Bergen op Zoom

Monumentally beautiful!

You can stroll around the compact center of Bergen op Zoom with its medieval alleys and squares for hours. The Lievevrouwepoort (or Gevangenpoort, ‘Prisoners’ Gate’) is the city’s oldest monument. It is part of the fortifications around the city, which came to serve as a prison. 

There are many more beautiful monuments you can visit around the Grote Markt. Saint Gertrude’s Church (Gertrudiskerk), for instance, an initially fairly sober church that was embellished and extended on a regular basis until the end of the 15th century. Its tower is called the ‘Peperbus’ (pepper box), and the monumental city hall and ‘Schouwburg de Maagd’ are impressive buildings in the old city center.

If you want to see the city’s old defensive works, we highly recommend visiting the Ravelijn Op den Zoom. These underground tunnels or kazematten are the remains of the famous fortifications built by Menno van Coehoorn.

In addition to its beautiful monuments, Bergen op Zoom also makes for some great shopping. Fortuinstraat, Kremerstraat and Kortemeestraat are filled with shops run primarily by locals. The WinkelAcht is a shopping area from ’t Vierkantje to the Parade.

Where to eat in Bergen op Zoom?

Bergen op Zoom is a typical city in Brabant with the characteristic welcoming ambiance. There are many great restaurants to please every palate and budget. If you like a more exclusive place, ‘Hemingway’ in Hotel De Draak (address: Grote Markt 36/38) is a great restaurant serving more classic fare in the French tradition in beautiful surroundings. Another great restaurant is Le Bouleau (address: Bemmelenberg 16), where you can order a delicious dinner or wonderful high tea. If you want to eat in an extraordinary spot, La Pucelle (address: Hofstraat 2) is the place to go. The staff serves delicious food prepared with local produce on one of the monumental courtyards of the 15th century city palace Het Markiezenhof. It’s wonderful!

Other attractions nearby

If you are in Bergen op Zoom and have some spare time, you should definitely visit the great province of Zeeland. Here, you will be able to enjoy endless beaches, old seaside towns, and culinary specialties above all. Another fantastic option is Breda, which offers a typical Brabant welcome and boasts a beautiful historic center for an outing you won’t forget.

We recommend: If you are in Bergen op Zoom in May or June, you should definitely try the 3 As: asparagus, strawberries (aardbeien in Dutch) and anchovy. Make time to visit the culinary ProefMei festival in Bergen op Zoom and the Brabantse Wal. Taste, enjoy and experience the Brabantse Wal. Inquire about the festival dates in advance!