Carnaval Den Bosch 

Oeteldonk lets you hear it! Every year during carnival, Den Bosch transforms into the festive city Oeteldonk, and the streets fill with music, parades, and local traditions. The people of Den Bosch (oeteldonkers) traditionally wear a farmer's smock with a scarf in red, white, and yellow colors. People come from far and wide to the city center to celebrate the festival grandly.

Also enjoy the carnival atmosphere, and combine it with a relaxing stay in the Bommelerwaard.

Celebrating Carnaval in Oeteldonk 

Traditionally, the festival is ushered in on carnival Sunday with the arrival of Prince Amadeiro, at 11:11 by royal train at Oeteldonk Central (station Den Bosch). From that moment, the festivities erupt again in the city center of Den Bosch.

Oeteldonkers celebrate carnival a little differently than in other cities; no clownish outfits, but a farmer's smock with an emblem and a scarf in the carnival colors (red, white, and yellow). Those who want to join the carnival with the people of Den Bosch are highly recommended to adhere to the dress code and respect the local Oeteldonk traditions.

Although the traditional carnival officially kicks off on carnival Sunday, pleasant festivities also take place in the days before in and around Den Bosch. Both during and before carnival, Oeteldonkers and visitors gather in the historic city center for music, parades, and (un)official carnival moments.

Carnaval Den Bosch Program 

The program of Carnaval Den Bosch consists yearly of official ceremonies, musical activities, parades, and events spread over several days. Well-known parts include the parade, the grand carnival parade and the official closure of the carnival.

The definitive carnival program, with all activities, locations, and events for Oeteldonk is announced each year through the official channels of the carnival organization.  

The start of carnival 

The kick-off of traditional carnival starts at 11 past 11 on carnival Sunday with the arrival of Prince Amadeiro at Den Bosch Central. However, pre-carnival is already being celebrated in the streets and pubs on Friday. In the city center, visitors gather for music, festive activities, and the first carnival moments. Cafés and other venues often open their doors early in the morning and usually organize their own program.

For some locations, additional conditions may apply such as an entry ticket, a minimum age, or limited capacity. Therefore, it's best to check opening hours and entry requirements in advance if you wish to visit a specific activity or venue.

The parade 

The arrival of Prince Amadeiro also heralds the parade in. Right after arrival, the Prince departs in a colorful procession from the station towards the town hall on the market. Many visitors gather along the route to witness the official arrival and accompanying ceremony. This ceremonial procession through the decorated streets of the city center is the official parade and is one of the most important traditions of the carnival in Den Bosch every year.

Do you want to attend the parade? Then travel to the city center in time. It can get crowded early around the route and on popular squares.

The grand carnival parade 

The grand carnival parade is one of the most famous components of the official carnival program in Den Bosch. The parade traditionally always takes place on always takes place on always on carnival Monday. During the parade, colorful floats, walking groups, music groups, and carnival figures move through the city. Participants combine creativity and music with the characteristic humor of the Oeteldonk carnival.

Parking and transportation during Carnaval Den Bosch 

During Carnaval Den Bosch, it is busy in and around the city center. Roads may be temporarily closed, and parking spaces fill up faster. Therefore, plan your trip ahead and check current traffic information before you leave.

By car to Den Bosch 

Are you coming by car? Preferably park outside the historic city center and allow extra travel time. Check current parking locations and temporary traffic measures beforehand.

By train to Oeteldonk 

Station ’s-Hertogenbosch is within walking distance from the center. The train is therefore a practical choice. Please take into account the extra crowds and also check your return trip in advance.

By bus or taxi 

Due to road closures, bus stops and taxi stands may temporarily change. So check the current route and agree on a clear pick-up point in advance for a taxi ride.

Overnight stay during Carnaval Den Bosch 

What's more fun than one day of carnival? Exactly: multiple days of carnival! Do you want to fully enjoy all the carnival festivities in Oeteldonk? Then an overnight stay at Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel-A2 offers the ideal solution.

An overnight stay during Carnaval Den Bosch gives you the freedom to enjoy Oeteldonk longer. Instead of making a long journey home after a festive day, you return to a comfortable hotel room. Especially for couples and visitors from outside North Brabant, this can make the carnival visit much more pleasant.

At Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel-A2 you stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city center of Den Bosch, but along the A2 between Den Bosch and Utrecht. The hotel has 117 luxurious and modern hotel rooms. The rooms range from Comfort rooms to spacious suites. During their stay, guests can also use the hotel's private fitness .

Before or after your visit to Oeteldonk, you can go to Restaurant Salt. The restaurant serves seasonal and regional dishes and has both an à-la-carte section and a Live Cooking Buffet. For a drink or a relaxing end to the evening, you can sit in the M.C. Café. Check the current opening times and availability before carnaval.

From Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel-A2 to carnival Oeteldonk 

Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel-A2 is located along the A2 between Den Bosch and Utrecht. From the hotel, you can travel by car or public transport to Den Bosch. Check the current route and schedule during carnival in advance.

Are you coming with your car to the hotel and departing from there by public transport to Oeteldonk? As a hotel guest, you can park for free at the hotel.

Stay 

Carnival attracts many visitors to Den Bosch and the surrounding region every year. By reserving your accommodation in advance, you are sure to have a comfortable place to stay after your carnival visit.

Do you want to combine Carnaval Den Bosch with a comfortable overnight stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city center? Then check the available rooms at Van der Valk Hotel Zaltbommel-A2 and reserve your stay directly online.