Why a canal cruise 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 relaxing on a terrace. Nice, of course, but sometimes you want to do something that's just a little different. And exactly that is what we found in Den Bosch.

Team Valk Life boarded for a canal cruise on the Binnen Dieze and discovered the city in a completely different way.

Text: Mara Donker
Photography: Mara Donker

'AN EXPERIENCE THAT IS UNIQUE IN EUROPE'

STORIES THROUGH AND UNDER THE CITY

The cruise can start from three places in the city: Molenstraat, the Market, or the South Wall. You can also choose from different routes, such as the historical boat trip, the Jheronimus Bosch route, and the fortification route.

We chose the historical tour from Molenstraat. During the trip, 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. For instance, you sail over the Binnendieze and even under the Sint-Catharinakerk. The boat goes through a vaulted part of the Dieze, directly under the church building. An experience not found anywhere else in Europe. That’s precisely what makes this activity so fun and special.

STORIES ABOUT THE PAST

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

REALLY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

What makes this cruise so enjoyable is that you sail right through the city, but it's surprisingly quiet on the water. While normally surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Den Bosch, it feels very peaceful on the Dieze. You sail past cozy streets, under old bridges, and through narrow passageways, while only hearing the water and stories along the way. The fact that you can experience so much peace in such a busy city is rare and is exactly why this cruise is really worth it.