's-Hertogenbosch, a city often affectionately referred to as Den Bosch by its residents, has the reputation of being one of the most hospitable cities in the Netherlands.
The charm of the city lies not only in its historic city centre, picturesque streets and cultural hotspots, but especially in the way visitors are welcomed. This warmth and openness seems to be deeply rooted in the DNA of the people of Den Bosch, and is reinforced in a special way by the efforts of De Blauwe Engelen, the hosts and hostesses of the city.
The Blue Angels are an initiative of Stichting Gastvrij 's-Hertogenbosch and are the calling card of the city. This group of volunteers, dressed in their striking blue uniforms, has been driving around the city in electric hop-on hop-off buses since 2016. From Tuesday to Sunday, both tourists and residents can use these buses for free. The fixed route takes them past the most iconic places in the city, such as the Stationsplein, the Markt and the Noordbrabants Museum. Visitors can get on and off whenever they want, while the volunteers provide them with all the necessary information to make their day in Den Bosch even more pleasant.
The idea behind the Blue Angels goes further than just providing information and transport. They have three tasks that should enrich the visitors' stay as much as possible. Firstly, they are the hosts and hostesses who welcome visitors with open arms. In addition, they help organize and support events in the city, which gives Den Bosch a dynamic and lively character. And last but not least, they provide people with practical information and tips about the city. Think of the best places to shop, where to eat delicious food, and which cultural sights are worth seeing.
blue chairs
One of the most visible additions to the city, in which the Blue Angels played a major role, are the striking blue chairs that were placed by the municipality a few years ago. These brightly colored seats, which are placed at strategic locations along the city bus route, offer visitors the opportunity to wait quietly for the bus to arrive. These chairs are especially useful for people who are less mobile. The initiative for the chairs came directly from the Blue Angels and is a fine example of how they contribute to the comfort of visitors to Den Bosch.
The chairs were designed by Wouter Corvers, a young designer who graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven two years ago and has lived in Den Bosch since then.
Corvers focuses on diversity and inclusivity in public space with his designs, and worked on this project entirely free of charge. The result is a series of seats that are not only practical, but also contribute to the streetscape of the city. The seats are located at four different locations, including the Stationsplein and at Het Noordbrabants Museum, and make it even easier for visitors to plan their visit to the city.
smile
The success of the Blue Angels and the accompanying city buses show that hospitality and service are taken seriously in Den Bosch. The buses are not only a practical solution for transport through the city, but also contribute to the overall experience of a visit to Den Bosch. For both tourists and residents, it is a unique way to explore the city, with the comfort that there is always someone who will speak to you with a smile or help you further.
The bright blue hop-on hop-off buses of the Blauwe Engelen are a striking appearance in the streets of 's-Hertogenbosch.
They travel through the city at fixed times from Tuesday to Sunday, offering visitors an easy and free way to explore the city. This free service has been carefully designed to give both tourists and residents access to the city's most beautiful places.
The schedule is based on the opening hours of the city’s main attractions. From Tuesday to Saturday, the buses run between 10.00:17.00 and 10.00:14.30, giving visitors a full day to enjoy the city. On Sundays, when the city is often quieter, the buses run from XNUMX:XNUMX to XNUMX:XNUMX. This makes Sunday an ideal day to explore Den Bosch. The buses have a limited capacity of a maximum of eight people per trip and use is at your own risk.
road.
The route of the buses has been carefully planned and takes visitors past some of the most iconic locations in Den Bosch. The tour starts at the centrally located Stationsplein, after which the buses continue their way past the Sint Janssingel and the Vughterstraat, popular places full of history and cosiness. Behind the City Hall and the Verwerstraat are two other stops that offer visitors the opportunity to admire the rich culture and architecture of Den Bosch. For art lovers, there is a stop at Museum Slager and the famous Theater aan de Parade, near the Sint-Jan, is also not skipped.
The route continues through picturesque streets such as Papenhulst and Hinthamerstraat, where numerous boutiques and restaurants can be found. Visitors also pass the Zuid-Willemsvaart, a well-known waterway that runs through the city and contributes to the charming atmosphere of Den Bosch. Via Tolburgstraat and Pastoor de Kroonstraat, the buses enter Jan Heinstraat, a neighborhood known for its historic buildings and cozy atmosphere. The tour ends with stops at Orthenseweg, Boschdijkstraat and Brugplein, after which the buses return to Stationsplein.
Thanks to the hop-on hop-off service of the Blue Angels, visitors can enjoy everything that Den Bosch has to offer in a relaxed way. Whether you are looking for a day of culture, exploring the shops or simply strolling through the picturesque streets, the Blue Angels are ready to offer you a warm welcome and show you the way to the most beautiful places in the city.
