Summer in the Langstraat

Heusden, Drunen, Vlijmen and surroundings Municipality of Heusden

Welcome to the municipality of Heusden, where water, history and nature meet. The municipality has no fewer than eleven villages, with Drunen, Vlijmen and the atmospheric fortified town of Heusden as the largest places.

The Bergsche Maas, with the picturesque fortified town of Heusden as its anchorage, borders the municipality of Heusden on the north side: water, dikes and clay soil. The history of the region is inextricably linked to the Maas. The many ponds (wheels) along the dikes and the Baardwijkse Overlaat (dike spillway) are reminders of the age-old struggle against the water. The Bergsche Maas and the Drongelens Kanaal were dug to limit flooding.

  • Harbour Heusden Fortress
  • Heidijk, Vlijmen
  • The gateway to Heusden, Drunen
  • Emma Mill, Nieuwkuijk
  • Fort Hedikhuizen

Today Heusden is not only a place of history, but also of relaxation. The Bergsche Maas offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, fishing and boating. In Heusden Vesting you will find two spacious marinas as well as an attractive inner harbor, ideal for a stopover or a lovely day on the water.

To the south lies a completely different landscape: one of the largest areas of drifting sand in Western Europe, De Loonse en Drunense Duinen. The idyllic hamlet of Giersbergen is one of the gateways to this special nature reserve.

There is so much to do in Heusden

Giersbergen: natural gateway to the dunes

This hamlet, consisting of several farms, barns, stables and sheep pens, forms the gateway to National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen. Parking is available in the ample parking lots provided at Herberg De Drie Linden. From here several routes can be taken for hikers, cyclists and horse riders. For the MTB enthusiast there are two challenging routes in this area.

Untamed lands, swamps and moors: this is what Giersbergen and its surroundings looked like some 750 years ago. The Cistercian abbey Ter Kameren was granted a piece of land here in 1244 by Duke Henry II of Brabant. Lay brothers established in Giersbergen the monastery farm of the abbey, the so-called uithof. From here they began to cultivate the wasteland. In the course of time, the uithof Giersbergen grew into a hamlet.

Giersbergen-farm.JPG

Learn all about the ancient fortified town

Our guides are eager to take you and your party along the sights in fortified town Heusden. They will tell you about the culture, nature and history of the town. You can choose the highlights, a complete city tour or themed walks, for example. What will you choose?

See the tours

Guided tour Heusden

The little boy beside the grave

The audio play "The little boy next to the grave" tells a story of World War II in Heusden. The audio clip can be listened to at the Tourist Information Point in Heusden and online via the button below.
Library Heusden developed the project in cooperation with many enthusiastic volunteers.

Listen to the sound clip
Tourist Information Point (TIP) Heusden - employees

Tips and blogs about Heusden and surroundings

Accessibility & parking

Come to the municipality by bicycle, public transport or car. Includes tips for parking in fortified town Heusden and surrounding areas.

Accessibility & parking
Aerial photo Heusden

Tourist Information Point (TIP) Heusden

For tips, routes and more inspiration: drop in at TIP Heusden. Your visit starts there!

TIP Heusden

Tourist Information Point (TIP) Heusden - interior