Discover Steenbergen – Fortress, Polder and Waterways

Steenbergen between Fortress and Watery Landscapes

Steenbergen combines the character of a fortress town with polder landscapes and waterways. As one of the fortified towns along the Zuiderwaterlinie, its history of fortification shapes the town. Restored bastions, the clearly recognisable Liniegracht canal and the renovated fortress wall are part of the townscape and make Steenbergen’s rich history visible. When choosing a holiday apartment in Steenbergen, you can therefore decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the town’s history and fortifications, hiking, cycling or a canoe trip at Blauwe Sluis.

Fort Henricus and Views across West Brabant

Fort Henricus makes a striking feature. The viewing tower at Fort Henricus, which is not accessible, offers views of the star-shaped fortress and the extensive West Brabant polders. The inner grounds of Fort Henricus can be accessed by wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs when accompanied, because of the soft ground. The fortress rampart is also not accessible. Anyone planning a visit with a wheelchair or pushchair should include this required accompaniment in their daily schedule. In this way, the site combines a clear fortress theme with a direct view of the landscape.

Hiking through the Polder Area

The 25 km hiking route “Route Blauwe Sluis” passes through the varied polder area of Kruisland, Steenbergen and Dinteloord. It is signposted using the junctions of the hiking route network and can be started at any point along the route. For a day of hiking with different plans, the combination of junctions and a freely chosen starting point provides practical orientation. The “Vliegeniersroute” hiking route also starts in Steenbergen, adding to the opportunities to explore the town on foot.

Churches and Town History

The architectural heritage of Steenbergen includes the Gummaruskerk. It is regarded as one of the significant later works in the career of Dr P. J. H. Cuypers; the executed design was modified and realised by his son Joseph Cuypers and Jan Stuyt. The N.H. Church, also known as the Witte Kerk, is worth a visit in Steenbergen. If you would like to learn about the town’s history as part of a guided tour, you can contact VVV Brabantse Wal by telephone or email for information or reservations for the “Stadswandeling Steenbergen” town tour.

Cycling and Canoeing at Blauwe Sluis

The “Cruijslandse Krekenroute” cycling route runs through an extensive agricultural area, along waterways, through historic villages and to beautiful viewpoints. The cycling route is signposted using the junctions of the Dutch cycling route network and can be started at any point. At Blauwe Sluis, canoeists can pass beneath the Beatrix Sluis, allowing you to travel from the Cruyslandse Kreken to the Bovensas. The range of experiences therefore extends from a varied cycling route to a direct water connection.

Discover More Places

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Nieuw-Vossemeer, De Heen, Dinteloord and Steenbergen.

Back to the main travel overview: Steenbergen.