Breda: History, Nature and Special Places

More than 500 years ago, Hendrik III van Nassau had the Mastbos forest laid out. Today, people walk, cycle, play sports and relax there. In and around Breda, experiences of the landscape meet a rich cultural and architectural history: from the Markdal nature area to the Grote Kerk, museums, gardens and murals.

Nature, Gardens and Outdoor Activities

Markdal is a nature area between the Belgian border and the south of Breda. It lies in the catchment area of the River Mark; you can walk and cycle along scenic paths by the river. Two activities take centre stage in Markdal, while its waterside setting defines the character of the area.

Kasteel Bouvigne is on the edge of the Mastbos forest. Its three castle gardens are laid out in French, English and German styles. The different garden styles provide a contrast to the Mastbos, which is also suitable for walks, bike rides, sports and relaxation. Those interested in garden design will find three clearly distinct styles in one place.

North of Breda, in the Haagse Beemden, lies the Asterdplas. The recreational lake is used for swimming, surfing, sailing and relaxing. The adjacent wet transitional area provides a habitat for many bird species. This means that water sports and nature observation go hand in hand at Asterdplas; check the water conditions before your visit.

Cycling can also be combined with a specific theme: the 33-kilometre Van Gogh cycling route visits Van Gogh highlights in and around Breda. This makes it different from the paths along the River Mark, which invite you to walk and cycle through a waterside landscape. Signage and downloadable route materials may change.

Churches, Museums and Breda’s History

Grote Kerk Breda is a 15th-century church. Nine members of the Nassau family and the first Prince of Orange are buried there. Its construction and graves offer two historical points of interest: the church as a building and its significance as the burial place of members of the House of Nassau and the first Prince of Orange.

Stedelijk Museum Breda is housed in one of Breda’s oldest buildings. Its permanent exhibitions include “De Nassaus van Breda – Kasteel, stad en land” and “Ambitie & Verlangen – Breda in de 19de eeuw”. The exhibition titles point to different themes: the Nassaus and the development of the castle, city and countryside on the one hand, and Breda in the 19th century on the other.

Breda’s Begijnhof has a well-maintained herb garden with 300 different types of herbs. The Begijnhof Museum is located in one of the Begijnhof’s houses; the Miniature and Doll’s House Museum is housed in the Poortgebouw. The garden and two museums are thus located in different parts of the Begijnhof. Individual plantings may change, and museum access details may also vary.

Blind Walls Gallery is an open-air museum with a growing collection of more than 140 murals by international artists. Each mural is based on a story from Breda that relates to its location. This connection to place makes the murals a way to discover the city’s stories in public spaces; the collection brings together international artists and stories from Breda.

Valkenberg Park is a green oasis in the heart of Breda’s city centre. Until 1812, it served as a castle garden for the Lords of Breda. Its present-day description as a green space in the centre and its former role as a castle garden mark two distinct aspects of the park’s history.

Getting Around Breda

You can walk across Breda’s city centre from one side to the other in about 15 minutes. Trains stop at Breda station; there is also a bus station for city and regional buses, secure bicycle parking and an OV-fiets bike rental service. If you’re planning to use public transport or a rental bike, check the relevant terms and conditions before your trip.

For a walk through the city, there is the 3.9-kilometre Explore Royal Breda historical route. Explore Breda’s collection of routes also includes nature, creative and accessible routes. You can explore Breda’s Singels by boat; providers and rental options may change. Check current offers and route information when making specific plans.

Discover more destinations: Breda, Ulvenhout, Werkendam, ’S-Hertogenbosch, Eindhoven, Landerd, Best, Oisterwijk.

Return to the regional travel overview: North Brabant.