Dagje rijen
Discover the history of Rijen, dive into its military heritage and taste delicious local regional products.
Take the train and get off at Gilze-Rijen station for a surprising day in Rijen, because your journey of discovery through this Brabant village starts from here. Rijen is part of the municipality of Gilze en Rijen and is best known for its air base. But there is so much more to experience so get going soon!
Historic village walk
You start your day in Rijen in the station building, one of the oldest station buildings still in use in the Netherlands. Located on the then-opened Breda-Tilburg railway line, Rijen has had a station since 1863. A fire in 1911 destroyed the station building but in 1916 a new station building was built, a typical example of the railways' so-called brick utility building. The listed building was completely renovated and restored to its former glory in 2020.
In the station building, you can stop by for a cup of coffee and hospitable volunteers will give you information or show you around.
Free Trace Finder app
From the station, start with a historic village walk through Rijen, a 3 km walk past municipal monuments and works of art.
Download the Sporenzoeker app on your phone for free and you can start your walk immediately. As you walk, the app will show you nice videos and listen to interesting information about the sights you walk past.
“Download the Trackfinder App for free on your phone and you can start your walk straight away."
Local products from local partners
During your walk, you will pass Shopping Centre De Laverije on Wilhelminaplein. Here you will find Smaak Lokaal, Gastrobar Wendy and Zout, several hip cafés where you can enjoy a coffee or lunch. They work with local products from local partners, so you can enjoy an honest and delicious meal!
Gilze-Rijen Air Base Tradition Room
After your walk, dive into our military heritage and visit the Gilze-Rijen Air Base Tradition Room. Listen to the stories of former pilots and admire the collection of the airbase's history and its role in the development of Dutch aviation. You will find photographs, documents, military and aircraft equipment, communication equipment as well as aircraft models, dioramas and models. Great fun for children, too!
The Tradition Room is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 13:00-15:30 and admission is free. Upon arrival, please report to the main gate of Gilze-Rijen Air Base with a valid ID.
A cosy finale
End your day at café-eeterij 't Vermaeck, (Rijksweg 115) located right next to the entrance to the airbase. At this cosy café, you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a snack and a drink and the Brabant conviviality!
Staying longer in de Baronie
From 't Vermaeck, it's just a short walk to the train station and your day out in Rijen comes to an end.
But there is much more to experience in De Baronie. Feel free to come back again or stay a night at one of our hospitable stay overnight locations.