More than 600 monuments stand in the compact city centre of Bergen op Zoom. This makes the historic centre a distinctive hub for culture and history. You can reach the centre by bicycle, train or car. The railway station borders the city centre and is within walking distance. Bergen op Zoom lies on the Brabantse Wal, which is on the border between Brabant and Zeeland.
City history and a fortified landscape
The Markiezenhof is a former city palace that served as a residence for the Lords and later the Margraves of Bergen op Zoom. From 1485 to 1727, it was an aristocratic residential palace. Today, the building houses a museum, a regional archive and a library; exhibitions and programmes may change. Historical residential use and present-day cultural activities thus come together in one place.
The tower of the Sint-Gertrudiskerk has stood since the mid-14th century. A narrow staircase leads to the 35-metre-high platform; above it is a carillon with 48 bells. Access is seasonal and may vary. It is therefore worth checking access arrangements in advance when planning your visit.
Fort de Roovere is part of the West Brabantse Waterlinie. Designated walking trails run along the earthworks and moats; there is also a 2.5-kilometre route and guided walks along the waterline. The Mozesbrug takes visitors through the moat without getting their feet wet. A climb up 129 steps leads to a viewpoint 25 metres above the ground. A visit therefore offers a chance to take in the military-historical landscape and explore the paths on foot.
Paths, water and nature
Natuurpoort Lievensberg is a starting point for walks, as well as cycling and mountain biking tours across the Brabantse Wal. Landgoed Lievensberg combines a historic country house and landscaped gardens with drifting sands, heathland gardens and pine forests. Visitors can walk, cycle, climb and pick fruit themselves on the grounds; the Natuurpodium also organises outdoor activities. These offerings may vary depending on the season and programme. The 2.5-kilometre Barefoot Path runs through the estate; its access conditions may change.
Bergse Heide presents a different type of landscape: the prevailing south-westerly wind shapes the dunes, which are held in place by mixed woodland. Dry, elevated sandy knolls and wetter open areas provide different habitats for diverse plant and animal life. The contrasts between terrain and vegetation are therefore a key feature here.
A walking and cycling route of about 7 kilometres runs around the Binnenschelde. The body of water offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing and windsurfing; there is also a beach area, various facilities and small jetties. Facilities may change, so it is a good idea to check the current situation before your visit.
The Kijk in de Pot park area offers views over the Binnenschelde, artworks, historic landforms linked to military history and various vegetation types that support biodiversity. At the edge of the Markiezaatsmeer, two routes start near a visitor centre: a yellow route around the Kraaijenberg and a white route to a bird hide. The Markiezaatsmeer is a large wetland and has been designated a Natura 2000 site because of the bird species that breed there or stop over during migration.
Events and when to visit
Taste the May is a four-day culinary festival in May. JazzBoZ is an international jazz festival that lasts four days and takes place in late May. Exact dates for both events may vary. The Krabbenfoor is a special fair held annually on the last weekend of July; here, too, dates may vary. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.
Other major events in Bergen op Zoom include the Maria Ommegang, the Open Monumentendagen and Vastenavend, the local name for the city’s carnival. Together, these examples showcase different aspects of the events calendar, from culinary festivals and jazz to local traditions. You can choose the focus of your stay according to your interests: city history and monuments, trails through the fortified landscape, or activities on the water and in nature.
Discover more destinations: Bergen Op Zoom, Etten-Leur, Best, Waalre, Roosendaal, Bladel, Sint-Oedenrode, Cuijk.
For the main travel overview: North Brabant.
