Southern Netherlands Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and logistics of Southern Netherlands in our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands, also known as the heartland of the Netherlands, offers a perfect blend of culture and nature. This region encompasses the provinces of North Brabant, Limburg and Zeeland.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Southern Netherlands, covering everything you need to make the most out of your visit. From must-visit attractions, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, to local culture and customs, safety tips, and logistics - we’ve got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands has a plethora of hidden gems, waiting to be explored. Here are our top picks of must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Van Gogh Museum - This museum in North Brabant is dedicated to the works of renowned artist, Vincent Van Gogh.
  • Jheronimus Bosch Art Center - Located in Den Bosch, this art center displays the works of Dutch painter, Hieronymus Bosch.
  • Maastricht Underground - This tour takes you to the underground tunnels of Maastricht, showcasing the city’s history and architecture.
  • Basilica of Saint Servatius - The oldest church in the Netherlands, situated in Maastricht.

Natural Attractions of Southern Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Efteling Theme Park - This fairytale-inspired park in Kaatsheuvel is a must-visit for families, offering exciting rides and attractions.
  • Dunes of Texel National Park - Located in Zeeland, this park boasts stunning beaches, sand dunes, and wildlife.
  • Biesbosch National Park - A popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and bird-watching.
  • Hoge Veluwe National Park - This park in North Brabant offers picturesque landscapes, hiking trails and cycling routes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Netherlands

Hiking and biking enthusiasts can explore the various trails and routes of Southern Netherlands. Here are our top picks:

  • Pieterpad - This 500 km hiking trail starts in Maastricht and finishes in Groningen, passing through the heart of Southern Netherlands.
  • Kalmthoutse Heide - Located in North Brabant, this nature reserve offers hiking and biking trails amidst picturesque heathlands and marshes.
  • LF Maasroute - This cycling route runs along the Maas River, starting in Maastricht and ending in Rotterdam.

Best Things to Do in Southern Netherlands: Activities and Tours

Southern Netherlands offers a plethora of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Here’s a list of our top picks:

  • Beer Tasting Tour - Visit local breweries in North Brabant and taste some of the finest beers the region has to offer.
  • Boat Tour in Maastricht - Explore the city’s waterways and landmarks on a relaxing boat tour.
  • Culinary Tour - Discover the local cuisine and food scene of Southern Netherlands on a guided tour.
  • Caves Tour in Valkenburg - Visit the underground caves of Valkenburg and learn about its history and geology.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Netherlands

Plan your week-long itinerary in Southern Netherlands with our suggested table:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Eindhoven. Visit Van Gogh Museum, Philips Museum, and Strijp-S.
2 Travel to Maastricht. Explore the city’s historical landmarks and take a boat tour.
3 Visit Drielandenpunt and Vaals. Go hiking in the Vaalserberg.
4 Travel to Zeeland. Explore the beaches and dunes of Texel National Park.
5 Visit the Biesbosch National Park and go canoeing or kayaking.
6 Travel to Den Bosch and visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center.
7 Departure from Eindhoven.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands is known for its hearty cuisine and local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot - A traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served with smoked sausage.
  • Bitterballen - A deep-fried snack filled with ragout, often served as a bar snack.
  • Zeeuwse Mosselen - Delicious Zeeland mussels served with fries and mayo.
  • Limburgse Vlaai - A traditional fruit pie from Limburg, often served as a dessert.

Local Beverages

  • Belgian-style Beer - Southern Netherlands is home to some of the best breweries in Europe, producing a variety of delicious, Belgian-style beers.
  • Jenever - A traditional Dutch gin-like spirit, often served as an aperitif or digestif.
  • Zeeland Oysters - Fresh Zeeland oysters, served with local wines and beers.

Where to Stay in Southern Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Netherlands offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Student Hotel Eindhoven - A stylish, modern hotel located in the heart of Eindhoven.
  • Kaboom Maastricht - A budget-friendly hotel in Maastricht, offering comfortable rooms and a central location.
  • Blauw Guesthouse Zoutelande - A cozy guesthouse in Zeeland, with stunning beach views and a homely atmosphere.
  • Princeville Hotel Breda - A luxury hotel in North Brabant, offering spacious rooms and a spa facility.

What to Buy in Southern Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring back home, here are some items to consider:

  • Delft Blue Pottery - This traditional Dutch pottery is a classic souvenir, with beautiful blue-and-white designs.
  • Stroopwafels - These delicious, caramel-filled waffles are a must-try snack and make great gifts.
  • Dutch Cheese - Southern Netherlands produces some of the best cheese in the world, including Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam.
  • Dutch Bicycles - Invest in a classic Dutch bicycle, a practical and stylish way to explore the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage, with friendly locals who are proud of their traditions and customs. Here are some cultural experiences to consider:

  • Carnaval - A yearly festival celebrated in February or March, with parades and festivities.
  • Koningsdag - A national holiday celebrated on April 27th, in honor of the Dutch King’s birthday.
  • Sinterklaas - A traditional Dutch folklore celebration, similar to Christmas, held on December 5th.
  • Dutch Design - Southern Netherlands is known for its innovative and creative design scene, with numerous galleries and exhibitions showcasing contemporary artworks and design.

Best Time to Visit Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering something different. For mild weather and fewer crowds, visit in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November). Peak tourist season is in summer (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and most attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Netherlands

When visiting Southern Netherlands, here are some things to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Use a bicycle or public transportation to explore the region.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the numerous water fountains around Southern Netherlands.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas, including cafes and restaurants.
  • Litter or leave trash behind in public areas.
  • Touch artifacts or exhibits in museums and historic sites.

Safety and Health

Southern Netherlands is a safe region to visit, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare facilities. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy during your visit:

Safety in Southern Netherlands

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, such as train stations and markets.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings when using public transportation.
  • Abide by cycling rules and regulations when using a bicycle in the region.

Health in Southern Netherlands

  • Southern Netherlands has excellent healthcare facilities, but it’s recommended to get travel insurance before your trip.
  • Bring sunscreen and reapply throughout the day to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Check for ticks if you plan on hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Southern Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Netherlands can be easily reached by various transportation options. Here are some details to help you plan your logistics:

Airports Near Southern Netherlands

  • Eindhoven Airport - Located in Eindhoven, this airport offers multiple flights to and from different European destinations.
  • Maastricht Aachen Airport - Serving the Limburg region, this airport offers flights to and from various European cities.
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport - Located in Rotterdam, this airport offers flights to and from various European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Southern Netherlands

  • Eindhoven Station - The central station in Eindhoven offers connections to different cities in the Netherlands and Europe.
  • Den Bosch Station - A central station in Den Bosch, offering connections to different cities in the Netherlands.
  • Maastricht Station - A central station in Maastricht, offering connections to different cities in the Netherlands and Europe.

Other Options

  • Trains - The Netherlands has an extensive train network, connecting different cities and regions.
  • Taxis - Taxis are available in most cities and towns, but can be expensive.
  • Bicycles - Southern Netherlands is bicycle-friendly, with numerous bike rental shops throughout the region.

How to Get Around in Southern Netherlands

Southern Netherlands can be easily explored by various transportation options:

  • Bicycle - The region has an extensive network of bike paths and rental shops, making it easy to cycle around.
  • Public transportation - The region has an extensive bus and train network, connecting different cities and towns.
  • Car rental - Car rental options are available in major cities and airports.

Where to Go Next from Southern Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Southern Netherlands:

  • Bruges, Belgium - A picturesque medieval town, known for its canals and chocolate shops.
  • Cologne, Germany - A vibrant city, featuring stunning architecture and a historic cathedral.
  • Antwerp, Belgium - A port city, known for its diamond trade and beautiful architecture.

Conclusion

Southern Netherlands offers a unique blend of culture, nature and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in world-renowned museums, local cuisine, or picturesque landscapes, Southern Netherlands has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next visit to this charming region.

The Delta works are a symbol for the Dutch struggles with the sea The Delta works are a symbol for the Dutch struggles with the sea Carnival is a major annual event throughout the region Carnival is a major annual event throughout the region A network of canals under the old town centre of historic 's Hertogenbosch A network of canals under the old town centre of historic 's Hertogenbosch The rolling landscapes of South Limburg are a favorite for Dutch tourists The rolling landscapes of South Limburg are a favorite for Dutch tourists


    Limburg
    North Brabant
    Zeeland