Hotel de Kruishoeve is located in the beautiful nature of Brabant, close to the IJzeren Man natural pool. Sand was extracted at this location for the urban raising of the Het Zand district in \'s-Hertogenbosch, around 1890. Before that, around 1868, sand was excavated that was used in the construction of the Kuilenburg railway bridge. Almost 1,300,000 m3 of sand was excavated on the Vughtse Heide between 1890 and 1894. This was done with a so-called “excavateur”, a large excavator, popularly called “De IJzeren Man” (The Iron Man). The sand was then transported to its destination on a specially constructed railway line. First, the sand was taken to a sand train with wheelbarrows. Later, a steam dredger was made. The workers thought they would lose their jobs and a nickname for the steam dredger arose: “De IJzeren Man”.

Camp Vught (official German: Konzentrationslager Herzogenbusch) was one of three German concentration camps in the Netherlands during World War II. Camp Vught was located in Vught near the recreational lake De IJzeren Man. It was the only SS concentration camp outside of Germany and the areas annexed by Germany. It functioned as a concentration camp for more than two years. This camp was under the control of the SS, unlike the other Dutch camps (where SS officers often worked, such as in Amersfoort). The location was partly determined by the proximity of \'s-Hertogenbosch, which is why the camp was referred to by the Germans as Konzentrationslager Herzogenbusch. A number of rural German institutions were located in \'s-Hertogenbosch, while the camp was also close to good roads and railways. The camp was to serve as a \'model camp\'. The design, construction and size of the camp is comparable to the Dachau concentration camp. However, 15,000 Jews were deported from Vught, almost none of whom survived the war.

In the Loonse en Drunense Duinen you will find woods, heathland and especially a lot of sand. It is one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe. The wind can blow unobstructed in many places and that creates an ever-changing landscape. By purchasing it in 1921, it has been protected for 100 years and we can still enjoy this Brabant Sahara.

You can stroll on the sandy plains. So there is plenty of room to explore extensively. Marvel at the buried trees, enjoy the chirping field crickets and quench your thirst at the many restaurants on the edge of this nature reserve. Walking, cycling or on horseback: it\'s all possible here. With the wind in your hair and the sand in your shoes. You might come across the flock of sheep. The sheep keep the heath short and eat saplings away. This is how they keep the area open.

What makes the Loonse en Drunense Duinen special?

The Loonse en Drunense Duinen still has on 270 hectares of drifting sand. That sand creates rather extreme conditions: the soil is dry and nutrient-poor. The difference in temperature between day and night can be as much as 50 degrees Celsius. That results in a unique flora and fauna. The animals and plants have adapted or feel at home in drought, aridity and temperature fluctuations. Sand sedges and various lichens, for example. And the viviparous lizard, sand ground beetles and sand bees. All species that love sand.

How did that sand get into the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?

In the last Ice Age, the polar winds blew sand from the north to Brabant, where it was left in thick packages. For a long time, this sandy plain was covered with primeval forests. Until the trees were felled by people in the fourteenth century. They used the wood as fuel. The barren plains filled with heather, on which the farmers grazed their cattle. This intensive grazing and the cutting of the soil depleted the soil. This gave the sand free rein. For a long time, the sand was a big problem for the residents. Villages and fields were at risk of being buried beneath it. Trees were planted to stop the advancing sand. You can still see the traces of this today: find the buried trees that only partly peak above the sand hills.

Cosy streets, a historic centre with the mighty St. John\'s Cathedral. The Museum Quarter, the Binnendieze and of course the local treat \'Bossche Bollen\'; that\'s \'s-Hertogenbosch! But if you are only thinking about history, you are wrong! The city is brimming with trendy restaurants, wine bars and unique food concepts. How about the railway zone of the city, with the Werkwarenhuis and Social Label on the Tramkade. Discover the many design & lifestyle hotspots, the concept stores and countless boutiques. Be surprised!

With its picturesque streets, centuries-old buildings, many studios and galleries, unique shops and top restaurants, the atmospheric fortified city of Heusden is a great destination for lovers of art, culture, history and good food and drink. Due to a thorough restoration, the city received the highest European restoration award: the \'Europa Nostra\'. Come and discover why visitors from all over the world mingle with local visitors who visit the city on one of the many hiking or cycling routes in the green surroundings.

Rich history

Heusden's history started around 1200, when an urban settlement emerged along the river Maas. The arrival of the fortifications marked the start of a heyday: from the end of the sixteenth century, Heusden was a garrison town for thousands of soldiers. Even then, the city looked as it still largely does today: as cartographer Jean Blaeu drew it in the seventeenth century. During a city walk on Sunday afternoon, a (multilingual) guide will tell you all about the rich history of the city. On top of the ramparts you have a beautiful view of the Brabant and Gelderland landscape, the Bergsche Maas and the restored city. Walking through the picturesque streets and narrow alleys you will discover many centuries-old, well-preserved buildings and facades with beautiful gable stones. This gives the fortress an atmospheric character: one of the reasons why the city is so loved by artists.

With core values such as Brabant hospitality, versatility, quality and inspiration, you will find the museum at a stone\'s throw from the beautiful St. John\'s Cathedral. The museum is geared towards foreign visitors, with an English website, brochures, text signs and signage. Partly due to the good accessibility for the disabled, the museum focuses on very diverse target groups, which vary by exhibition and activity.

Come and enjoy everything that the Noordbrabants Museum has to offer.

Step into the world of more than 85 years of DAF history and really learn everything about the history of this world-famous vehicle manufacturer. In 2016, the DAF Museum was proclaimed “Best Day Out”: a national public award organised by “Eropuit in Eigen Land”. In any case, the public is very enthusiastic, given the following reactions from previous museum visitors: “Beautiful! Enjoyed it!” and “Everything here conjures up wonderful memories. Great, keep it up”.

Come and enjoy all the vehicles from the rich DAF history, the exceptional collection of passenger cars or one of the many other activities.

Van Doorne's Automotive Factory

The history of DAF goes back to 1928, when the brothers Hub and Wim van Doorne laid the foundation for what is today called DAF Trucks. Starting out as a small machine factory and forge, the family business developed into the fastest growing truck manufacturer in Europe. A village square has been set up on the ground floor of the museum, with shops from the 1930s, the cosy tavern De Valk and a replica of the management office from that time. The museum is therefore suitable for trips with the whole family. Groups can even take advantage of special admission prices.