This is how you discover the tannery past of De Langstraat

I love special places in the Netherlands. De Langstraat, the area in Brabant near Dongen, Waalwijk, Loon op Zand and Heusden, has all the ingredients for a special day out as far as I'm concerned. If you like strolling through picturesque villages and visiting vast natural areas, this is the place to be. But what makes De Langstraat very unique is its history as a thriving tanning area, which is still very much felt and visible.

How tanning once began
Back in the early 19th century, De Langstraat became the center of the shoe and leather industry. Winters were harsh and the region's farmers had to look for another source of income to support their families during these harsh times. So it was that leather tanning became a popular craft in the region. The Langstraat turned out to be the ideal place for tanners and shoemakers, everything you need to tan leather is there. Cows, running water from the surrounding rivers and bark from the many oak trees. The shoe and leather industry has since been modernized for the most part, but the gems from this influential past can still be found in the region. At these five places in De Langstraat you can relive times of yesteryear. I love coming here.

1. Monumental buildings in De Hooisteeg
The Hooisteeg in Waalwijk takes you back in time. The monumental buildings were built in the 19th century on behalf of wealthy shoe manufacturers and served as workers' dwellings for the shoemakers and their families. Today, I love visiting this beautiful part of Waalwijk. In fact, a few years ago all the buildings were renovated and studios are located here, where you can see different artists at work and visit their exhibitions.

2 .Walking across the Moerputten bridge.
This bridge was opened in 1890 as part of the Langstraat railroad line between 's-Hertogenbosch and Lage Zwaluwe. Nowadays, trains no longer cross the bridge and a path runs across the old railroad line. A walk on the Moerputtenbrug is a unique experience and is among my favorites. This 600-meter-long, industrial bridge is supported by 35 masonry pillars and is a real eye-catcher. Therefore, chances are quite high that you have seen a picture of the bridge passing by.

3. Museum the Tannery
In this tannery complex in Dongen you will find Museum de Looierij. Highly recommended if you want to learn about the past of De Langstraat. In this museum you imagine yourself in the life of the former community of tanners. The so-called slipper loft is the stage for the permanent exhibition 'Dongen from zero to now' and in 't Nieuwe Nathuis there are changing exhibitions.

4. Walk the Wet Blue Route in Waalwijk
During the day you don't see any of it, but at night Waalwijk changes. The city turns light blue, the color that strikes in the tanning of leather. By means of permanent light projections on the buildings in the city, the memories of Waalwijk's shoe and leather past are made visible. A unique walking route therefore, which you can undertake on your own or together with a guide. The route shows you the whole center of Waalwijk and tells different stories and experiences about the tannery past. In short, a wonderful evening walk with an educational touch.

5. Cycle the Crescent Trail
The Halve zolenpad, the name alone makes me curious. It is a reference to De Langstraat's past and appears to be an ironically intended nickname for the region's inhabitants. The Halve Zolenpad is located on the former Halve Zolen railroad that once connected Geertruidenberg and Drunen. The 20-kilometer bike path leads you past five special works of art, animated films and several poems. All are dedicated to the tannery past.

The Langstraat is a special part of the Netherlands with a rich past about which there is still much to be found. Besides, discovering cultural heritage in your own country is always fascinating, isn't it? Have fun!

Love,

Laura

Guest blogger Honeyguide

About Honeyguide
This guest blog was written by Honeyguide. Honeyguide promotes travel and leisure with a positive impact. The Netherlands has countless hidden gems that all contribute to a more beautiful, fair and sustainable world. On Heyhoneyguide.com, honeyguides like Laura bring attention to these places and experiences. Using the UN's sustainable goals, Honeyguide makes it easy to make conscious choices. Visit Heyhoneyguide.com for tips from honeyguides on their favorite slowspots in the Netherlands and go on vacation in your own country. Do you always know how to find all the unique places, off the beaten path? Share your tips and become a honeyguide yourself.