Heusden: Fortified Town, Mills and Nature

The fortified town of Heusden combines a fortified town on the Maas with a history that began around 1200 with an urban settlement on the river. Heusden was honoured with the Europa Nostra Award for the restoration of its fortified town. Mills, a museum and trails offer different ways to experience the place, from its historic town layout to its landscapes and waterways.

Fortress history and water in Heusden

The Bromsluis is a sortie tunnel dating from the early 17th century, within the fortifications. Today, it serves as a drainage sluice for the Demergracht and connects the fortified town with the green landscapes beyond the ramparts. This structure brings together the military past and modern-day water management.

A 3.5-kilometre walking route through the fortified town focuses on the theme of water. This gives it a different theme from a focus on individual fortifications. For anyone wishing to explore Heusden on foot, the route’s length provides a practical guide for planning.

Mills and museum

Three grain mills in Heusden Vesting are fully operational and can grind grain into flour. During a visit, the miller explains the mill’s past and present functions, as well as the historical importance of mills to Heusden. Check the latest visiting and booking details in advance.

The Gouverneurshuis is a museum in a historic building dating from 1592. Its core collection reflects the history of the Land van Heusden en Altena. Visitors can view the collection, have coffee on the terrace, eat lunch in the museum café and see the garden. As operational details may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information in advance.

Dune landscape and cycling routes

In the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, woodland and heath alternate with expanses of sand. The area is one of the largest shifting-sand dune regions in Western Europe. Visitors are free to explore the sandy area on foot, by bike or on horseback. If you are planning a particular activity, check the local access rules before your visit.

The 38-kilometre Schotse-Highlanders cycling route starts and finishes in Nationaal Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen. It follows the route taken by the Scottish soldiers of the 51st Highland Division, who liberated Heusden during the Second World War. Along the route, ten “Vectors of Memory” mark specific places associated with this liberation story. This makes it possible to understand the route in terms of both its length and its historical theme. Check the route details before setting off.

De Moerputten also offers a useful point of reference in Vlijmen: this nature reserve can be accessed from the Venkantbrug on the Heidijk.

Harbours, boat trips and visitor information

Heusden’s harbours offer recreational boaters renovated jetties, electricity, water, showers and free Wi-Fi. Facilities for long-stay and transient moorings therefore include both practical amenities and facilities for spending time at the harbour.

From a landing stage just outside the town harbour, boat trips of around an hour are offered on the Maas and the Dode Maas from Easter until the end of September. As this is a seasonal service, check the timetable in advance.

The Tourist Information Centre is located in Heusden’s former town hall, which is now used as a visitor centre. There you can get town maps, cycling and walking routes, information about the region, details about guided tours and personalised advice. This can help you choose between a town route, a cycling route and other excursions.

Discover more destinations: Vlijmen, Heusden, Drunen, Gemert-Bakel, Boxtel, Boekel, Dongen, Halderberge.

Back to the main travel overview: North Brabant.