuses on the siege of the city in 1629 by Frederik Hendrik; the Stuerghewalt cannon barrel is also explained. From the Bastionder, you can look out over the Bossche Broek nature reserve. Fort Willem Maria Citadel is also part of the city’s fortress history: it was built in 1637 to protect the city.
In Bossche Broek, the focus is on the wetland landscape rather than buildings. The best way to experience the area is on a walk. It provides a habitat for wetland species such as the large copper butterfly and weatherfish; sightings may vary depending on the season. The 56-kilometre Linie 1629 cycling route offers a different perspective on the city’s fortress history. It follows the remains of the fortifications and passes important sites from the siege. The route runs through ’S-Hertogenbosch, Heusden, Sint-Michielsgestel and Vught; you can choose a variant that passes through Bossche Broek.
The Erfgoed ’s-Hertogenbosch route app also combines activity with history: it offers historical routes and treasure hunts, including ones for children. Audio tours start automatically via GPS; routes can be downloaded for offline use. This gives you different ways to explore, from a walk in the wetlands and a themed cycling tour to a route with audio commentary.
Churches, art and city history
The Sint-Jan offers guided tours of the cathedral and tower. As you climb the Sint-Jans Tower, you pass the carillon and clock mechanism and visit an exhibition about the tower’s construction and restoration. At the top, there are views over the city. The Sint-Jan can be reached on foot or by bicycle; there is a free, supervised bicycle parking facility nearby in Kerkstraat. As tour times and access arrangements may change, check them before your visit.
The city’s museums each have a different focus: the Noordbrabants Museum explores the art, history and culture of Noord-Brabant, while Design Museum Den Bosch is a modern art museum. The Jheronimus Bosch Art Center features an exhibition about the painter Jheronimus Bosch and his work. Museum Kruithuis presents stories from the Eighty Years’ War, the siege of ’s-Hertogenbosch and the waterline. The permanent exhibition at Erfgoed ’s-Hertogenbosch traces the city’s history from the Neanderthal era to the present day.
Those interested in painting can discover more than 130 years of work by the Slager family at Museum Slager, dating from 1861 to 1994. The museum is housed in a listed former office building and displays oil paintings, watercolours, drawings and etchings from different stylistic periods in changing themed exhibitions. At Museum Het Zwanenbroedershuis, the history of the Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap continues into the present day. Exhibits include unique musical manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries, wood carvings and William of Orange’s drinking cup.
Sint-Jansmuseum De Bouwloods displays more than 200 sculptures dating from the 13th century to the mid-20th century. These include sculptures and architectural elements removed and replaced during restorations of the Sint-Jan; an ongoing exhibition covers all the restorations. The Nationaal Carnavalsmuseum Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum offers another perspective on local culture, with a permanent exhibition on the history and distinctive features of carnival. On display are masks, clothing, promotional material, weapons, coats of arms and other objects. The museum also offers guided tours and is located on the site of the former gatehouse of the medieval Zusters-van-Orthen Monastery, beside the Binnendieze.
Bossche Bol and walking routes
A Bossche Bol is a pastry speciality made from choux pastry filled with whipped cream and coated in melted chocolate fondant. It is 12 centimetres in diameter. The 5.8-kilometre Van Bosch naar Bossche bol route is a food-themed walk that includes a stop to taste original Bossche Bollen at Jan de Groot bakery, opposite the main railway station in the city centre. Check availability in advance. This also clearly distinguishes the food route from the 56-kilometre Linie 1629 cycling route: one is a culinary walk, the other focuses on the history of the siege and the fortifications.
Getting around
’s-Hertogenbosch railway station provides local, regional and national connections, including trains, city buses and regional buses. The free Erfgoed ’s-Hertogenbosch heritage centre is a 20-minute walk from the station. Check opening hours and visitor arrangements before your visit. ArcheoHotspot ’s-Hertogenbosch also offers a direct insight into archaeological work: you can take part free of charge and without registering, and learn about the archaeological laboratory. As participation conditions may change, check in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rosmalen, ’S-Hertogenbosch, Roosendaal, Oosterhout, Alphen-Chaam, Woudrichem, Werkendam, Goirle.
Return to the main travel overview: North Brabant.
