Bart Schouten, storyteller
Holland’s lovely medieval cities and castles are the remnants of a rich and exciting past. The ancient streets, towers and churches hide beautiful stories. Storyteller Bart Schouten brings those stories alive. Moving, thrilling and hilarious stories about the people who once lived, loved and worked in this country. Join Bart on his walks and discover the secret corners of the Dutch past. Before you realise, history is unfolding before your very eyes…
Bart has been working as a storyteller for more than 25 years. Thousands of children and adults enjoyed his performances.
StoryTrail City Walk, Utrecht
Utrecht, in the heart of the Netherlands, is a beautiful city with more than 2.000 years of history behind it. You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the unique wharfs along the canals and the medieval churches, including the impressive 14th century cathedral. Bart leads you through the narrow streets, past beautiful courtyards and hidden gardens. And tells you magic stories about the people who once lived here – long, long ago…
For information and bookings please contact StoryTrail.nl.
StoryTrail City Walk, Rotterdam
I take you on a walk through the heart of Rotterdam, along the Old Harbour and past the famous White House, once the tallest building in Europe. Back in the 1920s, when he was still a kid, my good old uncle Hendrik used to roam the streets in this part of town. He watched the big ocean steamers in the harbour and dreamed of a life at sea. As a sailor, or better yet: as a pirate. But grandfather Kees did not want to let him go: ‘I’ve seen many sailors sail out of this harbour my boy, and most of them never came back. They drowned. They were eaten by the sharks. Or worse. So stay in Rotterdam, Hendrik, and find yourself a decent job!’
Shall he go or shall he stay? Hendrik has to make his choice…
For information and bookings please contact StoryTrail.nl.
StoryTrail City Walk, Schoonhoven
Schoonhoven is a quiet little town on the banks of the river Lek, 30 kilometers southwest of Utrecht. In the middle ages it was an important border post between Holland and Utrecht; the remains of the old city walls are still visible. It was also the home town of Olivier van Noort, one of the great Dutch explorers, who sailed around the world at the end of the 16th century. Today Schoonhoven is known as the Dutch Silver Capital, being the home of many gold and silversmiths. Bart takes you on a walk along the picturesque canals, the weighing-house, the magnificent church and the medieval town gate. On the way he tells you about the heroes and villains from Schoonhoven’s past.
For information and bookings please contact StoryTrail.nl.
StoryTrail City Walk, Leyden
The Eighty Years’ War, which lasted from 1568 until 1648, was one of the most decisive and legendary eras in Dutch history. Many Dutch towns stood up against the king of Spain, who was also king of Holland in those days. The king sent a huge army to Holland to restore order in the revolting cities. In 1574 Leyden was besieged by the Spaniards for more than 4 months.
Walking through the beautiful ancient town, you will experience the story of this legendary siege. You’ll meet the Spanish commander Valdez, join the people of Leyden in their hunt for food, and welcome the famous Sea Beggars as they finally arrive to liberate the town.
For information and bookings please contact StoryTrail.nl.
