North Brabant’s most beautiful fortified towns
North Brabant has a line of fortified towns running from east to west. They were built in the Middle Ages to protect the town against plundering armies and wandering gangs of robbers. The one fortified town is more beautiful than the next. See the imposing ramparts, canals, a city gate, narrow streets and historic buildings with the most beautiful facades. It is easy to combine a visit with a walk or cycle tour in the countryside. Or make it part of your weekend away; there is always a fortified town closer by than you think.
Bergen op Zoom
Bergen op Zoom lies where North Brabant borders on Zeeland. It is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Narrow streets, old squares and unique monuments tell the story of a rich and turbulent past. Sit down for a lunch or dinner and take in the lovely atmosphere, visit a museum or even just have a relaxing stroll past all the shops.
Heusden
With its picturesque streets, ancient buildings, numerous art studios and galleries, unique shops, top restaurants and harbours, Heusden is an exceptionally vibrant fortified town. From the top of the ramparts, you have a beautiful view of the Brabant and Gelderland countryside, the Bergse Maas and the lovely, restored city.
Ravenstein
The history of Ravenstein, located along the Maas, dates from 1630. And that long history can still be seen in the city gates and city canal, among others. During a city walk, you can discover all the historic sites, such as the North Brabant’s tallest windmill, a lovely city garden with a museum and the oldest fort made of stone and earth in the Netherlands.
Breda
Although Breda is a really vibrant city with new hotspots such as the Havenkwartier, the history of this city goes back over 750 years. The Grote Kerk, Breda Castle and the ‘Spanjaardsgat’ (Spanish Gate) remind us of this past. Discover the monuments during a boat tour on the canals or learn more about the history of the city through the Blind Walls Gallery. You will find these murals that are inspired by the past, the present and the future of Breda throughout the city.
’s-Hertogenbosch
During the Eighty Years’ War, ’s-Hertogenbosch had the unrefuted nickname of ‘Moerasdraak’ (Swamp Dragon), due to the swamps around the city. Now, it is a lovely place for walking and cycling in the nature reserves, such as Moerputten and the Bossche Broek. But there is also plenty in the city itself that remind us of the history, like the impressive St John’s Cathedral, the Binnendieze and the restored fortifications. But of course, you can also go to numerous museums, enjoy delicious food or a day of shopping in the Culture City of the South.
Megen
The fortified city of Megen is a real gem along the Maas. It is one of the smallest fortified cities but certainly no less characteristic. With two convents still in use, in Megen you will find many listed buildings with ambient squares and lovely gardens. Take a historic city walk (with or without a guide), visit the Gevangentoren (prison tower) and wander through the surrounding countryside.
Other fortified towns in North Brabant are Willemstad, Grave, Woudrichem, Klundert, Geertruidenberg and Steenbergen. Discover for yourself, the seven most beautiful fortified towns in North Brabant
Zuiderwaterlinie walking path
The Zuiderwaterlinie forms a unique chain of no fewer than 11 fortified towns in Brabant and their surrounding areas and is the oldest, longest and most used water defence line in the Netherlands. The water defence line was used to intentionally flood areas to stop the enemy. The Zuiderwaterlinie walking path is a route covering no less than 290 kilometres, set out on the Brabant walking junction system. If that’s too long for you, you can pick one or more partial routes.
