Why a boat tour on the Binnendieze should not be missed during your day in Den Bosch

Sometimes a day in the city feels a bit the same: shopping, visiting a museum, and lounging on a terrace. Fun, of course, but sometimes you want to do something just a little different. And that's precisely what we found in Den Bosch.

Team Valk Life boarded for a boat tour on the Binnendieze and discovered the city in a completely different way.

Text: Mara Donker
Photography: Mara Donker

'AN EXPERIENCE UNIQUE IN EUROPE'

STORIES THROUGH AND UNDER THE CITY

The boat tour can start from three places in the city: the Molenstraat, the Markt, or the Zuidwal. You can also choose from different routes, such as the historical tour, the Jheronimus Bosch route, and the fortress route.

We chose the historical tour from the Molenstraat. During the tour, you sail through small waterways, under old buildings, and past places in Den Bosch that you normally wouldn't see when walking through the city. You also sail over the Binnendieze and even under the Sint-Catharinakerk. The boat goes through a covered part of the Dieze, directly under the church building. An experience that you won't find anywhere else in Europe. That's what makes this activity so fun and special.

STORIES ABOUT THE PAST

During the boat tour, you hear all about the history of Den Bosch. You learn how important water was for the city in the past and discover why the Binnendieze was hidden under the houses for years. You also hear fun facts and stories about old buildings, trade, and life in Den Bosch of yesteryears. You'll also find out that there were once plans to fill in the canals completely. You'll hear why the idea arose and why it was ultimately never carried out during the boat tour.

REALLY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

What makes this boat tour especially fun is that you sail right through the city, yet it's surprisingly quiet on the water. While you normally have the hustle and bustle of Den Bosch around you, it feels very peaceful on the Dieze. You sail past cozy streets, under old bridges, and through narrow passages, hearing only the water and the stories along the way. Experiencing such tranquillity in such a busy city is rare, and that's exactly why this boat tour is truly worthwhile.