If you would like to go off-the-beaten-path for your next meeting or event, I highly suggest the hidden Dutch secret that is called ‘s-Hertogenbosch. I know, it’s a handful to pronounce, but you may also call it Den Bosch, as the city is colloquially known. ‘s-Hertogenbosch has all the ingredients for a well-rounded, memorable event. It’s is a place where old meets new, hospitality meets Burgundian culture and art meets nature – a perfect backdrop for your event.
Facts
‘s-Hertogenbosch is the capital of the province North Brabant in the south of the Netherlands
‘s-Hertogenbosch, which means ‘The Duke’s Forest’, is colloquially known as Den Bosch
‘s-Hertogenbosch is known for its hospitality and unique Burgundian culture
Population: 150,000
Getting there
With 6 international airports at close by ‘s-Hertogenbosch is superbly accessible. The closest airport is Eindhoven Airport, which is only 35km/22mi from ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers frequent daily train connections, which will take you to ‘s-Hertogenbosch in less than an hour. Other airport options in Holland are Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Maastricht Airport. In addition, Düsseldorf Airport in Germany and Zaventem Brussels Airport in Belgium are a respective 110km/68mi and 125km/78mi away.
By the way, ‘s-Hertogenbosch is also known as Holland’s connectivity city, due to its very central location in the country. Conveniently this makes it very easy to reach ‘s-Hertogenbosch by train from all major Dutch cities.
Meeting and business venues
‘s-Hertogenbosch is still one of the off-the-path Dutch meeting destinations, but it truly offers everything to host a great event – no matter the size. From historic venues to modern hidden secrets, ‘s-Hertogenbosch will surprise you with a great variety of event venues. Let me give you a glimpse of what you can expect:
Modern
The brand new KASerne is a hotel, restaurant and unique meeting venue (for up to 200 people) all in one. It’s a place where you experience the hospitality that the region is renowned for. And best of all: one of the meeting spaces is a modernised, former greenhouse.
073 Meeting Company is a modern, no-nonsense event location. Efficient meetings in a pleasant environment, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a variety of after-dinner options and centrally located. What more can you ask for?!
Classic
Today’s standards combined with yesterday’s values. That’s what Hotel Central in the heart of ‘s-Hertogenbosch stands for. The multifunctional meeting rooms offer space for up to 300 attendees.
De Orangerie is without a doubt one of the most enchanting meeting venues you will find in Holland. The former church dates back to 1859 and will surely leave a lasting impression.
In 1931 ‘s-Hertogenbosch opened its first indoor cattle market. Since then the building has become a historic landmark and is now a convention venue. 1931 Congress Centre Brabanthallen‘s multifunctional space can host up to 2,000 guests.
Hidden secrets
When I say meeting, you won’t necessarily say wellness next. But, it is possible at Meetwell. Experience the perfect mix of business and wellness by adding creative and unconventional elements to your event.
Do you want to add some drama to your event? At Theater aan de Parade you can take your meeting to the theatre stage. The rest is up to you until the curtain call!
After your meeting
In ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which was founded as fortified city, heritage and modern architecture go hand in hand. Did I mention that ‘s-Hertogenbosch is most renowned for its Burgundian culture? Enjoying the good life is definitely part of the city’s DNA. This mix makes ‘s-Hertogenbosch an attraction in itself and offers you plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge before, after or during your meeting or event.
Museums
From historical to contemporary art, from young designers to renowned artists like Jheronimus Bosch or Vincent van Gogh – you can enjoy it all in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Take a guided tour through one of the museums or discover the inspiring works by yourself.
Stedelijk Museum: museum for contemporary art and design and one of the two museums located in ‘s-Hertogenbosch’s museum quarter.
Het Noord Brabants Museum: the second museum located in the museum quarter displays regional art, history and culture including original works by Jheronimus Bosch and Vincent van Gogh.
Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre: It’s all in the name! The international knowledge and experience centre is a unique tribute to Jheronimus Bosch and a ‘must-see’ while in ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Sights
The river Binnendieze is arguably one of the most popular attractions in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Sail the canals and gain unique insights into the history, architecture and culture of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Even better: take the Jeroen Bosch ‘Heaven and Hell’ boat trip on the river, which takes you along sculptures from Jheronimus Bosch paintings, a unique screening of a short movie and ends at the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center.
If you prefer heights over smooth sailing, you might want to opt for the ‘Een wonderlijke klim‘ (‘An Enchanting Climb’) tour up the Sint-Jan Cathedral. In this dizzying experience you can walk along the cathedral’s roof gutter and discover the 96 sculptures otherwise almost impossible to spot. And while you’re up there, you should not forget to take in the breathtaking view of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and the beautiful region.
Bosch by Night is a spectacular open-air light show on the market square in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where Jheronimus Bosch once had his studio.
Shopping
Don’t let ‘s-Hertogenbosch’s smaller size fool you. It’s still a shopping heaven with more than 150 shops waiting to be discovered. Just stroll around the city and thou shall find! My favourite areas are around Snellestraat and Verwersstraat, where you can find inspriational boutique shops. Caught a rainy day? Visit Conceptstore Robbies for indoor fashion, lifestyle, food and coffee.
Restaurants
As I may have mentioned once or twice before, ‘s-Hertogenbosch breathes Burgundian culture and hospitality. So no surprise that you will have a hard time choosing your culinary experiences while in town. There are three main restaurant area’s in the city centre: Uilenburg, Korte Putstraat and Parade, where your taste buds will surely be satisfied. But just in case you’re simply not able to choose, here are a few recommendations:
Noble: dine in the informal restaurant, enjoy an intimate dinner or simply have a drink at the bar and enjoy the distinguished Chalet Royal building. Tip: Noble also offers a meeting room for up to 12 people.
At Fabuleux not only the French seasonal cuisine will appeal to your senses, but also the cozy, historic building in the heart of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Looking for a more unusual dining experience? The menu at Sense consists of a variety of small courses, which can be ordered in random order. I should also mention that Sense proudly holds a Michelin star.
If you want to experience the burgundian atmosphere like the locals do, I highly recommend paying a visit to the local beer brewery Cafe Bar Le Duc. They even have meeting space for up to 12 people. Make sure to try the Jheronimus Bosch Beer and maybe even go on a tour of their brewery.
Beer really isn’t your thing? Fear not! Wijnbar Bij Dirk is ‘s-Hertogenbosch’s first true wine bar offering wines from around the world. Just sip and enjoy surrounded by a chique and trendy interior.
And last but most certainly not least (well, not in my book anyways): you simply cannot leave ‘s-Hertogenbosch without tasting one typical and very famous local pastry: the ‘Bossche Bol’ at bakery Jan de Groot. This delicious pastry is filled with whipped cream and coated almost entirely with dark chocolate. Hmm..
A day in ‘s-Hertogenbosch
‘s-Hertogenbosch is one of those cities that you can talk about quite a lot, but that simply has to be experienced. Nonetheless, I hope you have gotten a good taste of our hidden gem in the southern part of Holland and the possibilities it offers as meeting and event destination. Please feel free to reach out to my colleagues from Convention Bureau Brabant for more information.
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