Bergen Op Zoom: City History, Water and Nature

Bergen Op Zoom combines a compact city centre with historic buildings, fortification paths, water and varied landscapes. The city centre is home to more than 600 monuments. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to discover the city’s history, go hiking, observe nature or spend time by the water?

City history in the centre

An important landmark is the Markiezenhof. The former city palace served as a residence for the lords and later the margraves of Bergen op Zoom. From 1485 to 1727, it was an aristocratic residential palace. Today, it houses a museum, a regional archive and a library. Exhibitions and programmes may change.

The tower of the Sint-Gertrudiskerk has stood since the mid-14th century. A narrow staircase leads to the platform, 35 metres high; above it is a carillon with 48 bells. Visitor access is seasonal and may vary.

Fort de Roovere: paths and moat

Fort de Roovere is part of the West Brabantse Waterlinie. Designated walking paths run along the ramparts and moats. On the Mozesbrug, visitors can walk through the moat without getting their feet wet. The walking route is 2.5 kilometres long; guided walks along the West Brabantse Waterlinie are also available. Climbing 129 steps leads to a viewpoint 25 metres high.

Water and landscapes

The Binnenschelde offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing and windsurfing. There is also a beach area, various facilities and small jetties; facilities may change. A walking and cycling route of about seven kilometres circles the Binnenschelde. The walking and cycling route around the Binnenschelde, at about seven kilometres, is longer than the 2.5-kilometre walking route at Fort de Roovere.

Landgoed Lievensberg encompasses a historic country house and landscaped gardens as well as drifting sand, heath gardens and pine forests. Visitors can hike, cycle, climb and pick their own fruit there; these activities may be seasonal. The 2.5-kilometre Barefoot Path runs through Landgoed Lievensberg, although access conditions may change. Natuurpodium also organises outdoor activities, which may vary depending on the season and programme. Natuurpoort Lievensberg is a starting point for walking, cycling and mountain biking routes across the Brabantse Wal.

Bergse Heide offers a different view of the landscape: the prevailing south-westerly wind shapes dunes held together by mixed woodland. Dry, elevated sandy mounds and wetter open areas provide habitats for diverse plant and animal life. Bergen Op Zoom lies on the Brabantse Wal, which is situated on the border between Brabant and Zeeland.

The Kijk in de Pot park area offers views over the Binnenschelde, works of art and historic landforms connected to military history. Different types of vegetation there help promote biodiversity. The Markiezaatsmeer, meanwhile, is a large wetland designated as a Natura 2000 site because of the bird species that breed there or stop to rest during migration. Two routes start at a visitor centre on the edge of the Markiezaatsmeer: a yellow route around the Kraaijenberg and a white route to a birdwatching hide.

Festivals and local events

Taste the May is an annual four-day culinary festival held in May. JazzBoZ is an international jazz festival that also lasts four days and takes place at the end of May. Exact dates may vary; check them before planning a trip around an event. Krabbenfoor is a special fair held on the last weekend of July; its dates may also vary. Other major events in Bergen Op Zoom include the Maria Ommegang, the Open Monumentendagen and Vastenavend, the local name for the city’s carnival.

Getting here and finding a hotel

The city centre is accessible by bicycle, train or car. The railway station is adjacent to the centre and within walking distance. If you are looking for a hotel in Bergen Op Zoom, you can focus your search on the themes you want to shape your stay: history in the centre, paths through the fort landscape, water activities or nature watching. This puts your travel plans first when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Bergen Op Zoom, Sint-Michielsgestel, Reusel-De Mierden, Nuenen, Gerwen En Nederwetten, Geertruidenberg, Bergeijk, Loon Op Zand, Waalwijk.

Return to the main travel overview: North Brabant.