When Paris is the light city of Europe, Eindhoven is the light city of the Netherlands. In Eindhoven light bulbs are produced and shipped all over the world for more than 100 years. Philips, the worldwide producer of electronic equipment, started their light bulb factory in walking distance from the Eindhoven city center.
Why is Eindhoven The Light City?
Electricity was discovered by Benjamin Franklin and the modern light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. Anthony Philips started producing modern light bulbs in the Netherlands which became a brand by itself all over the world. He started Philips production in 1891 and with that, a new industry for the region was born. Philips is still the largest employer in this part of the Netherlands. Philips Industries with its high technological standard now produces much more than just light ornaments, they are a technologically highly advanced producer of customer-, military-, and medical electronics. Philips operates in nearly 180 countries worldwide.
History of Eindhoven
Eindhoven The City Lights of The Netherlands
Located at the shores of the Dommel River, Eindhoven had always access to the bigger waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium; and has always been a trading city. The first documented settlement was found around 1255 and the city gained a vast trading reputation along the main trade route to Liege.
Just after the Second World War, Eindhoven was in shambles, but the mentality of Brabant people is not to sit down and weep, but to look for new opportunities and together build up what was lost. Today Eindhoven is a large university and technological city, with a modern infrastructure agglomerating over a large area called Brabant Stad, housing close to two million inhabitants. There are plenty of historical sites and parks found in this modern city, which makes it an ideal place for tourists.
Industrial City Eindhoven
Eindhoven Central Station for train and busses.
Once Philips build his empire, it attracted lots of supplying industries. Another large Dutch factory has its plants in Eindhoven; DAF Trucks is one of the world’s leading truck manufacturing companies. Brabant Stad has become a technological leader in The Netherlands.
University City Eindhoven
Philips and DAF helped to lay the foundations for de Technische Hoge School Eindhoven (TH Eindhoven), which is now called The University of Technology Eindhoven, to become one of the most advanced and prestigious technical schools in Europe. Now spread all over the city, a university that delivers high-quality graduates in many different fields.
Shopping and Accommodations in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is a fantastic shopping metropolis, the city center near to the main railroad station is covered in shopping centers and arcades, whether shopping for fashion, food or furniture, high-end-or low-end Eindhoven offers it all. In many of the city departments, a central shopping center can be found. North of Eindhoven is a house and furniture estate, where the main attraction Ikea pulls the crowds. Eindhoven offers home-stay, backpackers, and top-class business hotels all over the city.
Art and Culture in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is a city full of art and culture.
Eindhoven as a city has invested deeply in art and culture; it offers artists from all over the world a platform to express their creativity. This can be seen in the many art festivals, museums, and art exhibitions scattered all over the city. Eindhoven wants to preserve this identity and clearly makes this statement wherever one travels around the city.
Travel Tip Eindhoven
As Eindhoven is a student destination with lots of art, pub, clubs, and restaurants targeted at this audience, Eindhoven also hosts many backpacker opportunities. Read more in the Backpackers Guide to Europe.
Visiting Eindhoven
As Eindhoven is centrally located in the Southern part of the Netherlands it is easy to reach from any of the surrounding countries like Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg. Local transport is very easy to understand and the local bus system works perfectly and on time. Trains roll in and out of the city every five minutes and distribute travelers in all directions. Flying into Eindhoven is made easy, as the nearby Eindhoven International Airport is only 10 minutes away from the city center.
Eindhoven is a university city and the bicycle facilities are endless, and it is most probably the most healthiest and enjoyable way to explore the city and the picturesque surrounding country site.
Eindhoven is a modern powerful university and industrial city empowering this region of the Netherlands with knowledge and economical growth. For tourists, it is a joy to visit Eindhoven; where the development post-second world war is still clearly visible in some of the historic sites.
