North Brabant Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to try, and culture of North Brabant, the southern province of the Netherlands.


Introduction to North Brabant

North Brabant is a charming and picturesque province located in the southern part of the Netherlands. Famous for its outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and local culture, North Brabant is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unique Dutch experience.

With its rolling landscapes, charming villages, and lively cities, North Brabant offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historical sites, hiking and biking through the countryside, or trying local delicacies and drinks, North Brabant has it all.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of North Brabant.

List of Places to Visit in North Brabant

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Van Gogh Village Nuenen

Located in the charming village of Nuenen, the Van Gogh Village offers a unique insight into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The museum features a collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters, as well as a walking tour that takes you through the places that inspired his work.

Historical City Center of ‘s-Hertogenbosch

The city center of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, is a charming and well-preserved historic district. It features medieval churches, a beautiful castle, and a network of winding canals that are best explored by boat. The city is also famous for its traditional delicacy, the Bossche Bol, a large, chocolate-covered cream puff.

Efteling Theme Park

With over 5 million visitors every year, Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands. It offers a range of attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and fairy tale-themed areas. The park is also known for its stunning natural surroundings and impressive sculptures.

Natural Attractions of North Brabant: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

National Park De Biesbosch

Located in the south of North Brabant, National Park De Biesbosch features a unique wetland ecosystem with an abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the area by boat, bike, or on foot, and there are several nature trails and observation points throughout the park.

Loonse en Drunense Duinen

Also known as the Brabant Sahara, Loonse en Drunense Duinen is a vast area of shifting sand dunes and heathlands. It offers a unique and breathtaking landscape that is perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park also offers guided tours and activities for children.

De Groote Peel National Park

De Groote Peel National Park is a beautiful and tranquil wetland area with a variety of landscapes, including lakes, peat bogs, and heathlands. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare birds and insects. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike and there are several observation points and nature trails throughout the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Brabant

North Brabant is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with its vast network of natural trails and scenic routes. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Maarten van Rossumpad
  • Grenslandpad
  • Groene Woud

Best Things to Do in North Brabant: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking, biking, and exploring natural wonders and cultural landmarks, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in North Brabant:

  • Beer tours: North Brabant is home to many breweries, including the famous Trappist brewery, De Koningshoeven. Tour the brewery and sample some of the region’s best beers.
  • Culinary tours: Explore the food scene of North Brabant by taking a culinary tour of the region’s farm-to-table restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and local markets.
  • Shopping tours: From the city’s designer boutiques to the charming artisanal shops in the countryside, North Brabant has a lot to offer shoppers.
  • Music festivals: North Brabant hosts several music festivals every year, including the internationally renowned jazz festival in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Brabant

Day 1-2: ‘s-Hertogenbosch

  • Explore the historical city center of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, including the Saint John’s Cathedral and the Noordbrabants Museum.
  • Indulge in some traditional Dutch pastries like Bossche Bol.
  • Take a canal tour to explore the city from a different angle.

Day 3-5: Natural attractions

  • Visit National Park De Biesbosch for a boat tour or hike.
  • Explore the shifting sands of Loonse en Drunense Duinen.
  • Experience bird-watching and swamp walking at De Groote Peel National Park.

Day 6-7: Food and drinks tour and art museum

  • Satisfy your taste buds by taking a culinary tour of North Brabant’s best foods and drinks.
  • Visit the Van Gogh Village Nuenen to explore the museum’s art collections and take a walking tour.
  • Enjoy an afternoon in the Eindhoven Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of North Brabant

Must-Try Dishes

North Brabant has a rich and diverse food culture that reflects its location in the heart of the Netherlands. Here are some foods that you must try when visiting North Brabant:

  • Brabantse worstenbroodjes: Dutch sausage rolls filled with seasoned ground meat.
  • Asparagus: North Brabant is famous for its white asparagus, which is often served with ham and boiled potatoes.
  • Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
  • Hachee: A hearty beef and onion stew served with mashed potatoes.
  • Poffertjes: Small and fluffy Dutch pancakes topped with butter and sugar.

Local Beverages

North Brabant is famous for its beer, with several breweries and beer festivals throughout the province. Here are some of the local beverages to try:

  • Trappist beer: North Brabant is home to several Trappist monasteries that produce some of the world’s best beers.
  • Schrobbeler: A traditional Brabant liqueur made with a secret blend of herbs.
  • Dutch gin: Also known as jenever, Dutch gin is a local liquor that is often served as an aperitif with a slice of lemon.

Where to Stay in North Brabant: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North Brabant offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s budget and taste. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hotel Nassau Breda: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Breda, with spacious rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.
  • Stayokay hostel: A budget-friendly option located in the historic city center of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
  • Bed and Breakfast Hoeve Nijssen: A charming and cozy guesthouse located in the countryside near Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park.

What to Buy in North Brabant: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North Brabant is known for its unique and high-quality products, from designer fashion to artisanal food. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from North Brabant:

  • Dutch cheese: North Brabant has some of the best cheese shops in the country, offering a wide range of local and international cheeses.
  • Chocolate: With its long history of chocolate-making, North Brabant is a perfect place to buy handmade chocolates and pralines.
  • Designer fashion: The province is home to several up-and-coming fashion designers who create unique and stylish clothing and accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of North Brabant

North Brabant has a strong and unique culture that is reflected through its food, art, music, and architecture. Here are some of the cultural customs and traditions that you may encounter:

  • Carnaval: A wild and colorful festival celebrated in February or March, with parades, costumes, and street parties.
  • Sinterklaas: A traditional Dutch holiday celebrated on December 5th, with gift-giving and festive activities.
  • Brabants dialect: A local dialect of Dutch that is spoken in North Brabant, with its own grammar and vocabulary.

Best Time to Visit North Brabant

The best time to visit North Brabant is during the spring and summer, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its best. The region’s famous tulip fields bloom from mid-April to early May, making it a perfect time to explore the countryside. The summer months are also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Brabant

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Explore the natural parks and scenic routes.
  • Learn some basic Dutch phrases.
  • Attend a music or cultural festival.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Walk on bike paths.
  • Leave a tip at restaurants, as it’s already included in the bill.
  • Be loud or disrespectful in museums or historic sites.

Safety and Health

North Brabant is a safe and healthy destination, with excellent healthcare facilities and low crime rates. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in North Brabant

  • Use common sense while traveling, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
  • Always follow traffic rules and signals.

Health in North Brabant

  • Be sure to have health insurance before traveling to North Brabant.
  • Drink bottled water to avoid any risk of infection.
  • Bring any necessary medications from home.

Getting to North Brabant: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Brabant is a well-connected destination, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near North Brabant

  • Eindhoven Airport (EIN) is the largest airport in the province, with several international and domestic flights.
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is also nearby and offers direct connections to major cities worldwide.

Bus Stations Near North Brabant

  • The main bus station in North Brabant is located in Breda, with frequent connections to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe.

Other Options

  • North Brabant is easily accessible by train from other parts of the Netherlands and Europe.
  • Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the countryside and smaller towns.

How to Get Around in North Brabant

North Brabant is a small and well-connected province, with several transportation options available.

  • Biking is one of the best ways to explore the natural parks and scenic routes.
  • Public transportation, including buses and trains, is a reliable and affordable option for getting around the province.
  • Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from North Brabant: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Amsterdam: The capital city of the Netherlands is only an hour away by train from North Brabant, offering a range of cultural, historic, and culinary attractions.
  • Rotterdam: Another vibrant and cosmopolitan city located within easy reach of North Brabant.
  • Antwerp: A charming and picturesque Belgian city famous for its art, culture, and fashion.

Conclusion

North Brabant is a unique and diverse destination that will capture your heart with its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm local hospitality. We hope this guide has given you a glimpse into the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of North Brabant, and inspires you to plan your journey to this beautiful part of the Netherlands.

St. John's Cathedral in 's-Hertogenbosch St. John's Cathedral in 's-Hertogenbosch Schematic of NS' Intercity network Schematic of NS' Intercity network Loonse en Drunense Duinen Loonse en Drunense Duinen A '''Bossche bol''' from inside A '''Bossche bol''' from inside


    's-Hertogenbosch
    Baarle
    Helmond
    Nuenen