The most beautiful places in Netherlands

‘s-Hertogenbosch means “Duke’s Forest”, but the Dutch rarely use the official name, and call it Den Bos (The Forest). We did not see a forest, only a picturesque Dutch town with beautiful colorful houses, a winding river and tranquility breathing from every corner.

‘s-Hertogenbosch – The Duke’s Forest was created by Henry I, Duke of Brabant, who founded a new town on wooded dunes in the middle of a swamp in 1185 in order to defend his lands against foreign invasion. Initially, the city was perceived as a fortress, and in the 14th century a much larger protective wall was erected and artificial waterways were dug to serve as an urban moat, through which the Dommel and Aa rivers were diverted. The city flourished, becoming the home of one of the greatest artists of the northern Renaissance period, Hieronymus Bosch, as well as a center of music.  Today the city has been modernized, but the old part has been preserved and in the southern part of the city there are still preserved old fortress walls. In 2004. the city was awarded the European Fortress of the Year award.

The city is an amazing combination of historical charm and modern sophistication, and can easily be explored on foot, with its pedestrianized center. On the central square is the Morian –  the oldest brick building in the Netherlands, built in the 13th century. Another beautiful building on the square is the Town Hall, which, however, during our visit was under reconstruction and hidden behind the scaffolding.

Another hidden jew under the old town is a network of canals called Binnendieze, stretching for 22 km, and their uniqueness can be revealed through underground boat excursions. It started from the Dommel River, which passed through the city in the Middle Ages, but due to lack of space in the city, people began to build their houses and roads over the river and thus the canals were created, which today are becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

Den Bosch is also known as the carnival capital of the Netherlands, and every year the city hosts one of the most vibrant and colorful carnival celebrations in the country, held six weeks before Easter. At Christmas, the city organizes a magical Christmas market in the central square, with many decorated stalls and festive treats. Throughout the year, Den Bosch hosts various festivals.

The city has a separate museum district, where several unique museums can be explored, including the Museum of Religious Art and the Bastion. Another world-famous museum is the Het Noordbrabants Museum, which houses a diverse collection of artwork, including works by famous Dutch masters. Art lovers will appreciate its art galleries and street art scattered throughout the city.

If you travel with children, be sure to stop by the Efteling Park, located 15 minutes by car from the city center, and offering many attractions, roller coasters, carousels and boat rides. We had the chance to stay there and slept in a cozy tree house, which was an unforgettable experience both for children and us.

There may not be a forest in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, but the city is surrounded by the Loonse en Drunense Duinen  National Park, and the picturesque Bossche Broek  Nature Reserve is just a short distance away. There are also numerous green spaces in the city, such as the beautiful Zuiderpark. Den Bosch is a green and lively city, with a rich history and modern attractions, with impressive medieval architecture and an innovative art scene, with beautiful canals resembling Venice, as well as underground ones, visible with unique underground tours. There is something for every taste and age here, making the city a wonderful tourist attraction that is worth visiting.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH:

Location: ‘s-Hertogenbosch is located in the southeastern Netherlands, south of the Meuse River, near the Vaal.
Area: 117 sq. m.km
Population:  150 889 people (2015 data) It is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands
Official language: Dutch
Altitude: 6 m
Climate: temperate oceanic climate.
Time zone: UTC+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Further information: The best things to do in Den Bosch – Holland.com