Discover idyllic Tholen
Take a guided walk through this welcoming fortress on the water
The core of Tholen on the island of the same name has been alive and kicking for more than 650 years. You can experience the rich history of this large, small city during a fascinating walk through the historic heart of one of the most beautiful fortified towns in the Netherlands. Almost completely surrounded by the water, it was traditionally very strategically located. In a group you walk back in time with an experienced local guide and you also experience the city life of today. Pronte windmills, imposing churches, rich houses and many wonderful anecdotes about the life of the Tholeaar then and now. Welcome to Tholen.
Where does the name Tholen come from? Do you know the oldest carillon clock in the Netherlands? What is the difference between a Hoogaars and a Stallion? What is a travail? Where are Karin Bloemen's roots? Why was the winter of 1963 a disastrous year? Where did the tram run and where did it come from? These and many more topics are discussed during an organized tour through Tholen.
In the months of June, July, August and September, one of our guides is ready to take you on a tour every Saturday at 11 pm. Cost € 5 per person to be paid before the start of the tour. The meeting point is restaurant JuNa/hotel Tholen on the Kaaij.
Reviews
During the tour we passed places that I have cycled past more than 100 times without knowing the stories behind them. I know that now.
It was a nice, well-organized walk with all the sights close to each other. It is special to be taken back to earlier times by the guide. Thank you Tholen and her guides for this fun morning.
– Koen Witjes DKG Bergen op Zoom
We had a fantastic tour through the historic center of Tholen.
A very enthusiastic guide was able to tell and show us a lot in the, for me, surprising center, rich in history.
Tholen has many nice streets with beautiful (well-maintained) buildings and beautiful churches.
Definitely recommended to take this tour.
– Jacobien de Bruijn
Hospitable fortress on the water
The city was founded in the 13th century at a toll on the Eendracht and received city rights in 1366. The name Tholen is due to the toll that was levied there. The cityscape is dominated by the Grote or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwenkerk, a cruciform basilica in the Brabant Gothic style that is definitely worth a visit. Other historic sights are the former town hall, the slim walker mill 'de Hoop' on the city wall and mill 'De Expecting', which was completely restored in 2009. At the height of the old city center is the marina with a historic shipyard. This shipyard is more than worth your visit.
Also very special is the completely intact fortress that was once built as a shelter against unwanted intruders. The star-shaped fortress that runs along the city is now a wonderful walking route, perfect for exploring the green walls of the city. Strikingly present in the town is the 15th century town hall of Tholen, designed by members of the famous Keldermans family of architects. When you visit the town hall, pay close attention to the carillon clock from the 15th century, which is the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands. Tholen has grown considerably in the last 20 years, which is clearly visible in the new housing estates that border the star-shaped heart of the historic center. The city now has more than 8.000 inhabitants. Tholen is located on the Scheldt-Rhine Canal and is easily accessible from North Brabant by the N286 that runs over the Tholense bridge.
Fixed tours
- Length of time: 1,5 hours.
- When: Every Saturday from June to September at 11 p.m.
- Costs: € 5 per person.
- Language: Dutch.
- Details: Registration is not necessary.
- Starting point: Hotel Tholen/restaurant JuNa, Kaaij 2, 4691 EE Tholen (Open in Google Maps).
Book a tour
- Length of time: 1,5 hours.
- When: Every day based on guide availability.
- Costs: € 50 per group (maximum 20 people).
- Languages: Dutch, English, German or French.
- Details: Do you have special interests? Let us know and your guide will respond as best as possible.
Featured photo source: Pieter Heijboer – Eendrachtbode
In association with:
Hospitable Fortress on the Water
Book a tour
Fill in the interest form and we will contact you as soon as possible.