The origin of Breda is the spot where the rivers Aa or Weerijs and Mark converge. This spot was also called the Brede Aa, which translates to Breda. The canals of Breda bring the water together towards the northern side of the city, where it leaves the city again as 'the Mark'. Trade routes intersected and via the Mark, there was an open connection to the sea. This is how Breda developed from its initial settlement into a fortified city with a thriving commercial centre.

Over time, the relationship with water became less significant. With a one-vote majority in the city council, the municipality decided to fill in the harbour in the early sixties of the previous century and turn it into the first underground car park in the Netherlands. Many people considered this a historical mistake. Since the reopening of the harbour in 2007, water has become a genuine tourist attraction for Breda.

Did you know that different neighbourhoods are designed with water as a basis to enhance nature and combat drought? In the Waterdonken district, the water bodies form a 'water machine' to purify water, among other things. Water is also an important element for nature and daily leisure activities in neighbourhoods like Westerpark and Nieuw-Wolfslaar.

Is there water to be found in your neighbourhood as well?

To enter the city of Breda from outside, boats used to pass under the low Trambrug. This made the city centre very difficult to access for water tourists. This changed in 2013 when the Trambrug was replaced by the higher Willem-Alexanderbrug. With the construction of mooring jetties at the Nieuwe Prinsenkade and the Haven, it is now even possible to stay overnight in the city centre on your own boat.

Please note: the water level and depth in the canals can vary greatly, especially in winter, so keep an eye on this!

Have you ever noticed that the water of the Nieuwe Mark stops right in the middle of the city centre? Currently, efforts are being made to deepen and extend the Nieuwe Mark all the way to Fellenoordstraat. The intention is for the water to then continue on the Seelig-Zuid site before reconnecting to the canal.

This way, you can complete your boating route!

The main port of Breda is of course the Passantenhaven. But did you know that there are more ports? For example, there is the Krouwelaar harbour, where the Canoe Association Breda is located. During the sailing season, this harbour accommodates 30 boats from the Breda Watersports Association. 

Around the Belcrumhaven, there is a buzz of activities including Pier15, Brack, Belcrum Beach, STEK, and Electron. Nowadays, the area is even referred to as the Harbour Island. When the temperatures rise in the summer, you can even swim at Pier15!

The ultimate swimming paradise in summer: the Galderse Meren. In the past, this lake was often used for surfing! In Prinsenbeek you will find De Kuil. This lake is used as an outdoor swimming pool in the summer. Another place where you can enjoy swimming is the Asterdplas in Haagse Beemden. 

Swimming in the Emerput is not (yet) recommended. This lake has long been used as a settling basin for rinse water used by the sugar factory. A number of special birds can be found in this location. 

Breda is with all its water the perfect place for fishing. Fortunately, this is also possible in many places! At VISplanner you can see exactly where you are allowed to fish in Breda. For example, cast your line in the city: also known as streetfishing or urban fishing!

What you definitely need is a fishing permit. For most waters in Breda, you need a permit from De Baroniesche Hengelaars. On the website of De Baroniesche Hengelaars you can find the fishing waters of the association and the rules regarding fishing. You can also see here which permit you need.

In Breda's canals there is space for three hundred vessels. A permit is required for a permanent berth for a small vessel (rowboat) or houseboat. On the Gemeente Breda website you can find the locations of these berths. Boat owners can turn to marinas or water sports clubs for a berth outside the canals. This 2017 map shows all berths.

Breda is perfect for a multi-day visit. The 'Passantenhaven' is an ideal place to moor your boat. The harbour has space for 40 boats. You can find the rates for renting a berth on the Passantenhaven Breda website. Also, the De Werve marina is within walking distance of the city centre.

Of course, there is plenty to do on, in, and around the water in Breda. Think about taking a boat tour, renting a sloop or canoe, or attending a major event in the harbour. Find out here about fun water activities. Tip: rent a WaterBike and have some fun!

Curious about the various boating routes in and around Breda? Take a look at our great routes and explore the city and region in a different way!

Breda does not have a free boat ramp. Do you have a boat that needs to be taken out of the water once or do you want to launch your boat? You can use the boat ramp at the company LocoMotion located at Nieuwe Bredase Baan, near the Mark between Breda and Terheijden. 

You can find more information about this here.

The canals of Breda are fed by the Mark and the Aa of Weerijs. The banks of these waters offer an unexpected, idyllic view of Breda. In Zaartbos, a small forest in South-West Breda, you can follow various routes along the river. Aggie van Dongen created a walking map with nine walking routes along the Aa of Weerijs, averaging twelve kilometres each. Alternatively, take a stroll through the beautiful Mark Valley. 

Tip: also try a 5 km walk along the canals of Breda. Among these adventurous things to do in Breda, you'll find this route!