Travel for two days through a landscape full of stories in the west of North Brabant

| By: Rianne Culture lover | Read time: 10 minutes |
  • Willemstad haven

In the furthest west of North Brabant, the Zuiderwaterlinie (southern water line) forms a common thread through land and water, heritage and countryside. The oldest defence line in the Netherlands has long ceased to be a barrier and is now an invitation to slow down and explore. Along the region’s western border, the Zuiderwaterlinie connects the most unique stories of the region: from Brabant wines to centuries-old forts and bird-rich creeks.

Your home base during this two-day route is the brand-new boutique holiday park the Cruyslandse Kreken, with its luxury huts and lodges in a naturally green setting by the water. From here, enjoy a landscape full of stories in tranquillity, where Brabant locals welcome you to amazing places to eat, walk, shop and stay overnight.

Day 1. Fortified cities and culinary indulgence Day 2. Walking and shopping in Roosendaal

Day 1. Fortified cities and culinary indulgence - Fort Sabina

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On the border of North Brabant and South Holland lies one of the best-preserved forts of the Zuiderwaterlinie. Fort Sabina was commissioned by Napoleon and forms an ideal starting point for your route. The barracks, gunpowder rooms and bunkers take you through 200 years of history. Since the fort is freely accessible during opening hours, take your time to wander about. This will allow you to discover why it is also called the green fort. At the location where cannon balls could once be heard, you will now spot barn owls and kingfishers. Be sure to wander over to the birdwatching hut!

If you have enough time,

“You can follow various walking and cycling routes from the fort, such as stage 3 of the Zuiderwaterlinie Walking Route. Between Fort Sabina and Willemstad, you will pass by sights including Fort Prins Frederik from the 18th century. You can follow stage 4 on a bicycle along the LF Waterlinie route, which connects Geertruidenberg with Dinteloord by means of forts and fortifications.”

  • Fort Sabina

    At the crossroads of North Brabant, South Holland and Zeeland is the strategically located Fort Sabina Hendrica.

    Fort Sabina

Experience the atmosphere in Willemstad

  • Willemstad straatje
  • Willemstad haven

Only a 10-minute drive from Fort Sabina lies the attractive Fortress of Willemstad. Its original star shape is still very visible, and paths take you along the entirety of the old walls. Within the walls are quiet streets, a charming harbour and heritage buildings. One of those is the Mauritshuis (House of Maurits), located in a building that dates from 1623. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for Maurits, Prince of Orange and later used as a military hospital and military police barracks. Now, by means of interactive exhibitions, you can become acquainted with the stories of the Zuiderwaterlinie and the Willemstad Fortifications.

Time for a break?

Time for a break?

For a truly Brabant experience, visit nearby Oudemolen. You will be given a warm welcome by Gonny and Monique in De Prullenkast. Mother and daughter have transformed a 16th-century barn into their shared dream: a vintage shop in British style, with an inviting coffee shop and lunchroom. It is a place where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, fresh rolls and homemade sweet pastries created with pure and simple ingredients. All of this is presented in a vintage living room setting where you end up staying longer than planned without even noticing.

A Brabant wine story

Enjoying simplicity, purity and hospitality in North Brabant is not an exception but rather the rule. This can also be seen at De Heenwerf Winery, a 20-minute drive from Oudemolen. Here, you will encounter the amazing wine story of Flemish Sophie and Marnix. On their estate in the Brabant polder, they make quality sparkling wines according to the traditional method. This means that everything is picked and pruned by hand and the process from grape to bottle is entirely under their own management. They will be more than happy to tell you all about it during a tasting.

Leaving the vineyard, you arrive ‘home’ again at the Cruyslandse Kreken in no time. Take a moment to relax and unwind after the day’s experiences before you go out for dinner. The immediate vicinity has plenty of unique addresses that will allow you to end your day savouring the delicious flavours of Brabant.

Dining on a lock island

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Close to the park, in the Dintelse Gorzen nature reserve, you will find the restaurant Beneden Sas. Brothers Robbert and Jeroen Akkermans learned at a young age that good and delicious food forms the basis of warm get-togethers. This is what they now pass on in this historical lock complex in the midst of the countryside. The old beer house where skippers used to drink is now an attractive homely restaurant with a large terrace. The menu has meat, fish and vegetarian dishes that change with the seasons and, where possible, are prepared with fresh ingredients from the region.

Please note:

“Like nature, Restaurant Beneden Sas hibernates from October to March."

More dining tips in the vicinity

Day 2. Walking and shopping in Roosendaal

The wetland landscape of the Cruylandse Kreken is ideal for a morning walk. The nature reserve has traditionally served as a means of defence for the nearby fortified city of Steenbergen. The reed beds and waterways are a much-loved habitat for waterbirds. Be sure to look in at De Roode Weel, a lake which came about as a result of a breach of the dyke. You will also find one of the Netherlands’ most striking birdwatching huts here.

Tip

“If the weather is nice, you may want to explore the Cruyslandse Kreken from the water. At Buiten aan de Baak, you can hire a canoe to explore the area around the island of the Blauwe Sluis (Blue Lock) in the morning silence."

Roosendaal - shopping city

If you are ready for some more activity, Roosendaal is only a 15-minute drive away. You can shop at Designer Outlet Roosendaal, where you will find all leading brands, with huge discounts in over 100 shops. Once you have finished shopping, wander over to the delightful terrace of the Hooihuis for a delicious lunch, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The season’s flavours are always available and, wherever possible, they are organic. Another recommendation is the colourful Mazzeltov, where you can enjoy shared dishes together from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Walking near Visdonk Nature Gate

  • Landgoed Visdonk vanuit de lucht, je ziet water en groen en bomen.
  • Mistige paarse heide op Landgoed Visdonk.

If you still have some time left before heading home, on the other side of Roosendaal, Visdonk Nature Gate is the starting point for a walk through the eponymous estate. Here, you will discover an entirely different side to the landscape with forests, tree-lined avenues and fens. 

Staying overnight in West Brabant

There are even more unique addresses here that can serve as an ideal home base for exploring the region. If you would rather stay at a hotel or B&B, check in at ‘t Koetshuys B&B in attractive Bergen op Zoom. Or have an unforgettable overnight stay at Grand Hotel De Draak, the oldest hotel in the Netherlands. You can pamper yourself with an overnight stay in the centre of Oudenbosch at Sjiek Basiliek B&B, including wellness facilities. If you will be travelling with your motorhome, Beekdal motorhome pitches, located in Wouw, is near all places of interest.

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