Mastbos
The Mastbos was built more than 500 years ago by Hendrik III van Nassau. It is a mixed forest where beech avenues, vast heaths, dark coniferous and beautiful fens alternate.
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The Mastbos, created more than 500 years ago by Henry III of Nassau, is often referred to as the “backyard of Breda.” From the Ginneken district, you can walk straight into the forest. Majestic beech avenues, vast heathlands, dark coniferous woods, and beautiful ponds alternate with one another.
The people of Breda, as well as many nature lovers from outside the city, use the forest for walking and cycling, for sports and relaxation, or simply to enjoy nature.
The Siege of Breda
If you want to completely cut a city off from the outside world, what do you do? Exact…
The Mastbos, created more than 500 years ago by Henry III of Nassau, is often referred to as the “backyard of Breda.” From the Ginneken district, you can walk straight into the forest. Majestic beech avenues, vast heathlands, dark coniferous woods, and beautiful ponds alternate with one another.
The people of Breda, as well as many nature lovers from outside the city, use the forest for walking and cycling, for sports and relaxation, or simply to enjoy nature.
The Siege of Breda
If you want to completely cut a city off from the outside world, what do you do? Exactly: you build a line of defense that no one can break through. And you defend that line with your very life. That’s how it went during the Eighty Years’ War. The defensive line ran partly along the edge of the Mastbos. There was a moat, with an embankment and parapet behind it. Altogether, the structure was three meters high. The Spaniards were well protected there from enemy fire. At that time, there were no trees in this part of the Mastbos, giving them clear lines of sight and fire.
Parking
The nuisance caused by parked cars in the northern part of the Mastbos is steadily increasing. For this reason, parking along the verges is no longer allowed. The easiest way to visit the Mastbos is by bicycle.