Breda, Geertruidenberg, Oosterhout

Even in Brabant you can find castles with a story. Take, for example, Bouvigne Castle south of Breda. The name sounds very grand, but it was originally called Van der Boeverijen Castle. This castle is a popular wedding location. On weekdays, you can visit the gardens and you’ll understand exactly what beautiful wedding photos can be taken here. Gorgeous!

In the centre of Breda you will find the city castle. Willem I would have liked to make Breda Castle his residence, but eventually decided to establish the Military Academy here. Over the years, various parts of the castle have been rebuilt and replaced; only in the cellar can you still find genuine medieval walls.

In Geertruidenberg, there once stood a castle in the Middle Ages, affectionately called the Bergs Castle. It was a strategic defensive stronghold in the shape of a square in the middle of the fortress. In the 16th century, it was eventually demolished. Archaeologists found the foundations during excavations in 2002 and today there is a reconstruction of part of the castle wall. The stones from the original castle can still be found in other defensive works of the city.

Via Oosterhout, you cycle southwards again and pass the small castle De Blauwe Camer, named after a former room with blue gilt leather wallpaper. This castle from 1400 has had various owners over the years, but in 1645 it was taken into use as a monastery. And this monastery still functions under the name Sint-Catharinadal.

Be sure not to miss the ruins when you cycle to Oosterhout! The Slotbosse tower is the only thing left of Strijen Castle (1289), and in the Slotpark you will find no fewer than three small ‘slotjes’: Limburg, Beveren and Brakestein.