With only a few days to go before Christmas, I decided to travel further West what I heard was a beautiful city. Den Bosch or ‘s-Hertogenbosch (its official name which is the destination you need to use if you buy a train ticket) is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Rotterdam Central Station by train with many route options.
If you arrive at the train station it is only a few minutes walk to the center of the city. I arrived around lunchtime and headed to a cafe recommended by a friend next to the Saint Johns Cathedral.
I had the most delicious meal at one of the restaurants that can be seen in the background picture below. The square has such positive and winter wonderland vibes that I was already in the holiday spirit!
Great Christmas ambiance at Den Bosch with delicious café’s in the background!
With the festive season around the corner there are many traditional Dutch foods available. For Christmas and especially new years; the Dutch eat Oliebollen! (Picture below) They are sold in certain kinds of “food trucks” and are available throughout the country, you must try if you are here during this season!
Oliebollenkraam at Den Bosch, North Brabant
St John’s cathedral is one of the most important sites to see in Den Bosch. The gothic styled cathedral dates back to the 1200’s and went through restoration in 2010, its tower can easily be seen throughout the city.
Saint John’s Cathedral in Den Bosch
Walking back towards the station from the cathedral I cam across the market square where in the background you can also see the beautiful city hall. There was no market on that day.
The market Square with the city Hall of Den Bosch
The Market square with its Christmas Tree
Walking on further we reached the road to the central station and on the side are the city fortifications. This city survived the Second World War without much damage and although the city was planning to become more modern it was named historic and protected before that occurred. The city therefore still has many old buildings.
Den Bosch station in the distance
Almost reaching the station we stopped at a beautiful bakers where I tried Bossche Bollen (a delicacy from this city) which explained simply is a giant profiterole (dough with cream inside, covered with chocolate).
Bossche Bol
After such a calorie bomb I went ice skating with some friends. I was not aware that ice skating was a fairly popular and common sport in the Netherlands! Although I managed not to fall down, I definitely need to practise…
- Ice Skating in Den Bosch with friends
It was a great day in Den Bosch, a city definitely worth visiting!
Planning to visit the Netherlands this festive season? Book a room now!
