Park Valkenberg

Park Valkenberg is a public green space in central Breda featuring a large fountain pond, mature trees, and flowering beds throughout the grounds. Medieval defense tower ruins line the former city walls, creating a layered landscape that blends nature with historic fortifications.

The site began as castle gardens for Breda Castle and became a public park in 1881 when the municipality took over the grounds. This transformation reflected a shift from private princely use to a space open to all residents.

The Nassau-Baronie Monument at the park entrance was unveiled by Queen Wilhelmina in 1905 and honors five hundred years of the Nassau family's rule in Breda. This landmark connects visitors to the city's long princely heritage and remains central to local identity.

This location connects the central train station to downtown, offering maintained pathways, a children's play area, and outdoor seating at the T-Huis cafe. The level paths are easy to walk and make the grounds accessible to visitors with different mobility needs.

The name Valkenberg comes from medieval falconry, when Nassau lords kept their hunting falcons in special structures on these grounds. This detail reveals how the site once functioned for the ruling family and reflected their leisure activities.