One distinctive trace of Dongen’s history leads to leather production: since 2011, the De Looierij Museum has been housed in a Rijksmonument, a listed national monument built as a tannery in 1890. The Looiroute in the museum provides insight into leather production, or tanning. Here, a historic building and an explanation of the craft come together.

Traces from different centuries

The Oude Kerk dates back to the mid-14th century and is the only church ruin in Noord-Brabant. The open ruins of the former nave have also been used as a venue for celebrations and events. The Koningin Wilhelmina Windmill has a different historic character: it is a round, stone windmill with a gallery, built as a grain mill in 1893. The Watertoren Dongen dates from 1923. Together, these sites show different facets of local history, spanning more than one era or function.

The windmill can be visited when its sails are turning, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by arrangement. As access arrangements may change, it is best to check before your visit. For culture beyond historic buildings, Cultuurhuis De Cammeleur offers theatre, music, classes and exhibitions. The programme changes, so check in advance for current events.

Get involved, swim and try something new

At the IJzertijdboerderij, visitors can get a hands-on impression of customs and activities from the Iron Age. These include making a fire without matches; you can also make your own clay pots and bowls. These interactive activities are seasonal and may change. Visitors especially interested in trying traditional crafts will find a different way to engage with the past here than at a museum: the focus is on activities, rather than solely on historic buildings and exhibits.

The Pukkemuk leisure park in Dongen offers activities for visitors of all ages. Facilities include a water play area and indoor and outdoor playgrounds. As attractions may change, check what is currently available before your visit. For swimming and relaxation, Sport- en Gezondheidscentrum De Vennen has an indoor leisure pool, an outdoor pool and a sauna. The leisure pool has a 50-metre water slide; it also includes an outdoor pool accessible from indoors, with a current channel. Check the current opening and access arrangements before travelling.

A beer tasting is another possible discovery in the area: Brouwerij Opener offers them in Dongen. Booking and visiting arrangements may change. Golf enthusiasts will find a scenic 9-hole course in the surrounding Brabant countryside at Golfcentrum Dongen; details about the facility may change.

Explore on foot and by bike

The Broederpad passes 22 places where the brothers have lived and worked since 1892. Choose between a short 4 km walk and a 7 km route. Signposting may change. The Toeristische Informatiepunt Dongen provides route maps and offers a range of guided walks; this offering may also change.

Another way to explore the area is the Tussen Donk en Vaart cycling route. It starts at the De Looierij Museum and is suitable for a regular bicycle, including on some partially unpaved roads. Trail conditions may vary. In Dongen, you can combine different interests: tanning history and church ruins alongside hands-on experiences, cultural events, swimming, and routes for walking or cycling.

Discover more destinations

Dongen, 'S-Gravenmoer, Boxmeer, Woudrichem, Bernheze, Asten, Etten-Leur, Veldhoven

For the main travel overview: Noord-Brabant.