Discover The Langstraat

garden of wonder

Welcome to De Langstraat: the green leisure region of Brabant, located between the attractive Brabant cities of 's-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg and Breda. The region where a friendly atmosphere, being together and entertainment are central. With in addition to major tourist attractions as the fortified town of Heusden, Efteling, Schoenenkwartier and National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, numerous unique pearls in the municipalities of Loon op Zand, Waalwijk and Heusden that are well worth a visit. Have fun in De Langstraat: garden of Brabant!

FROM NATURE GARDEN TO WATER GARDEN

AND FROM ROUTE GARDEN TO SHOPPING GARDEN

The history of The Langstraat - back in time

De Langstraat is the name used for centuries to designate the central area in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It originated from a dike built after the St. Elisabeth Flood, from east to west through a swampy landscape located between the Meuse River and the higher sandy grounds. Along this, farmers settled and a ribbon of settlements developed.

For centuries, from the 13th to 17th centuries, peat extraction was the main source of income here. Farmers reclaimed the land in long strips, separated by ditches or hedges, perpendicular to the dike; the so-called stroke landscape. Due to the regular flooding of the outer polders, the grass was of extremely firm quality and until the 19th century hay farming played an important role in the region. With the golden trinity (cattle, forests of oaks and running water) within reach, a flourishing shoe and leather industry developed in De Langstraat in the 18th century.

Since the decline of shoe production, the region was forced to move in another direction. In 1933, a sports park was built in the village of Kaatsheuvel. This was the basis for the Efteling, which has grown into the largest amusement park in the Benelux. Partly due to the growth of the Efteling, De Langstraat is now strongly focused on leisure and there is an enormous amount to do and discover.

Stay tuned for all the news!

There is plenty to see and experience in De Langstraat. Read about it in our inspiration magazine.

The magazine is available for free at numerous hospitality venues in the region and our TIPs.

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