Eindhoven facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eindhoven
City and municipality
Skyline of Eindhoven Light Tower Evoluon conference centre St. Anthony Church St. Catherine Church Vesteda Tower Van Abbe Museum Philips Stadium of PSV Eindhoven High Tech Campus Eindhoven
Flag Coat of arms Brandmark
Location in North Brabant
Eindhoven Location in Netherlands Show map of Netherlands Eindhoven Location in Europe Show map of Europe
Country	Netherlands
Province	North Brabant
Government
• Body	Municipal council
Area
• Municipality	88.87 km2 (34.31 sq mi)
• Land	87.72 km2 (33.87 sq mi)
• Water	1.15 km2 (0.44 sq mi)
Elevation	17 m (56 ft)
Population  (Municipality, May 2014; Urban and Metro, May 2014; Metro region and CMSA, August 2015)
• Municipality	221,402
• Density	2,524/km2 (6,540/sq mi)
• Urban	337,487
• Metro	419,045
• CMSA	1,944,588
Demonym(s)	Eindhovenaar
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcodes	5600–5658
Area code	040

Eindhoven (/ˈaɪnthoʊvən/ eyent-HOH-vən) is a lively city and municipality in the southern Netherlands. It's located in the province of North Brabant and is the largest city there. With over 246,000 people, it's the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands.

Eindhoven started as a small town where two rivers, the Dommel and Gender, met. It grew quickly in the 1900s thanks to industries like textiles and tobacco. Two very famous companies, DAF Trucks and Philips, began here. Philips grew into a huge global company. Eindhoven is also home to the well-known Design Academy Eindhoven.

Nearby towns include Son en Breugel, Nuenen, Geldrop-Mierlo, Helmond, Waalre, and Veldhoven. The larger area around Eindhoven has a population of about 750,000 people.

What Does Eindhoven Mean?

The name Eindhoven might come from two old Dutch words: eind (meaning "end" or "last") and hove (a piece of land, about 14 hectares). So, it could mean "the last pieces of land" in the area of Woensel.

Another idea is that "Eind" comes from the Gender river. The city is located at the end of this small river. So, "Genderhoven" might have changed over time to "Endehoven," which then became "Eindhoven."

A Look Back: Eindhoven's History

Early Days: From Small Town to City

Eindhoven's story began in 1232. That's when Duke Hendrik I of Brabant gave it city rights. At that time, Eindhoven was a small town with about 170 houses, surrounded by a wall. There was also a small castle nearby. The city was allowed to hold a weekly market, and farmers from nearby villages had to sell their goods there. Its location on a trade route also helped it grow.

Around 1388, the city's defenses were made stronger. A new castle was built inside the city walls between 1413 and 1420. But in 1486, soldiers from Guelders attacked and burned Eindhoven.

Challenges and Rebuilding

Comparison of Eindhoven maps from around 1550 and 2024.

The capture of Eindhoven in 1583.

Eindhoven was rebuilt by 1502 with stronger walls and a new castle. However, it fell again in 1543 because its defenses were not kept up.

A big fire in 1554 destroyed most of the houses. But by 1560, they were rebuilt with help from William I of Orange. During the Dutch Revolt, Eindhoven was taken by different armies many times. It was even burned by Spanish soldiers. Finally, in 1583, Spanish troops captured it again and tore down its city walls.

Eindhoven didn't become part of the Netherlands until 1629. During the French occupation, many houses were destroyed. Eindhoven stayed a small city until the Industrial Revolution began.

Growing with Industry

The Industrial Revolution in the 1800s brought huge growth. Canals, roads, and railroads were built. Eindhoven connected to major waterways and railways, making it easier to transport goods. At first, industries focused on tobacco and textiles.

Then, in 1891, the famous Philips company started in Eindhoven, making light bulbs. This company's growth led to a huge boom in the city. By 1815, Eindhoven had only 2,310 people. But by 1935, it had grown to over 100,000!

Modern Eindhoven Takes Shape

A public meeting in Eindhoven in April 1941.

Because of this fast growth, the city needed more space. In 1920, five nearby villages were joined with Eindhoven to form "Greater Eindhoven." These villages became districts of the city.

In the early 1900s, new industries like car and truck manufacturing (DAF) started. Later, the focus shifted to electronics and engineering. The older tobacco and textile industries slowly disappeared by the 1970s.

People in Eindhoven cheering Allied forces during World War II on September 19, 1944.

Eindhoven's 18 September Square.

During World War II, parts of Eindhoven were heavily damaged by air raids. Many buildings were destroyed, and the city had to be rebuilt. This reconstruction changed the city's look, with many new, taller buildings.

In the late 1900s, many new homes were built, especially in the Woensel area. This made Eindhoven the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands.

Eindhoven Today

In the 2000s, a new housing area called Meerhoven was built where the old airport used to be. The airport, now called Eindhoven Airport, moved to a new location. This helped create much-needed new homes for the growing population.

Where is Eindhoven?

Topographic map of Eindhoven (city), 2022.

Eindhoven was originally built on higher, sandy ground between the Dommel, Gender, and Tongelreep rivers. Over time, people started building closer to the rivers, which sometimes caused flooding. After World War II, the Gender river in the city center was covered up to help prevent floods. Now, there are plans to bring parts of the Gender river back to the surface.

The city is divided into seven main areas, called districts:

• 1. Centrum (City Center)
• 2. Woensel-Noord (North Woensel)
• 3. Woensel-Zuid (South Woensel)
• 4. Tongelre
• 5. Stratum
• 6. Gestel
• 7. Strijp

Weather in Eindhoven

Eindhoven has an oceanic climate, meaning it has mild winters and warm summers. The hottest temperature ever recorded was 40.4°C (104.7°F) in July 2019. The coldest was -21.7°C (-7.1°F) in January 1968. Even though it freezes often in winter, there isn't usually a lot of snow for long periods.

Who Lives in Eindhoven?

The former Boerenleenbank building in Eindhoven.

As of 2024, Eindhoven has over 246,000 people. About 43% of the people living in Eindhoven have a foreign background. This means they or at least one of their parents were born outside the Netherlands.

The main language spoken is Standard Dutch. While there used to be local dialects, they are now rarely heard.

Population Growth Over Time

Different Backgrounds in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a diverse city. Here's a look at the backgrounds of its residents in 2020:

Religious Beliefs

Eindhoven is in a part of the Netherlands that has historically been mostly Catholic. However, with the growth of its university and international companies like Philips, the population has become more mixed.

Eindhoven's Economy: A Hub of Innovation

Eindhoven has grown from a small town to one of the largest cities in the Netherlands. This growth is largely thanks to companies like Philips, DAF Trucks, and Brabantia. Today, it's also home to high-tech companies such as NXP Semiconductors and Signify.

In the 1800s, Eindhoven was a small farming village. But cheap land and labor made it attractive for new industries. Factories for textiles, cigars, and matches started here. Most of these older industries disappeared after World War II.

The Light Tower in 2000.

In 1891, brothers Gerard and Anton Philips started a small light bulb factory. This factory grew into one of the world's biggest electronics companies. Philips' presence helped Eindhoven become a major technology and industrial center. In 2005, one-third of all money spent on research in the Netherlands was in or near Eindhoven. Many jobs in the region are in technology and IT.

Eindhoven is known for its strong teamwork between research groups and industries. This started with Philips' own research labs. Now, the Eindhoven University of Technology helps new tech companies grow. The old Philips research lab is now the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, a place where many high-tech companies work together.

This teamwork also extends to other fields. Since 2002, the university, a hospital, and Philips Medical have worked together on biomedical science and engineering. This has made Eindhoven a key center for biomedical technology.

The Evoluon building, once a science museum, is now a conference center.

You can see Eindhoven's industrial past in buildings like the "White Lady" (a former Philips lamp factory) and the "Brown Gentleman" (Philips' old main offices). The White Lady now holds the city library and the Design Academy Eindhoven. Philips' very first light bulb factory, nicknamed "Pink Baby," is now a museum.

Smart City Initiatives

Eindhoven is a leader in developing a "knowledge economy." This means focusing on smart ideas and new technologies.

• Brainport Top Technology Region: Local government, industry, and the Eindhoven University of Technology work together to boost the local knowledge economy.
• Brainport Development: This group helps Eindhoven stay a top innovation hub.
• Eindhoven-Leuven-Aachen triangle: Universities and regions in Eindhoven, Leuven (Belgium), and Aachen (Germany) cooperate on research.

In 2011, Eindhoven was named the "Intelligent Community of the Year" by the Intelligent Community Forum.

Learning in Eindhoven

Eindhoven has many schools for all ages. It's also a major center for higher education in the southern Netherlands.

Schools for Younger Students

There are many primary schools for children aged 4 to 12. There are also special needs primary schools for students who need extra support.

High Schools

For students aged 12 to 18, Eindhoven has several high schools. These include:

• Huygens Lyceum
• SG Augustinianum
• Sint Lucas Eindhoven
• Lorentz Casimir Lyceum
• Frits Philips Lyceum
• International Secondary School Eindhoven

There are also special needs secondary schools.

Colleges and Universities

Eindhoven is home to several important higher education institutions:

• The Design Academy
• The Eindhoven University of Technology
• The Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Eindhoven branch)
• The Tio University
• SintLucas [nl]
• Summa College [nl]

Fun and Culture in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a city with lots to do, thanks to its many students and its history with Philips. Philips helped create many cultural and sports places in the city.

Eindhoven is also called the "City of Light" because Philips started there. During Carnival, the city is playfully renamed Lampegat (Hamlet of Lamps), again referring to Philips.

Museums to Explore

• The DAF Museum shows off DAF cars and trucks.
• The Philips Gloeilampenfabriekje anno 1891 (Philips Light Bulb Factory of 1891) shows how light bulbs were made long ago.
• The Designhuis is a place for modern design and new ideas.
• The Eindhoven Museum is an open-air museum that shows what life was like in the Iron Age and Middle Ages.
• The Inkijkmuseum (Look-In museum) has exhibits you can view through the building's windows.
• The Van Abbemuseum has a great collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by famous artists like Picasso and Mondriaan.
• De Ontdekfabriek (Discovery Factory) is a children's museum at Strijp-S.

The Evoluon building, once a science museum, is now a conference center.

Art Around the City

Piazza Centre as seen from Demer.

Eindhoven has many sculptures and art pieces in its public spaces, especially in its parks. For example, the Stadswandelpark has over 30 modern art pieces. You can also see Flying Pins (giant bowling pins) and Swing (a changing geometric sculpture). There are also statues of famous people from Eindhoven, like Frits Philips.

Eindhoven also has a special place called the Berenkuil, which is a free zone for graffiti artists.

Light Art

Strijp-S, an old Philips factory complex, is now a place for cool experiments with LED lighting. This keeps the connection to Philips' history. You can see light art projects like Fakkel by Har Hollands.

Strijp-S is also a regular location for the light festival GLOW.

Music and Theatre

The Effenaar music venue.

The Effenaar is a popular place for live music and cultural events.

The Muziekcentrum Frits Philips is a concert hall known for its excellent sound, hosting classical and popular music.

Parktheater Eindhoven is the city's main stage for plays, musicals, and dance shows. It welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year.

Eindhoven's Plaza Futura is a cinema that shows cultural movies and hosts special events.

Fun Things to Do

Eindhoven has a lively scene for going out. There are many bars on the Market square, Stratumseind (the largest pub street in the Netherlands), and other areas. Besides Plaza Futura, there are three cinemas in the city center.

Eindhoven also hosts many festivals throughout the year:

• Carnaval (February)
• Koningsdag (King's Day) (April 27)
• Fiesta del Sol (June)
• Dynamo Metal Fest (July)
• Park Hilaria, a fun fair (August)
• Lichtjesroute, a tour of light decorations celebrating the city's liberation (starting September 18)
• Eindhoven Marathon (October)
• Dutch Design Week (October)
• GLOW Festival Eindhoven (November)

Green Spaces and Parks

Eindhoven is a very green city. About one-third of its public space is green area. It has more green space per house than most other large cities in the Netherlands.

Some of the main parks are the Stadswandelpark, Genneper Parken, and the Henri Dunantpark. There's also a green area around the Karpendonkse Plas (a lake).

Sports in Eindhoven

Philips Stadion.

• Football: The most famous sports club is PSV Eindhoven, a professional football team that plays in the Eredivisie. Their home is the Philips Stadion. PSV won the European Cup in 1988 and has won 24 Dutch championships! FC Eindhoven is another football club in the city.
• Field Hockey: HC Oranje-Rood is one of the biggest field hockey clubs in the Netherlands.
• Ice Hockey: Eindhoven Kemphanen is the main ice hockey club.
• Swimming: The De Tongelreep swimming complex has pools for fun, training, and sports research. It hosted many international swimming events.
• Skateboarding: Eindhoven has Europe's largest indoor skateboard park, Area 51 (skatepark).
• Urban Sports: Strijp-S is a popular spot for urban sports like skateboarding, BMX, and bouldering.

Getting Around Eindhoven

Eindhoven Airport.

Eindhoven Airport.

Flying In and Out

Eindhoven Airport is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city center. It's both a military air base and a commercial airport. It's the second-busiest airport in the Netherlands after Amsterdam's Schiphol. Many airlines offer flights to cities across Europe from here.

Train Travel

Eindhoven Central Station.

Eindhoven Centraal railway station is the main train station. You can catch trains to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Maastricht. Trains to 's-Hertogenbosch, Utrecht, and Amsterdam run every ten minutes, every day. There are also smaller stations like Eindhoven Strijp-S and Eindhoven Stadion (used for football matches).

Roads and Highways

Major highways like the A2/E25 (from Amsterdam to Luxembourg) and the A67/E34 (between Antwerp and Duisburg) pass by Eindhoven. The A50 connects Eindhoven to Nijmegen.

City Buses

Eindhoven has over 20 city bus lines that also serve nearby villages. Some lines are "high quality public transport" and use electric buses. There are also regional bus lines.

Biking Around

Like all big Dutch cities, Eindhoven has many bicycle paths. Since 2012, the city's bike network includes the Hovenring, a circular suspended bicycle bridge.

Healthcare in Eindhoven

Eindhoven has two hospitals: the Catharina Hospital and the Máxima Medisch Centrum. They work together and share specialties. For example, heart procedures are done at Catharina.

The Catharina Hospital is also a research hospital. It works with Philips Medical, the Eindhoven University of Technology, and Maastricht University on biomedical research.

Famous People from Eindhoven

Eindhoven has been home to many talented people:

• Jan de Bont (born 1943), film director
• Lonneke Engel (born 1981), fashion model
• Frits Philips (1905–2005), businessman, son of Anton Philips
• Gerard Philips (1858–1942) and Anton Philips (1874–1951), who founded the Philips company
• Bas Rutten (born 1965), MMA sportsman and actor
• Sander van Doorn (born 1979), DJ and music producer
• Lenny Kuhr (born 1950), singer-songwriter
• Phillip Cocu (born 1970), famous football player
• Cody Gakpo (born 1999), football player
• Rik Smits (born 1966), basketball player

Sister Cities

Eindhoven is connected with other cities around the world:

• Bayeux, France
• Białystok, Poland
• Chinandega, Nicaragua
• Kadoma, Japan
• Minsk, Belarus
• Nanjing, China

Images for kids

• 

  High Tech Campus Eindhoven

See also

In Spanish: Eindhoven para niños