Trip to Enschede: Experience a holiday market with Dutch flair!

Trip to Enschede: Experience a holiday market with Dutch flair!

Enschede, a charming city in the Netherlands, remains a popular excursion destination, especially for those who enjoy bargaining and feasting. Next November 1st, a public holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the lively market on the Hendrik Jan van Heekplein. The market, which is open every Tuesday and Saturday, is one of the largest and best-known in the whole of Holland and attracts numerous tourists from Germany. If you set up on Saturday, you should get there early because the stands open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

A visit is worthwhile not only because of the colorful market stalls, but also because of the additional gastronomic offerings on weekends. Lovers of Dutch fish, cheese and flowers will get their money's worth here. Large fashion brands such as Zara and Primark await you in the surrounding shopping streets, but small, cozy boutiques also invite you to browse. If you want to go on a cultural journey of discovery in addition to shopping and culinary delights, you will find sights in Enschede such as the impressive church and the renowned Rijksmuseum Twenthe. From medieval art to modern exhibitions, there is something for every taste.

Green oases and dark chapters

Another highlight is the Volkspark Enschede, the oldest park in the Netherlands, not far from the city center. Here, walkers can enjoy the recreational areas and ponds in quiet moments and perhaps even spot one of the characteristic black cormorants nesting in the trees.

However, Enschede also has a dark side to its history. In May 2000, a devastating fireworks factory explosion occurred here in which 23 people, including four firefighters, lost their lives. In addition, almost 950 people were injured and around 1,500 houses were damaged, of which 300 became uninhabitable. This tragedy had the force of five tons of TNT and disturbed the city for a long time. A court in Arnhem punished those responsible three years after the disaster, resulting in two managers being sentenced to a year in prison for violating environmental and safety regulations, while a man charged with arson was later released due to a lack of evidence.

The victims' stories are still present and found a space in the Huis van Verhalen where those affected share their experiences. Hadassa Meijer, whose home was destroyed in the explosion, describes the challenges she faced when she first had to live with friends and later in a dormitory for students. There she built a community in which people support each other - a ray of hope in the midst of suffering. The importance of sharing this disaster remains essential for many survivors to overcome the pain and find a new perspective on life.

A trip to Enschede not only promises bargains and culinary delights, but also the opportunity to reflect on the dark sides of the city's history and remember the strength of the community. An experience that touches both heart and soul.