Steenbergen: A fortified town, churches and routes through the polders

Steenbergen is one of the fortified towns along the Zuiderwaterlinie. Restored bastions, the distinctive Liniegracht and the repaired town wall are part of the townscape and reveal the city’s rich history. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Steenbergen, these historic features can provide a starting point for planning your trip.

Fortifications and churches

The fortifications shape the townscape: the bastions, Liniegracht and town wall make the history of the place visible. This means the Zuiderwaterlinie can be understood as more than just the name of a fortification route; Steenbergen is itself one of the fortified towns along it. Anyone interested in the historic heritage will find a tangible connection between the town and its role in this line.

The churches also offer different points of interest. The Gummaruskerk is among the notable later works in the career of Dr. P. J. H. Cuypers. The completed design was modified and carried out by his son Joseph Cuypers and Jan Stuyt. The N.H. Church is also known as the Witte Kerk and is worth a visit. The Gummaruskerk is notable for its architectural attribution, while the N.H. Church is also known by another name.

Fort Henricus and access conditions

From the observation tower at Fort Henricus, you can see the star-shaped fort and the expansive polders of West Brabant. The tower itself and the ramparts are not accessible. The inner grounds are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with strollers when accompanied; the soft ground makes assistance necessary. If you are planning a visit, check the access conditions in advance. The view and the accessible areas of the fort should be considered separately.

Walking and cycling

The 25-kilometre “Route Blauwe Sluis” walking route passes through the varied polder landscape of Kruisland, Steenbergen and Dinteloord. It is signposted using junctions on the walking route network and can be started at any point along the route. Another named walking route is the “Vliegeniersroute”, which begins in Steenbergen. The information given for the two routes therefore differs: the “Route Blauwe Sluis” is described in terms of its length, course and possible starting points, while the “Vliegeniersroute” is identified by its starting point in Steenbergen.

The “Cruijslandse Krekenroute” cycling route passes through an extensive agricultural area, along waterways and through historic villages to viewpoints. It is signposted using junctions on the Dutch cycle route network and can be started at any point. The route type and its wayfinding markers are therefore both specified for planning purposes.

At Blauwe Sluis, canoeists can also pass under the Beatrix Sluis. This route lets you travel from the Cruyslandse Kreken to Bovensas. This section describes a specific waterway connection, while the walking and cycling routes each use their own route systems.

Information about the guided town walk

To find out more or make a reservation for the “Stadswandeling Steenbergen” guided town walk, you can contact VVV Brabantse Wal by phone or email. If you are planning the tour for a specific date, check the relevant details and reservation options with the VVV in advance. This lets you include this guided option in your plans without confusing it with the signposted routes.

Discover more destinations: Nieuw-Vossemeer, De Heen, Steenbergen, Dinteloord.

Back to the main travel overview: Steenbergen.