Introduction:

Baarle-Nassau is a unique and charming town located in the Netherlands. Known for its intricate border arrangements with Belgium, Baarle-Nassau is made up of a complex network of enclaves and exclaves that make it a one-of-a-kind destination. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history and culture, including the beautiful medieval townhall and the charming town square. Baarle-Nassau is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes that offer a wide range of local and international products and cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just looking for a unique and picturesque place to visit, Baarle-Nassau has something to offer. So come and discover the unique charm of Baarle-Nassau, a town where the Netherlands and Belgium meet in a one-of-a-kind way.

Baarle-Nassau enclaves:

The enclave system of the town of Baarle covers the Dutch part Baarle Nassau and the Belgian part Baarle Hertog. It is a collection of enclaves and exclaves that are interspersed throughout the town. An enclave is a territory that is entirely surrounded by another territory, while an exclave is a territory that is separated from the main territory by another territory.

In the case of Baarle Nassau, the town is made up of a number of Belgian and Dutch enclaves and exclaves. The Belgian enclaves are situated within the Dutch territory, while the Dutch enclaves are situated within the Belgian territory. This means that there are areas within the town where Belgian laws apply, and other areas where Dutch laws apply.

The enclave system in Baarle Nassau is a result of a complex history involving disputes over territory and borders between the Netherlands and Belgium. The town was originally a single entity, but over time it was divided and reorganized as a result of various treaties and agreements.

This enclave system creates some unique challenges for residents and businesses in Baarle Nassau. For example, it can be difficult to navigate the different laws and regulations that apply in different areas of the town. Additionally, there are sometimes confusion when it comes to things like postal addresses and emergency services.

Despite these challenges, the enclave system of Baarle Nassau is also a source of local pride and a unique feature of the town that attracts tourists. Visitors can find a number of border markers throughout the town that indicate the different enclaves and exclaves.

Places to visit in Baarle-Nassau:

There are a number of places to visit in Baarle Nassau that showcase the town’s unique enclave system and its history. Some of the most notable places to visit include:

1. The Border Markers: Throughout the town, you can find border markers that indicate the different enclaves and exclaves. These markers are a great way to explore the town and understand the enclave system.
2. The “Dodendraad” was a 332 kilometer long wire barrier that was built during the First World War by the German occupiers of Belgium along the border between occupied Belgium and the neutral Netherlands. Remains of the “Dodendraad”. In Zondereigen, near the Belgian-Dutch border, the peace monument “De Dodendraad” was erected in 2008. It is a faithful reconstruction on the original site of a piece of 2,000 volt electrical wire barrier from the First World War, which the Germans placed to separate occupied Belgium from the neutral Netherlands.
3. The Town Hall: The Town Hall is located in the main square of the Dutch part of Baarle Nassau and is an interesting place to visit to learn about the history of the town.
4. The former railway connection between Turnhout and Tilburg, popularly called ‘Bels Lijntje’, runs right through Baarle. Today, this connection is a busy cycle path. Along the cycle path you will find some old signalman’s houses. The former station of Baarle has also been preserved.

These are just a few of the many places to visit in Baarle Nassau, a unique and interesting town that offers something for everyone.

Introduction:

Breda is a charming city located in the southern Netherlands, known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Breda has something to offer for everyone. We will explore some of the hidden gems of the city, from its charming streets and squares to its delicious culinary delights.

History and Architecture:

While visiting the city centre, you will note that Breda has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. This history is reflected in the city’s architecture. One of the most iconic landmarks in Breda is the Grote Kerk, or Great Church, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 14th century. The church is known for its striking spire and beautiful stained-glass windows. Another must-see architectural wonder is the Chassé Theater, an impressive 19th-century building that once served as a barracks and now serves as a theater and concert venue.

Food and Drink:

Breda is home to a diverse array of culinary delights, from traditional Dutch dishes to international cuisine. For an international experience, head to one of the city’s many ethnic restaurants, such as the Indian restaurant “Tandoori Palace” or the Italian restaurant “Trattoria Toscana.” And don’t forget to wash it all down with a cold local beer from one of the many bars and breweries in the city.

Parks and Gardens:

If you like to stroll around in beautiful parks and gardens, Breda has some perfect places for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. One of the most popular parks is the Valkenberg Park, a large public park with a lake, playgrounds, and a petting zoo. And for those looking for a more peaceful experience, the Begijnhofpark is a tranquil enclosed garden that used to be a home to a small community of nuns.

Shopping and Entertainment:

Breda is also a great destination for shoppers, with a wide variety of shops and markets to explore. The city center is home to many high-street brands and independent boutiques, while the Grote Markt is the perfect place to find local crafts and souvenirs. For entertainment, Breda offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city also hosts a number of annual events, such as the Breda Jazz Festival and the Breda Photo Festival.

Conclusion

Its rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and plenty of parks and gardens make Breda a city worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Breda has something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags and head to Breda for an unforgettable trip.

The city of Den Bosch’s official name is ‘s-Hertogenbosch. It is the capital of North Brabant, a province in the south of The Netherlands, bordering Belgium.

The story about Den Bosch begins at the end of the twelfth century with Duke Hendrik of Brabant at its head who granted the city rights in 1185.

When you visit Den Bosch, you will note that throughout its history it has been a place of art and culture. Read more about the history of Den Bosch and prepare yourself for an encounter with many cultural and art attractions.

St. John Cathedral; the pride of Den Bosch (Sint-Janskathedraal)

This is a beautiful Cathedral built in Brabant Gothic style on the edge of the center of Den Bosch. It has double flying buttresses and nearly 100 “flying buttresses” that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. The sixteenth-century choir stalls and flying buttresses as well as the stained-glass windows are a sight to behold.

A nice modern detail that was added after the last restoration is an image of an angel with pants and a mobile phone in her hands.

St John’s stands at the corner of Parade and Torenstraat, where the main entrance is located,

Even now that we spend more time indoors again, it is still possible to admire the beautiful St. John’s Tower. Through the website of Erfgoed ‘s-Hertogenbosch you can do virtual tour of St. John’s Cathedral, to discover the exterior and interior of the tower. With a drone, the outside and the surroundings of the Saint-John have been visualised in a unique way.

De Uilenburg

The Uilenburg is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in the historical centre of Den Bosch. The district was hopelessly rundown in the 1960s and 1970s. Nowadays, it is the place where the best restaurants and cafés of Den Bosch can be found. The Binnendieze river runs through the district. Most of the streets in the area have been made car-free, so that in the summer you can sit quietly on a terrace at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the area. Besides the many catering establishments in Uilenburg, you will find some of the nicest shops in Den Bosch.

Canal cruise on the river Binnendieze

If you would like to see Den Bosch from a different angle, you can take a boat trip on the Binnendieze. There are two different boarding places: one in the historic Uilenburg district and one near the Parade on the corner of the Zuidwal and the Oude Dieze. During the cruise, the skipper will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Den Bosch and its many sights. The restoration of the Binnendieze took about twenty-five years. The original length of the Binnendieze was approximately twelve kilometres, of which only four kilometres is still intact today. Some bridges and tunnels are quite low, which means that you have to bend over backwards now and then to avoid bumping your head. You can embark on a tour of the Binnendieze on the Molenstraat or on the Zuidwal.

Town Hall (Stadhuis)

The town hall of Den Bosch is located on the main market and was built in the Dutch Classicism style. It is the showpiece of the large market of the city. The town hall of Den Bosch has stood on this spot since the fourteenth century. Throughout the centuries, the building has been extensively renovated several times and largely rebuilt after a major fire. During this rebuilding in the seventeenth century, the town hall got its current appearance. High above the town hall in the belfry is a clock dating from the fourteenth century. The town hall bells are rung every half hour. The clock is dating from the 14th century.

The North Brabant Museum (Het Noordbrabants Museum)

The North Brabant Museum is a contemporary museum devoted entirely to North Brabant, focusing on art, culture and the long and interesting history of the region. In the museum, you will find works of art by Pieter Breughel and Vincent van Gogh, among others. There is also a section dedicated to medieval painters who were inspired by Hieronymus Bosch.

It is located in the middle of the cosy centre of Den Bosch.

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Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre

In 2007, the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre opened at about the place where the most famous son of den Bosch was born. The centre is intended as a tribute to Jheronimus Bosch, who spent most of his life in Den Bosch. In the centre, you can find work by artists who were inspired by Bosch, among other things. However, it is more than just a museum; there is also a library, an auditorium and concerts and performances are regularly held in the centre. A visit to the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre should not be missed during a visit to Den Bosch.

Conclusion

Den Bosch has it all; culture, history and gastronomy. It is an excellent place for a weekend or short visit of a few days to have sufficient time to visit all places of interest.