Highlights of your holiday home in Den Bosch? A picturesque canal cruise plus a nature walk with views of St. John’s Cathedral!

Den Bosch is a vibrant and historic city! St. John’s Cathedral suffered major fire damage several times, and in 1629 the city was recaptured from the Spanish. This marked the beginning of the end of the Eighty Years' War. Several castles also take you back in time, such as Loevestein Castle, once used as a prison. The Burgundian atmosphere, the unique canal system, and of course the famous Bossche Bol now make Den Bosch a beloved city trip! Would you like to enjoy city walks that can easily be extended on foot into the surrounding countryside? Discover it yourself and book a holiday home in Den Bosch!

Visit St. John’s Cathedral from your holiday home in Den Bosch

The most iconic landmark of Den Bosch is undoubtedly St. John’s! The construction of this enormous cathedral, the largest in the Netherlands, took more than 120 years and despite several fires, it was always rebuilt. The fact that guided tours are available shows how much there is to learn about this church. Before you see the impressive interior with stained-glass windows, the guide will first take you around the cathedral.

Tip: get to know St. John’s as part of a package, such as a combination of a guided tour with a Bossche Bol workshop.

Cruise the picturesque Binnendieze

You will also discover the rich history of Den Bosch during a boat trip on the Binnendieze. This is a network of narrow canals running through the city center and its surroundings. A skipper will tell you all about the city, once an important trade hub in the Middle Ages, and about the siege in 1629. Sailing on a silent boat is fitting here, because in the middle of this lively city you experience a remarkable silence. As you float between city walls and under countless arches, you truly step back in time!

Take a city walk and eat a Bossche Bol!

Complete your visit to Den Bosch with a walking tour, because there is plenty to discover this way too! The old Uilenburg district is a charming neighborhood with narrow streets and cozy cafés. Discover hidden gems in the alleys or look for a terrace to enjoy a drink or a Bossche Bol! Workshops are organized at Bakery Royaal, where you can try various versions of these cream puffs covered in chocolate, such as a caramel and sea salt variation. All around the city you’ll find places where you can enjoy this treat! At Van Puffelen, for instance, you can order a cream puff while enjoying views of the Binnendieze.

Explore the nature surrounding Den Bosch

Den Bosch is a relatively compact city surrounded by diverse nature reserves, from floodplains to the Loonse and Drunense Dunes. Even closer to the city center is the Bossche Broek, a marshy meadowland easily reached on foot. Walk this route with kids and enjoy the fun of crossing the Dommel River on a little pull ferry! Another highlight of this walk is the lateral view of St. John’s Cathedral. Another option is a hike from the central station to the Moerputten. This trail partly follows boardwalks and crosses a former railway bridge. Drier landscapes are also nearby: for example, you can hike across the Vughtse Heath.

Visit fortress town Woudrichem from your holiday home in Den Bosch

A picturesque fortified town along the Waal and the cut-off Maas rivers is Woudrichem, a lovely destination for a cycling trip from your holiday home in Den Bosch! Before reaching the town, you might stop at Nederhemert Castle, located between Amerzoden and Wijk en Aalburg. Upon arriving in Woudrichem, you’ll find the town surrounded by a defensive moat. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, but walking along the fortress walls is especially fun with picturesque views of the windmill and the church.

Castle Amersoyen and Well Castle

On the north side of the Maas lies a beautiful knight’s castle in the river landscape. It is one of the most classic moated castles in the Netherlands, with a tower on each corner. There is also a spacious terrace where you can fully enjoy the castle. After tea or coffee with a treat, you can set off exploring! A leafy driveway leads to a ruined church and then along an unpaved path close to the Maas. If you visit in the right season, a field of sunflowers will brighten your day! Before heading back towards Amersoyen Castle, you’ll pass another charming fortress: Well Castle, complete with a narrow moat and lush parkland.

Slot Loevestein: a national museum with intriguing history

From the town, take the ferry to the opposite bank of the cut-off Maas River, where you’ll find Slot Loevestein, a medieval fortress open to visitors. You can also enjoy cake or lunch in the old soldiers’ village buildings. Slot Loevestein is now a national museum, inviting you to dive into the history of a 17th-century fortress that was part of the Dutch Waterline. There is plenty to do, from guided tours to children’s activities and rotating exhibitions. One of the most fascinating stories tied to the castle, which once served as a prison, is the famous escape of Hugo Grotius in a book chest!

Rent a holiday home in Den Bosch

Would you like to enrich your city trip to the Brabant capital with walks in the surrounding area and varied cycling tours? Then a holiday home in Den Bosch is definitely worth it! Discover the river landscapes with castles between the Waal and the Maas, or enjoy the Vughtse Heath. Be sure to book a canal cruise in time, because sailing through the center of Den Bosch is a unique and popular activity! Savor the historic atmosphere around St. John’s Cathedral, wander through the alleys of Uilenburg, and indulge in the traditional Bossche Bol!