Shoe and leather in The Langstraat
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learning garden of Brabant
The Langstraat
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learning garden of Brabant
The Langstraat
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learning garden of Brabant
The Langstraat
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learning garden of Brabant
The Langstraat
teach me The Langstraat
It is no coincidence that De Langstraat is the cradle of shoemakers and tanners. Nature had a hand in this. Cows supplied the leather. The Donge and Loint rivers provided clean running water and the oak trees on the barren land provided oak bark. That's all it took to tan leather. Farmers in the area looked for income during the winter months to support their families. They were cheap laborers who made shoes and other products from that leather. With that, De Langstraat grew into the center of the shoe and leather industry in the early 19th century. In many places in De Langstraat you come across gems from the past, such as villas of shoe manufacturers and tannery complexes, for example Van Haren in Waalwijk. Want to know more about leather? Then visit the Schoenenkwartier in Waalwijk, walk the route Wet Blue in Waalwijk or bike the "Bicycle and Leather Routes" and the Halvezolenpad. And also take a look at the many beautiful leather products made in small studios in De Langstraat.
shoe and leather hotspots - learning about leather
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Bicycle & LEDER routes
Bicycle & LEDER routes
Get on your bike and pedal the LEDER routes through the leather and footwear area of De Langstraat. The routes through Dongen, Loon op Zand, Kaatsheuvel, Waalwijk and Drunen lead visitors past bag makers, leather repairers, tanners and the New Shoes Museum, among others. There is a western and an eastern route.
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Schoenenkwartier
Schoenenkwartier
Discover the history and future of shoes and leather at Schoenenkwartier. Located in the west wing of the restored Kropholler complex in Waalwijk, in the heart of the Langstraat. A must for lovers of shoes, design, architecture, art and culture! The Schoenenkwartier rests on three pillars: the Make Labs, the Knowledge Center and the Museum.
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The Moerputten Bridge
The Moerputten Bridge
The industrial revolution brought about the construction of the Halve Zolen railroad, named after the leather products transported via the single railroad line, which ran from 's-Hertogenbosch to Lage Zwaluwe. Across the swampy area between Vlijmen and 's-Hertogenbosch, the stately, iron, 600-meter-long Moerputten bridge was constructed. Now no longer trains run there, but you can take a beautiful walk.
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Half-sole route
Half-sole route
Today, the Halve Zolen railroad serves as a bicycle path. The route of over 20 kilometers runs from Geertruidenberg to Drunen. The Halvezolenroute tells the story of De Langstraat. In addition to five impressive works of art, there are animated films and poems. The images can be viewed and listened to via the cycling and walking route app 'Brabant Vertelt'.
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Wet Blue Route
Wet Blue Route
Several characteristic buildings and objects in Waalwijk, which have a link to the leather and shoe industry, light up in the color wet blue. They form a permanent route through the center of Waalwijk, creating a mix of light, stories and experiences.
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The Haystack
On the Hooisteeg, between the Grotestraat and Winterdijk in Waalwijk, there are monumental workers' houses, which were built in the 19th century by order of wealthy shoe manufacturers. Shoemakers worked and lived here. In 2002, the Hooisteeg houses were thoroughly renovated. Now they are used as studios and stores. You can see artists at work here and visit exhibitions.
Blogs about shoe and leather - discover cultural heritage
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May Cycling Month
May Cycling Month
May is not only the month of blooming flowers and warm weather, but also the perfect time to go out and explore the beautiful nature of Brabant. And what better way to do that than by bike?
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Zuiderwaterlinie and De Langstraat
Zuiderwaterlinie and De Langstraat
The Zuiderwaterlinie forms a unique series of historic fortified towns and surrounding areas linked by the authentic story of defending the Netherlands on water.
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11 times what to do in Waalwijk
11 times what to do in Waalwijk
Waalwijk, a cozy town in the heart of Brabant known for shoes and leather. But that's not the only thing, because there is a lot to do in Waalwijk. Therefore, a list full of tips so every Brabander or visitor knows exactly what to do in Waalwijk.
