Walking along the canal in Helmond

History and industry go hand and hand in this route along the canal of Helmond. The canal, the Zuid Willemsvaart, flows right through Helmond and divides the center into east and west.

Industry in Helmond
The starting point of the route is at the Cacaofabriek in the center of Helmond. From here you walk past striking business premises, manufacturers' villas and various buildings and works of art that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries on both sides of the canal. A surprising amount of Helmond's history has been preserved and you will see that during this tour. You are constantly tossed back and forth between the past and the present. This way you get a good picture of the fascinating industry in Helmond.

Business along the canal
At the cocoa factory you will see the first historical sight: a crane track from 1928, which has not been used for years. On the other hand, you can also see industrial activity along the canal. For example, the dyeing machines of the Vlisco and Raymakers textile factories are running at full speed and Nederschroef, a manufacturer of fasteners, is also still in operation on the canal. You also walk past a medieval castle with a beautiful sculpture park and the bustling Havenplein with many cozy terraces for a bite to eat or a drink.

Helmond history explained
Helmond is bursting with sights that teach you more about the history of the city. Pay a visit to the Edah Museum where you can learn everything about the production and distribution of food. In the past, colonial goods, for example, were transported via the canal from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can no longer imagine that in a time when all foods are freely available in the supermarket. You can visit the Industrial Atrium to learn more about Helmond's industrial heritage or, for example, the textile or metal industry.