Three fully operational grain mills in Heusden Vesting can grind grain into flour. During a mill visit, the miller explains the mill’s former and present-day function, as well as the historical importance of mills to Heusden. This combines a practical demonstration of how the mill works with an insight into the city’s history.
Craftsmanship and Fortress History
Heusden is a restored fortified town on the Meuse. Its history began around 1200 with an urban settlement on the river. The restoration of the fortified town was honoured with the Europa Nostra Award. The city’s history is also reflected at the Bromsluis: it dates from the early 17th century and is a sortie tunnel within the fortifications. Today, it serves as a drainage sluice for the Demergracht and connects the fortified town with the green landscapes beyond the ramparts. This structure reveals the difference between its historical function and its present-day purpose.
Het Gouverneurshuis is a museum housed in a listed building dating from 1592. Its core collection reflects the history of the Land van Heusden en Altena. Visitors can view the collection, have coffee on the terrace, eat lunch in the museum café and see the garden. As visitor options may change, check what is currently available before your visit.
History on Foot and by Bike
A 3.5-kilometre walking route through the fortified town of Heusden focuses on the theme of water. The 38-kilometre Schotse-Highlanders cycling route offers a different historical perspective. It follows the route taken by the Scottish soldiers of the 51st Highland Division, who liberated Heusden during the Second World War. Ten “Vectors of Memory” mark specific places where the liberation took place. The route starts and ends in Nationaal Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen. Check the latest route details before setting off.
The two routes differ in mode of transport, length and theme: the walking route passes through the fortified town and focuses on water, while the cycling route explores the history of the liberation. This lets you choose according to the topics that interest you most, while keeping the different types of route in mind.
Sandy Landscapes and Waterways
Forests, heathland and, above all, expanses of sand shape the landscape of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. The area is one of the largest active dune regions in Western Europe. Visitors are free to explore the sandy area on foot, by bike or on horseback. Check local access rules when planning your visit.
You can also explore the area by water. From a landing stage just outside Heusden’s municipal harbour, approximately one-hour round trips on the Meuse and Dode Maas are offered from Easter until the end of September. Check the specific dates in advance. Heusden’s harbours offer recreational boaters renovated jetties, electricity, water, showers and free Wi-Fi for both long-stay and visiting boaters. As facilities may change, it is worth checking the latest information before planning your visit.
Another way to explore on foot or by bike follows the former Langstraatspoorlijn, which is now a popular walking and cycling path. Along the route, you will find railway cottages, railway bridges, artworks, rest areas and information boards. The combination of traces of the former railway line and its use as a path today gives this route a different character from the themed routes through the fortified town.
Information for Your Discoveries
The Tourist Information Centre in the fortified town is located in Heusden’s former town hall, which is now used as a visitor centre. There, you can get town maps, cycling and walking routes, information about the region, details of guided tours and personalised advice. Check visitor arrangements in advance for current offers.
You can also plan a visit to De Moerputten from a specific starting point: the nature area is accessible from Venkantbrug on Heidijk in Vlijmen. Together with the range of routes, the museum visit and the historic structures, Heusden offers different starting points for combining culture, activity and landscape according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Vlijmen, Heusden, Drunen, Boxmeer, Landerd, Halderberge, Reusel-De Mierden, Eersel.
For the general travel overview: North Brabant.
