Once a prominent trade town, Tiel is one of those largely unknown historic cities in the Eastern Netherlands with a tale of its own. It doesn't see too many visitors today, but the old centre still holds monumental buildings from former glory days and is famous for its fruits production. When you're in the Netherlands in May, Tiel is an excellent base to explore the lovely Betuwe orchards in bloom. In September, the city is the stage for the largest free pop music festival in the country: Appelpop, as well as for a flower parade. Although mid-sized, this is the largest city in the Betuwe area.
In the 20th century, Tiel became a major fruit production centre. The city's mascot is still a little boy called Flipje, who looks a whole lot like a raspberry with arms and legs. The figure was used for marketing by a large fruit and jam factory that stopped operations here in the 1990s, but remains the city's mascot.
Many locals consider Tiel to be a largely industrial town, but for those prepared to look, there's plenty of older, interesting history around.
The many orchards in the region provide a most lovely view in May, when the thousands of fruit trees are in bloom. The sight is an attraction on its own, and best appreciated by a hike or bike trip.
The town itself has a number if historic buildings, several dating back to the 17th century when Tiel was a flourishing town surrounded by city walls. Parts of the walls are still intact, and the Tolhuiswal in the west of town is a good place to see them. Other highlights include:
- Waterpoort. The original Water Gate originated in 1647 but was destroyed during the final days of WWII. It was entirely rebuilt in 1979. High on the façade is the city's coat of arms, with the words Asylum gentis Batavorum, or Refuge for the Batavi. The Latin memorial plaque originates in 1528, but was initially place on another gate, the Brunense Poort, which was demolished in 1853.
- Grote Kerk, Kerkplein 4. This large, Gothic church was built in the 1420's-1430's. Although repeatedly changed and never entirely finished, it's a large building and used for services until today.
Waterpoort. The original Water Gate originated in 1647 but was destroyed during the final days of WWII. It was entirely rebuilt in 1979. High on the façade is the city's coat of arms, with the words Asylum gentis Batavorum, or Refuge for the Batavi. The Latin memorial plaque originates in 1528, but was initially place on another gate, the Brunense Poort, which was demolished in 1853.
Grote Kerk, Kerkplein 4. This large, Gothic church was built in the 1420's-1430's. Although repeatedly changed and never entirely finished, it's a large building and used for services until today.
The city's compact and car-free shopping area has a descent collection of shops and a nice atmosphere. Saturdays draw in shopping crowds from the Betuwe region, creating a lively buzz and full outdoor terraces in summer. The main area consists of the Waterstraat and surrounding streets. Try the Weerstraat for smaller boutique stores.
At the Plein, the main square where you'll also find cafés, markets are held on Saturdays (9.00-17.00h) and Mondays (12.00-17.00h).
In terms of local specialities, fruits and jams top the list, as they are is famous for both.
There are plenty of places to eat. If you have no reservation, try the Plein, where a bunch of cafés and restaurants are situated.
- Bij Casper, Korenbeursplein 2a, +31 344 627959. Nice atmosphere and a good, French and international menu. High quality ingredients and dishes make this place excellent value for money. The staff is helpful and friendly. Starters €9, mains €20.
- Tokyo Lounge, Kleibergsestraat 6, +31 344 - 683 777. 17.00-22.00, 7 days a week.. A modernly decorated restaurant, with coloured led-lightning all around. All-you-can-eat sushi and teppanyaki dishes is what most regular customers come here for. It's the best Japanese place in town and it does take-away too. €25 for All you can eat.
- Brasserie de Smederij, Plein 51, +31 6 12741970. Tu 11.30-15.00, W-Su 11.30-22.00,. The historic building this restaurant sits in, makes it a lovely place for both lunch and dinner. It serves a wide range of dishes, including simple breads, eggs and soups for lunch, and a more extensive warm menu for the evening. They take pride in their classic fried sole dish (€27.50). Of course you're welcome at other times for coffee and cake, or even a high tea. Lunch from €6, dinner mains €12-27.
Bij Casper, Korenbeursplein 2a, +31 344 627959. Nice atmosphere and a good, French and international menu. High quality ingredients and dishes make this place excellent value for money. The staff is helpful and friendly. Starters €9, mains €20.
Tokyo Lounge, Kleibergsestraat 6, +31 344 - 683 777. 17.00-22.00, 7 days a week.. A modernly decorated restaurant, with coloured led-lightning all around. All-you-can-eat sushi and teppanyaki dishes is what most regular customers come here for. It's the best Japanese place in town and it does take-away too. €25 for All you can eat.
Brasserie de Smederij, Plein 51, +31 6 12741970. Tu 11.30-15.00, W-Su 11.30-22.00,. The historic building this restaurant sits in, makes it a lovely place for both lunch and dinner. It serves a wide range of dishes, including simple breads, eggs and soups for lunch, and a more extensive warm menu for the evening. They take pride in their classic fried sole dish (€27.50). Of course you're welcome at other times for coffee and cake, or even a high tea. Lunch from €6, dinner mains €12-27.
There's no nightlife scene to speak of, and locals tend to head elsewhere for a proper night out. Of course, cold drinks and chats can be had in one of the town's cafés. The Plein is the place to go, with outdoor terraces in summer and a number of places to choose from.
- Post office inside Bruna bookstore, Waterstraat 10. M 12.00-17.30, Tu-Fr 9.00-17.30, Sa 9.00-17.00. Close to the Flipje Streekmuseum, this is one of the convenient post offices in the city centre.
Post office inside Bruna bookstore, Waterstraat 10. M 12.00-17.30, Tu-Fr 9.00-17.30, Sa 9.00-17.00. Close to the Flipje Streekmuseum, this is one of the convenient post offices in the city centre.
Head out to the bustling student cities of Utrecht or Nijmegen, where there's plenty of history to be found as well. The lovely city of 's Hertogenbosch is not far away and neither is Arnhem.
For a more natural next stop, Hoge Veluwe National Park or the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug are excellent picks.