The Zuid-Willemsvaart runs through Helmond, dividing the city centre into eastern and western parts. In the heart of the centre stands Kasteel Helmond: a medieval castle built in 1325 and considered the largest water castle in the Netherlands. Together with industrial heritage sites, museums, cycling routes and natural areas, the city offers different ways to explore its history—from architecture to landscape and everyday life.
Castle, garden and events
Kasteel Helmond is open to the public. Right next to the castle is the Kasteeltuin, a varied sculpture garden that is open daily with free admission. Access arrangements may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Events also offer a reason to experience the city from a different perspective. Every Friday in July and August, the castle garden becomes a dance floor; bands perform weekly on two stages on either side of the castle. The Open Monumentendagen (Open Monument Days) take place every year: monuments, museums and organisations open their doors free of charge and offer tours and activities for different age groups. The local programme varies from year to year. Check the latest dates when planning a visit.
Technology, industry and everyday history
At the HomeComputerMuseum, an interactive journey through the history of home computers goes back to the 1970s. Visitors can try out almost all of the working computers themselves. The collection includes more than 900 unique computer models and over 15,000 objects; these figures may change as the collection develops. The museum combines the history of technology with the chance to get hands-on.
The Industrieel Atrium focuses on Helmond’s industrial heritage and the legacy of its basic industries: textiles, metal, energy and printing. The EDAH Museum in Loods20 presents another side of everyday life, exploring the development of food distribution and production from earlier times to the modern supermarket. Loods20, in the distinctive station district, is also home to the Draaiorgelmuseum and a special accordion collection. The Kunsthal at Museum Helmond presents exhibitions of contemporary photography and art. The Jan Visser Museum focuses on agricultural history before mechanisation and displays objects from traditional crafts.
Green spaces and trails
Nature and trails are also part of Helmond’s many facets. The Stiphoutse Bossen is a 525-hectare natural area on the boundary of the municipalities of Helmond, Laarbeek and Nuenen, Gerwen en Nederwetten. De Bundertjes lies north of the centre and east of the old Zuid-Willemsvaart. This green area of about 100 hectares includes swamp woodland, willow scrub, meadows, reed beds, old stream channels, an ice rink and allotment gardens. A walking trail leads along paths and bridges through flower-rich grasslands, wetlands, open water and alder woods. Trail conditions may change seasonally.
Themed cycling routes
Helmond offers cyclists routes of varying lengths and with different focuses. The signposted Rondje Helmond is about 50 kilometres long and takes you around Helmond. The Historisch Fietsrondje Helmond passes notable historic sites and shares information about the city and its historical highlights. A mountain bike route of about 10 kilometres runs through the Bakelsbos. These routes offer different themes: a longer circuit around the city, historic sites and a ride through the forest.
The 46-kilometre Brabantse Kastelenroute connects medieval castles in Helmond, Geldrop and Heeze. Another cycling route, 25 kilometres long, passes memorial monuments and sites commemorating the Second World War. The routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in theme and course. Check the latest route information and signage before setting out.
Market, regional food and getting around
The Weekmarkt Helmond Centrum takes place every Saturday and offers fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products, at nearly a hundred stalls. Market days, stall numbers and the range of goods may change; check the latest information when planning your visit. At the Brandevoortse Hoeve, home-grown fruit and vegetables are turned into fresh lunch dishes or high tea, served on the farm terrace. The menu and availability may vary.
Helmond is served by four railway stations: Helmond, Helmond Brouwhuis, Helmond ’t Hout and Helmond Brandevoort. From the stations, you can continue by bus, OV-fiets or on foot. As services may change, it is a good idea to check the latest timetable information. VVV Helmond offers visitor advice, city walks, maps, gift vouchers, and walking and cycling routes; check the latest opening hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Helmond, Bergen Op Zoom, Laarbeek, Bergeijk, Bernheze, Rucphen, Woensdrecht, Dongen.
For the overview of the wider region: North Brabant.
