Discover history along the Mark in Terheijden

Terheijden offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: historic sites connected to water and military history, churches, and practical opportunities for hiking, cycling and crossing the Mark. The details help you tailor your stay to your interests – whether you are planning a marked route, learning more about individual buildings or combining a shorter activity with a cultural theme.

Kleine Schans and the waterline

Kleine Schans was built in 1639 to protect shipping on the Mark and the Breda–Moerdijk connection. The historic site also recalls the siege of Breda in 1624. The two dates refer to different events: 1624 is associated with the siege, while 1639 marks the construction of the schans. A special Watertrap is located on the embankment leading to Kleine Schans, and visitors can walk across it. This lets you explore the site through both its history and this distinctive feature.

Another historical connection is the Linie van de Munnikenhof. It was established in 1701 as part of the Zuiderfrontier. Hiking and cycling routes from Drimmelen and Made offer opportunities to explore the line. Check route availability before setting off if you want to plan your trip around it.

Hiking and crossing the Mark

One precisely measured hiking option is the fifth stage of the Zuiderwaterlinie: the marked route runs from Zevenbergen to Terheijden, is 23.4 kilometres long and takes 5 hours and 10 minutes. The distance and estimated time provide a concrete basis for planning your day. Check the route details before your hike for the latest route conditions.

The Markpontje offers another way to include the Mark in your travel plans: the leisure ferry carries pedestrians and bicycles between Terheijden marina and the Haagse Beemden district of Breda. It operates seasonally, and sailing conditions may change. Check the timetable and conditions before travelling so you can fit the crossing into your plans.

Churches and architectural history

The Witte Kerkje dates from 1809 and belongs to the church type known as “Lodewijkkerkjes”. Its interior is used as a wedding venue. If you are planning a celebration there, check the relevant booking conditions. Its year of construction, architectural classification and present-day use offer three different perspectives on the same place.

Antonius Abt is the oldest and largest listed national monument in the municipality of Drimmelen. The first chapel was founded in 1400 on the site where the church stands today. This long timespan places the building in the history of the area without treating the chapel and the present-day church as one and the same.

Molen De Arend also has a traceable construction history: the windmill with a gallery was built in Breda in 1742 on behalf of the noble Nassau-Siegen family and rebuilt after a fire in 1756. Molen De Arend also has a shop selling more than 30 varieties of bread flour and just as many baking mixes for cakes and pastries. The selection may change.

Local produce and the Eendenkooi

De Laak VersLokaal sells dairy products and ice cream from its own farm, as well as cheese, eggs, potatoes and seasonal products from farmers in the region. The seasonal selection is particularly useful if you want to include local produce in your plans; bear in mind that the range will not be the same all year round.

The Eendenkooi Terheijden was probably established in 1639. An eendenkooi is a body of water surrounded by woodland, where wild ducks were lured into a trapping facility with the help of decoy ducks. Its probable date and traditional function offer two different ways to explore this historic landscape feature.

Discover more destinations: Drimmelen, Wagenberg, Lage Zwaluwe, Hooge Zwaluwe, Made.

Go to the main travel overview: Drimmelen.