A day in Waalwijk: discover leather, shoes and De Langstraat

Planning a day in Waalwijk or staying near the Efteling? There is more to discover in this part of Brabant than the theme park alone. Waalwijk is located in De Langstraat, an area with a long history of leatherworking and shoemaking.

You can explore this heritage at the Schoenenkwartier, discover traces of former tanneries and shoe factories throughout the area, and then experience the material itself at Driessen Leder. At our leather shop in Waalwijk, you can see and feel different types of leather and find inspiration for your own project.

Discover the leather and shoe heritage of De Langstraat

Leather and shoemaking played an important role in the development of Waalwijk and the surrounding towns. For generations, tanneries, shoemakers and shoe manufacturers provided employment and helped shape the character of De Langstraat.

Traces of this industrial past can still be found throughout the area. Former tannery buildings, factories and houses once owned by shoe manufacturers tell part of the story of how the region developed.

If you would like to explore more of this history outdoors, the Leerroute Waalwijk is worth considering. This cycling route of approximately 30 kilometres takes you past several places connected to the region's leather and shoe heritage. It is an easy way to combine local history with a bike ride through Waalwijk and its surroundings.

Visit the shoe museum in Waalwijk

The Schoenenkwartier is one of the main places to visit if you want to understand why Waalwijk is so closely associated with leather and shoes.

The museum explores the history of shoemaking, leather production and craftsmanship while also looking at modern design and innovation. Historical machinery and objects provide an impression of how shoes were once produced and how the industry changed over time.

The Schoenenkwartier is more than a traditional museum. It also functions as a knowledge centre and includes a shoe lab. This makes it interesting not only for visitors interested in local history, but also for people with an interest in fashion, design, materials and craftsmanship.

It is worth checking the current exhibitions and activities before your visit, as the programme changes throughout the year.

From the Schoenenkwartier to a leather shop in Waalwijk

After learning how leather was traditionally processed and used for shoes, you may be curious to see the material in its unfinished form.

Different leathers can vary considerably in thickness, flexibility, grain and feel. These differences can be difficult to judge from photographs alone.

At Driessen Leder in Waalwijk, you can compare different types of leather in person. We supply both professional customers and private individuals, so you do not need to be a shoemaker, upholsterer or leatherworker to visit us.

If you enjoy making things yourself or are preparing a creative project, we can help you compare suitable materials. Through our private customer sales, both smaller pieces and larger hides are available, depending on the type of leather.

Combine Waalwijk with the Efteling and the surrounding area

The Efteling in Kaatsheuvel attracts visitors from the Netherlands and abroad. If you are staying in the area for several days, Waalwijk is an easy addition to your trip.

You could, for example, visit the Schoenenkwartier and Driessen Leder on a separate morning or afternoon. This gives you enough time to explore without trying to fit every activity into one day.

There are also plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen are nearby and offer a very different side of the region. This nature reserve is known for its forests, heathland and large areas of drifting sand.

Walking and cycling routes allow you to combine a visit to Waalwijk with a few hours in nature. It can be a good option if you want to alternate museums and shops with a more active part of your day.

If the Efteling is the main reason for your visit but you also work with leather at home, you could plan a stop at Driessen Leder on your arrival or departure day. Check our opening hours for private customers before visiting.

Find inspiration for your own leather project

Exploring Waalwijk's leather history may also inspire you to start a project of your own.

Leather can be used for anything from a simple keyring or small case to belts, bags and other accessories. The type of leather you need depends largely on the finished product.

A soft bag, for example, requires different properties from an item that needs to retain its shape. Thickness, flexibility and the way you intend to cut or stitch the material all influence the choice.

If you are planning to make a bag, you can find additional information on our page about leather for bags.

Already have a design in mind? Bringing a photograph, pattern or dimensions can make it easier for us to advise you. At Driessen Leder, we combine a broad range of materials with practical product knowledge. We look at the intended use, the required properties and your budget, including projects for which only a small quantity of leather is needed.

Plan your visit to Driessen Leder

Would you like to include Driessen Leder in your day in Waalwijk? You can find us at Altenaweg 16, 5145 PC Waalwijk.

Our entrance is located at the rear of the Castelijn & Beerens building. Follow the Driessen Leder signs when you arrive.

Private customers can visit without an appointment on:

• Wednesday from 12:00 to 17:00

• Thursday from 12:00 to 17:00

• Friday from 12:00 to 17:00

Visits outside these hours are possible by appointment. Please contact us in advance if you would like to arrange a visit or ask whether a particular type of leather is currently available.

Combine your time in Waalwijk with a visit to our leather shop, compare different materials and discover which leather suits your next project.