After the Eindhoven Marathon: 's-Hertogenbosch

The Route: Eindhoven Centraal → 's-Hertogenbosch → Eindhoven Centraal Logistics: NS Intercity or Sprinter, about 20 to 30 minutes each way, several trains an hour. The old centre is a flat walk of about 1 km from the station. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Eindhoven Centraal ──(20-30 mins, NS)──> 's-Hertogenbosch
        ^                                       │
        └────────(20-30 mins, NS return)────────┘

The Eindhoven Marathon finishes on Vestdijk on a Sunday in October. 's-Hertogenbosch, usually called Den Bosch, is the simplest Monday: one short train, a small centre and no luggage to move.

October in Den Bosch: daytime highs are around 13°C and showers are common. Leaves on the trees along the Binnendieze turn yellow in the second half of the month in most years. Daylight is shorter than in summer, so start in the morning. Several museums close on Mondays, so check opening hours before you go.

Dutch rail has no advance fares, so there is nothing to book early. A single from Eindhoven costs a few euros and is paid by tapping in and out with a contactless bank card or OVpay. Check the NS planner for engineering works.

The Centre

The Markt is a cobbled square with the statue of Hieronymus Bosch, the painter who lived here in the fifteenth century. The cobbles are uneven, so go slowly. The Jheronimus Bosch Art Center, in a former church on the square, costs around €10 and shows reproductions of his work with seating and a short route.

Sint-Janskathedraal is a Gothic cathedral begun in the fourteenth century. It is level inside, with free or low-cost entry; check the hours. Its buttresses are decorated with figures that include small monsters.

The Binnendieze is the old network of canals that runs under and between the houses. A boat tour of about an hour costs around €12 and is the easiest way to see it. The boats are low, so mind your head. The Bossche bol, a chocolate-covered cream puff, is the town's snack and is sold at bakeries around the Markt.

The Noordbrabants Museum, in the former provincial government building next to the Parade square, covers art and regional history from the Bosch era onward and has lifts. Check opening hours, because it may be closed on Mondays. The walk from the station to the Markt passes the old ramparts, and the paths along the Dommel are flat and shaded if the weather is dry.

Trains return to Eindhoven until late evening. Check the last service on the NS app if you stay for dinner.