From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 men were interned as German hostages at the Beekvliet minor seminary. This local history gives Sint-Michielsgestel a historical focus that can be explored at several sites.

Discover history at various sites

The Gijzelaarskamp Beekvliet presents the hostages’ lives in ten rooms featuring models and digital displays. If you would like to learn about this chapter, check the current access arrangements before your visit.

At the Museum Romeins Halder, you can encounter a different period in history. The collection comes largely from excavations in Halder and includes finds from the first centuries AD. Reconstructions include a well and a pottery kiln. This means that different ways of exploring the past sit side by side in Sint-Michielsgestel: the story of the hostages and archaeological finds from the region.

Kasteel Nieuw Herlaer is also part of the municipality’s historical heritage. The castle has been protected as a Rijksmonument, or Dutch national monument, since 1973. It is privately occupied and cannot be visited. As this status may change, check again before your trip.

Landgoed Haanwijk dates back to 1649. Several walking trails cross the estate, which is also home to an organic nursery. Here, history and trails can be considered as different aspects of one place. If you are planning a walk, check that the trails are currently available.

The Dommel, landscape and routes

The municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel lies in the Nationaal Landschap Het Groene Woud in the province of Noord-Brabant. The River Dommel is also part of the municipality’s visitor landscape. Various cycling and walking routes cross the municipality and lead to neighboring municipalities. When planning your route, you can therefore consider both trails through green spaces and routes beyond the municipal boundaries.

A cycling route runs through Sint-Michielsgestel and connects the town with other places, such as Vught and Heusden. Another, 49-kilometer cycling route leads to important sites from the 1629 siege. This route focuses on a different period from the history of Beekvliet. Routes may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

Gardens, water and activities

Bomentuin D'n Hooidonk is open to the public at all times. Visitors can stroll among the trees and relax. Check access again before your visit. For a different kind of activity, Zwembad De Zegenwerp has a 25-meter competition pool with four lanes. It also has a separate diving area with one- and three-meter boards. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the latest information before your visit.

Crafts and local produce

Dungense Molenbakker bakes bread daily using only natural ingredients and liquid sourdough. The bakery is associated with the authentic De Pelikaan windmill, which dates back to 1864. At De Scheve Schup, you can find another connection to local produce: this socially minded, organically certified nursery offers fresh seasonal products. De Scheve Schup also regularly holds creative or educational workshops for children and adults; dates may change.

Wine tastings are another local experience on offer at Wijngoed Wolf. Check the current booking or access arrangements if you would like to plan a tasting.

At Atelier Achteraf, design and garden come together. From May to September, visitors can enjoy tea or coffee and something sweet on a terrace, as well as stroll through a garden of more than 2,000 square meters. The atelier displays ceramic artworks in a range of sizes and styles. Opening arrangements may change, so check the latest information for your planned visit.

Discover more destinations: Sint Michielsgestel, Den Dungen, Berlicum, Gemonde.

To the regional travel overview: Noord-Brabant.