Port of Oudenbosch - Oudenbosch

Oudenbosch originated as a settlement due to its large-scale peat production. Monks from The Saint Bernard Abbey of Hemiksem near Antwerp had the area reclaimed and around 1300 they dug a canal, creating the present-day Oudenbosche Haven. The peat that was cut south of Oudenbosch was transported by small barges across a canal to this harbour.

Once in the harbour, the peat was transferred to seaworthy sailing ships capable of navigating larger waters. From here, the brown gold was transported down the Mark and Dintel rivers. Commercial peat activities gave rise to the village of Oudenbosch, which had its own church decades later.

In the period from 1458 to 1600, Oudenbosch's harbour suddenly became important. Due to the Sint-Elisabethflood of 1421, the trade route between Antwerp and Holland was no longer accessible so a successful ferry service was established between the two ends of the old route, Dordrecht in the north and Oudenbosch in the south.

Nowadays, Oudenbosch harbour is a place for pleasure boating. Tours also depart from the marina during the boating season.

In the harbour, there is a Veenpaal information panel with an old photo and a print.