`s Hertogenbosch

`s Hertogenbosch (literally meaning the Duke`s forest) is a city in the southern part of the Netherlands being the capital of the province Nord-Brabant. Like Utrecht, this was once one of the most important cities of the Netherlands. The Dutch call it Den Bosch, you will rarely hear them speaking of `s Hertogenbosch. This town was destoyed in 1203, but promptly rebuilt. It has also the oldest brickhouse in the Netherlands.

The structure of the city resembles with that of any other medieval city of the Netherlands. It all revolves around the Market Square where the most important building is the Town Hall, which in the case of Den Bosch is built in a 17th century style
Like in the case of any other Dutch town, the little cobblestoned streets are not missing, nor those typical Dutch houses and that air of the 16th and 17th century.

Don`t miss the market that is on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the center of the city. Even if you don`t want to buy fruits or vegetables it is worthwhile to go to the market to see all those flowers. This is also good for shopping as you will find clothing shops for all budgets.

Since you are in Den Bosch you must try the Bossche Bol or the Bossche Koek. The first one is a local dessert the size of a tennis ball consisting of pastry covered in chocolate. This goes very well with coffee. The latter is a cake with spices and conserved fruits, which can be found in the Netherlands. A visit to Den Bosch is nothing without the Bossche Bol or the Bossche Koek.

After visiting the town you may want to go to Efteling, a theme park situated at 20 minutes ride from Den Bosch. This is the ideal place if you are with children (and not only!), they will surely enjoy it! If you are in the Netherlands this city should definitely be on your list of places to visit.Less