Are you ready to embark on a historical journey through the charming town of Heusden in the Netherlands? This fortified town, located on the Bergsche Maas and founded in the 13th century, offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions to explore. Get ready to immerse yourself in Heusden’s rich history and vibrant culture as we take you on a tour of the 12 best things to do in this picturesque town.
Unveiling Heusden’s Rich Heritage
Heusden has a fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century, with a significant transformation taking place in the 1500s. Positioned strategically on the river dividing Brabant and Gelderland, Heusden became a fortress on the Zuiderwaterlinie, a line of defenses designed to protect the Netherlands from Spanish and French attacks. Although Heusden lost some of its heritage due to various events throughout history, including the rerouting of the Maas river, the town has successfully restored its historical character in the decades following World War II. In fact, Heusden’s town-wide restoration project, based on a 1649 map by cartographer Johannes Blaeu, earned the town a prestigious Europa Nostra cultural heritage award.
Explore Heusden’s Fortifications
- As you approach the town, take in the majestic sight of Heusden’s fortifications, including ramparts, ravelins, and bastions dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Follow a self-guided walking tour of the fortifications to learn about the historical significance and purpose of these defensive structures.
- Climb the embankments for panoramic views of North Brabant, the River Maas, and Gelderland.
Discover the Town’s Hidden Gems
- Sign up for a town tour at the tourist office/visitor center in the old town hall for a guided exploration of Heusden’s historic center.
- Experience the upmarket ambiance of Heusden as you stroll through streets lined with Dutch heritage sites, cafes, galleries, and artists’ studios.
- Visit the fish market, the Neoclassical shelters, and the old harbor to immerse yourself in Heusden’s unique charm.
Dive into Heusden’s History at Het Gouverneurshuis
- Step back in time at Het Gouverneurshuis, a historic house built in 1592 for the governor of the garrison.
- Explore the town museum’s interactive exhibition, showcasing the construction of Heusden through paintings, books, archaeological finds, and old maps.
- Relax in the walled garden of Het Gouverneurshuis and enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace.
Explore Nature at National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen
- Venture into the Brabant Sahara, a national park located just ten kilometers north of Heusden, known for its dramatic sand drifts and unique microclimate.
- Walk or cycle along paved and unpaved paths through the park and discover hidden villages buried beneath the sand.
- Experience a horseback ride through the dunes with Maaike’s Adventure Stables for a unique perspective of the landscape.
Visit Bezoekerscentrum Heusden for Essential Information
- Explore the tourist office and visitor center housed in Heusden’s former town hall for valuable resources and insights into the town’s history.
- Learn about the tragic events of 1944 when the town hall was destroyed by retreating German troops, resulting in the loss of many lives.
- Watch an informative film in Dutch and English, explore changing exhibitions, and view a scale model of the fortified town.
Discover the Ruins of Kasteel Heusden
- Visit the remnants of Kasteel Heusden, a castle founded in the 12th century and destroyed in a tragic event in 1680.
- Admire the castle’s foundations and explore the children’s playground adjacent to the ruins.
- Immerse yourself in the town’s history and architecture at this iconic site.
Embark on a River Cruise with Rondvaart Wiljo
- Experience the romantic scenery of the Bergsche Maas with a river cruise operated by Rondvaart Wiljo.
- Choose from a variety of tour options, including trips to Den Bosch, Woudrichem, and the Dode Maasarm nature reserve.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river and discover the picturesque villages and windmills along the way.
Explore Kasteel Ammersoyen Across the River
- Cross the Maas river to explore Kasteel Ammersoyen, a castle built in the 14th century and restored to its former glory.
- Discover the castle’s historic interiors and admire the collection of earthenware, glass, and metalwork from the moat.
- Marvel at the pristine bronze beaker dating back to the 1400s, a highlight of the castle’s impressive exhibits.
Engage with Nature at Heemtuin De Meulenwerf
- Visit Heemtuin De Meulenwerf, a 3.5-hectare garden maintained by volunteers near the old harbor.
- Explore indigenous plant species, crops, and medicinal plants, and learn about their uses and historical significance.
- Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of the garden, designed to evoke touch, sound, and smell for all visitors.
Visit the Charming Emmamolen Windmill
- Cycle to the Emmamolen, a picturesque tower mill dating back to 1886, located near a nature reserve southeast of Heusden.
- Explore the working windmill, enjoy guided tours, and sample baked goods made with the mill’s own flour.
- Visit the café on the ground floor, purchase freshly milled flour, and learn about the history of this iconic landmark.
Experience the Magic of Efteling Theme Park
- Discover the enchanting world of Efteling, the largest and oldest theme park in the Low Countries, renowned for its fairytales, myths, and folklore.
- Explore themed zones like the Fairy Realm and Adventure Realm, featuring iconic rides such as Droomvlucht, Python, and Baron 1898.
- Immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and adventure at Efteling, a must-visit destination for visitors of all ages.
Cycle Through Heusden’s Picturesque Landscape
- Take advantage of the Netherlands’ extensive cycling paths and explore the countryside around Heusden using Knooppunten.
- Plan your cycling route using online resources and explore the Ringdijk trail, a scenic 35.5-kilometer route dotted with historic sites and natural landmarks.
- Discover the beauty of the Bergsche Maas region and explore the fortified towns of the Zuiderwaterlinie on a cycling adventure through Heusden’s picturesque landscape.
As you plan your visit to Heusden, be sure to immerse yourself in the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque surroundings. From exploring historic fortifications to embarking on scenic river cruises, Heusden offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, Heusden has something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Get ready to make unforgettable memories in this charming Dutch town and experience the best that Heusden has to offer.
Plan your trip to Heusden today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this historic and picturesque town in the Netherlands! Explore the past, experience the present, and create memories that will last a lifetime in Heusden.