This southern city is conveniently located for history buffs and day-trippers and even has a special castle.
Thanks to its convenient location, the vibrant city of Helmond is full of things to do, whether you’re visiting for the day or the weekend. Learn more about its industrial past in the different museums, visit neighbouring towns and the castle with an unusual story.
The city of Helmond was settled in the Middle Ages and was the centre of the textile industry for centuries. The industry brought a lot of wealth and prosperity to the region, which is reflected by the large mansions along Zuid-Willemsvaart. Helmond was once a fortified town, which is given away by the street names ending in 'wal' (Dutch for rampart).
Helmond’s most prominent landmark is Kasteel Helmond, a 14th-century water castle in the middle of town. It’s said to be the castle to which Saint Nicholas retreats until the 5th of December. The castle is decorated for this special day – Dutch Christmas – from mid-November to the first week of December.
The museum Stichting Industrieel Erfgoed Helmond is a great place to learn about Helmond's old textile and metal industry.
When you've seen enough of Helmond, pop over to Eindhoven - where you’ll find Stratumseind, the longest street of pubs in the Netherlands - or 's-Hertogenbosch, the birthplace of Jeroen Bosch. Visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center for more information about his work.
Helmond has four train stations on the Eindhoven-Venlo line, with Helmond station within walking distance of the city centre. There are a number of busses at the station that will get you around town or to neighbouring towns.
It takes 10 minutes to get to Eindhoven by train and 30 to get to 's-Hertogenbosch. The train to Amsterdam takes 1.5 hours with a change in Eindhoven. It takes just as long to drive from Amsterdam and you can park at the park and ride (P+R) parking lots at Smalstraat (at Helmond station).
Helmond is the perfect destination for young and old, lovers of local history and day-trippers.
