Baarle Travel Guide

Planning to visit Baarle in Southern Netherlands? Get ready for a memorable experience! Read our comprehensive Baarle travel guide to explore museums, historical places, outdoor adventures, scenic views, outdoor activities, local food and drinks, and more.


Introduction to Baarle

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, make sure to add Baarle to your bucket list. Baarle is a picturesque town located in the North Brabant region of Southern Netherlands. Despite being located in the Netherlands, Baarle Tromps and Baarle-Hertog consist of 22 Belgium enclaves and 8 Belgium inclusions scattered within the Netherlands borders.

Baarle is home to a vibrant community of friendly locals, and its streets are brimming with history and culture. From visiting historical landmarks to hiking and biking in scenic landscapes, Baarle offers a range of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages.

List of Places to Visit in Baarle

To help you plan your trip, here’s a list of places to visit in Baarle:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Baarle is steeped in culture and history. From museums to monuments, there’s plenty to see and explore. These are some of the top culturally important attractions in Baarle:

  • Museum de Duikelaar: This museum showcases the history and culture of Baarle through a range of exhibitions.
  • St. Remigius Church: This Gothic church dates back to the 15th century and features stunning stained-glass windows and a bell tower.
  • Town Hall: The Baarle Town Hall is an impressive building that highlights the town’s unique border situation.

Natural Attractions of Baarle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then Baarle is the perfect destination for you. The following natural attractions offer scenic views and exciting outdoor adventures:

  • The Baarle Trail: This hiking trail is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Baarle.
  • Baarle Lakes: This collection of small lakes is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking.
  • Grenspark De Zoom-Kalmthoutseheide: Located just a few miles outside of Baarle, this natural park offers some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Baarle

Baarle is home to many scenic hiking and biking trails. Explore the countryside and take in the stunning views with these routes:

  • Cycle Route of Baarle: This route takes you through the streets and countryside surrounding Baarle, showcasing some of the best views the town has to offer.
  • The Baarle Walking Route: This walking trail takes you through the natural landscapes surrounding Baarle and is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Baarle: Activities and Tours

From outdoor activities to cultural tours, here are some of the best things to do in Baarle:

  • Wine Tasting Tours: Baarle is home to several wineries that offer wine tastings and vineyard tours.
  • Historical Walking Tours: Take a guided tour of Baarle and discover the town’s rich history and culture.
  • Adventure Sports: Try your hand at adventure sports such as kayaking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Baarle

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Baarle, here’s an itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day 1 Arrival and Check-in
Day 2 Visit the Museums and Historical Landmarks
Day 3 Go on a Hiking/Biking Trail
Day 4 Indulge in Local Food and Drinks
Day 5 Take a Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
Day 6 Participate in Adventure Sports
Day 7 Relax and Explore the Town

Food and Drink Scene of Baarle

Baarle’s food and drink scene is a must-visit for foodies. Here are some foods and drinks to try on your trip:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poffertjes: This is a Dutch specialty consisting of small pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with butter.
  • Bitterballen: Fried crispy balls made of minced beef and ragout with a mixture of breadcrumbs and flour, and served with mustard.
  • Stoverij: This is a Flemish dish of slow-cooked beef stew with a dark beer, onions, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Belgian beer: Try a local Belgian beer such as Duvel, Chimay, or Westmalle.
  • Jenever: A spirit that is similar to gin and originates in the Netherlands.
  • Belgian Hot Chocolate: This hot chocolate is thick and rich, perfect for a cozy winter’s day.

Where to Stay in Baarle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Baarle has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. These are some of the best places to stay:

  • Den Engel: This hotel features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Belgian and Dutch cuisine.
  • Bed en Breakfast Baarle: A cozy bed and breakfast offering personalized service and comfortable rooms.
  • De Kluis: A luxurious guesthouse located in the heart of Baarle with spacious rooms and attentive service.

What to Buy in Baarle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Apart from the memories, take a piece of Baarle with you by purchasing some local products and souvenirs. These are the best places to shop:

  • Maison Saint Tropez: A boutique store that stocks local fashion designers’ products, antique furniture, and unique souvenirs.
  • De Druiventros: A charming shop that stocks local wine and cheese.
  • Baarle Market: The weekly market offers locals’ fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Baarle

The people of Baarle are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Here are some cultural customs to keep in mind when visiting Baarle:

  • Respect the town’s unique border situation.
  • Keep the town clean and tidy and dispose of trash in designated areas.
  • Greet the locals with a friendly “hello” or “good day.”

Best Time to Visit Baarle

Baarle is a year-round destination, but it’s best to visit during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and sunny. However, if you’re looking for a winter wonderland escape, December to February is great for snow sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Baarle

Here are some things to keep in mind during your trip to Baarle:

Do:

  • Respect the town’s unique border situation.
  • Explore the town’s cultural and historical landmarks.
  • Indulge in local food and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage historic landmarks.
  • Be loud or disrespectful towards locals.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting religious buildings.

Safety and Health

Baarle is a safe destination that poses little to no risk to travelers. However, standard precautions such as staying alert and avoiding unsavory areas and activities are recommended. For health concerns, travelers are advised to have routine vaccinations and seek medical help for any health issues during their trip.

Getting to Baarle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Baarle is easily accessible via several modes of transportation. The following transportation options are available:

Airports Near Baarle

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: This is the nearest and largest international airport located about 96 kilometers away from Baarle.
  • Brussels Airport: Located about 100 kilometers from Baarle, this airport is also a convenient option.

Bus Stations Near Baarle

  • Baarle Bus Station: The town’s central bus station located near the town hall.

Other Options

  • Trains: Baarle has excellent train connections to major European cities through Belgium’s rail network.

How to Get Around in Baarle

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Baarle is on foot or by bicycle. Taxis and buses are also available but less reliable.

Where to Go Next from Baarle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Baarle is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas of North Brabant and Southern Netherlands. Here are some excursions to consider:

  • Efteling Theme Park, Kaatsheuvel: A must-visit theme park located about 35 kilometers away from Baarle.
  • Breda: A charming Dutch city located about 20 kilometers away from Baarle with a beautiful historic city center.
  • Tilburg: An energetic city located about 30 kilometers away from Baarle, known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Conclusion

Baarle is a unique travel destination with a rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, the town offers a range of attractions and activities to suit your interests. Planning a trip to Baarle is an absolute must for exploring the Southern Netherlands and the North Brabant region.

Baarle and the enclaves – confused yet? Baarle and the enclaves – confused yet? Country border right across a terrace Country border right across a terrace The Baarle border between Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog The Baarle border between Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog