"Brielle: Libertatis Primitiae" Top 5 Page for this destination Brielle by ATLC

Brielle Travel Guide: 204 reviews and 351 photos

IN BRIELLE HISTORY IS A MAIN ITEM - Brielle

History comes alive in Brielle

Many people have never heard of Brielle, one of those off-the-beaten-path treasures of The Netherlands.

I've lived here for 20 years now, right in the historical center of town.

Brielle lies on the island Voorne though when you're driving, you wouldn't notice it is an island, due to the bridges and tunnels in a fast connection (motorway) with Rotterdam, which is only a 20-minute drive away.

History is an important part of Brielle. It comes alive on many local occassions.
More on this on my April 1st travelogue and in Local Customs Tips.

News: June 2007: According to recent research by weekmagazine Elsevier, Brielle is 23rd on the list of Dutch towns where the living is good. The list, with 50 top places, scored highest on housing, schools, tourism and recreation, safety, medical care, recreation and the average income of the population.

Note On February 16th 2003, I added some 30-odd tips in Must See Activities. They comprise a town walk on which I have already taken many foreign visitors.

On Voorne there are other villages and towns to visit:

Oostvoorne, Rockanje, Hellevoetsluis, Zwartewaal, Heenvliet, Geervliet, Spijkenisse. Enjoy them!

FIRE

Fire

On April 23rd 2005, in the night, the roof and apartments above our candystore were burned down. You see it on the right of the photo. The building next to it (the grey roof) was burned down too. The fashion shop below was emptied and closed. The smaller red roof on the left is my house. We have major water damage in our toyshop on the ground floor and also in my house on the first floor and attic.
More photos in the Packing Tips

Europoort

BRIELLE BIRDS EYE VIEW FROM ST. CATHARINE'S TOWER

Behind Brielle you will see the Europoort industry. Two extremes.
The town existed from the Middle Ages and was a major town then. The port was the largest in the area until it slibbed close and nearby Hellevoetsluis took over.
After that, tiny village Rotterdam grew to be the largest port in the world.

Today 5000 people live within the old fortified town Hundreds of years ago also some 5000 people lived there too.
These days there are a total of 16.000 inhabitants of Brielle (inside and outside the city walls).

An impression of Brielle on Youtube, click here

Pros and Cons

Pros:Medieval, fortified town, historical, nightlife, restaurant, 400 buildings listed as monument
Cons:none!
In a nutshell:Libertatis Primitiae

Last visit to Brielle: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Jan 26, 2008
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Reviews (126)

Butendic bell (15th century), 4350 kg - Brielle

Bell ringing joys Off The Beaten Path (3)

The Brielle Bell Ringers Guild is a very active club. They ring the bells in the St. Catharijne church, maintain, give... more travel advice

Beauty treatments and cosmetics Shopping (23)

My neigbhour across the road is a wonderful beauty shop with all the expected good brands. It's the elaborate and... more travel advice

2008, Mique, ATLC and baby Xenne - Brielle

VT-ers that dare to visit me :-) Local Customs (10)

There've been quite a few VT members that came to visit me at home. Click the links to read what they had to say about... more travel advice

Fire in Brielle What to Pack (15)

Photo courtesy of Wil van Balen, press photographer and a former collegeau of mine. Another view of the actual fire. more travel advice

Favorites (4)
See All The martyrs of Gorcum
Nightlife (8)
See All Yet another pub in Brielle
Hotels (4)
See All Bastion hotel
Restaurants (6)
See All Jim de Kok (Jim, the Cook)
Transportation (2)
See All How to get to Brielle by public...

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Chewing gum
Tourist Traps (15)
See All Gablestone Four craftsmen
Things to Do (28)
See All A walk through Brielle
Sports & Outdoors (6)
See All Ligfietsen (reclining bicycle)
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Comments (92)

mvtouring Oct 28, 2010 at 12:03 PM Report Abuse

Now how come I missed this place I wonder? I love the Netherlands and on my next visit I will make sure that I visit Brielle. ;- )
justintime1ooo May 7, 2010 at 2:40 PM Report Abuse

Used to drink here in 1970, went back in 1997ish and the landlord took me upstairs to see the bar had been mothballed and had not changed at all in all that time. He even called up an old freind who he was still in touch with and we had a great reunion
angiebabe Feb 3, 2010 at 12:13 AM Report Abuse

Hi and Happy Birthday AnkeThea for when you are back online again - havent seen you for a while and thinking about you - take care and hope you had a great day yesterday for a special person x
Mique Jun 7, 2009 at 2:29 AM Report Abuse

Enne, we zijn er weer hoor. Net als de hollandse haring ;-) Ben al een paar keer langs de shop gelopen... Wanneer doen we een bakkie? We zijn voorlopig nog wel hier
nepalgoods Jun 6, 2009 at 12:55 AM Report Abuse

Great page and great memories. I hope you are well. Ulrike
DiveToWalk May 14, 2009 at 2:37 PM Report Abuse

This has to be one of the prettiest places I saw while I was there.
hdv63 Dec 20, 2008 at 3:02 AM Report Abuse

Well, like your Brielle poics too. So many..... but you live there
zizu Oct 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM Report Abuse

Very nice town. Wa passed pn bike last august, and it was extremely cold!
unaS Aug 4, 2008 at 3:46 AM Report Abuse

Am going to visit! Love your gable stones. One of my favorites when travelling. So sorry about the fire. Hope that most of the damage was repairable! Looking forward to pictures of this year's masquerade!
KiKitC Apr 10, 2008 at 2:41 AM Report Abuse

I would love to take your tour of Brielle...in person. But, perhaps the liquid reward before the walk if it's cold...and after. Loved you photos.