In De Biesbosch National Park, the influence of the tides shapes the landscape, which is ideal for hiking, cycling and canoeing. But North Brabant’s natural beauty is not limited to the water: in De Maashorst, the tranquil heart of the nature reserve stretches from forests and heathland to drifting sand dunes, marshes and old avenues. Explore the area on foot, by bike or on horseback.

Nature Reserves and Themed Routes

To explore De Maashorst on foot or by bike, you can start at one of the designated starting points. The area is accessible by car and public transport. The Brabantse Wal, meanwhile, is part of the cross-border De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide Border Park. This 6,000-hectare nature reserve includes heathland, marshes, drifting sand dunes and forests.

The landscape of Van Gogh National Park features streams and rivers, extensive green spaces, drifting sand, marshes, farmland and country estates. Its walking and cycling routes pass Van Gogh sites, cultural heritage and natural areas. An extensive network of themed routes offers even more options, including routes exploring monastic life, stories from the border and myths and legends.

Walking Routes with Different Themes

The longer walking routes also vary in their themes and stages. The Zuiderwaterlinie walking route runs for 290 kilometres between Grave and Bergen op Zoom and is signposted in stages using the junction network. The Zuiderwaterlinie connects eleven fortified towns in Brabant with heritage sites and nature reserves. Route details may change; check the current route before setting out.

At 330 kilometres and 15 stages, the Brabants Kloosterpad focuses on monasteries and abbeys. It offers a different thematic perspective from the Zuiderwaterlinie walking route: here, monastic history is at the heart of the route, while the latter connects fortified towns, cultural heritage and nature. When planning a specific trip, you can take the stages and their respective distances into account.

Museums, a Castle and History

In the heart of ’s-Hertogenbosch, Het Noordbrabants Museum showcases the art, history and culture of Brabant. It is the only museum in the southern Netherlands to house original works by Van Gogh. As the collection displays may change, check which works are currently on view before your visit.

Kasteel Heeswijk offers a different perspective on history: its halls, corridors, chambers, cellars and towers bring almost 1,000 years of history to life. Museum Klok & Peel houses the world’s largest collection of bells and carillons. It also explores the natural history of the Peel, including prehistoric fossils and a mammoth skeleton. At the Oorlogsmuseum Overloon, the Second World War and the liberation are presented across seven exhibitions, including an interactive D-Day experience with videos and special effects.

Attractions and Getting Around

In Kaatsheuvel, Efteling offers dozens of rides, roller coasters and park shows. The park is right next to Tilburg, accessible via the A59 and A65, and signposted from the N261. As the offerings and travel information may change, check both before your trip. Safaripark Beekse Bergen is in Hilvarenbeek and can be reached by car, bike or public transport; here too, checking the latest travel information may help with your planning.

North Brabant brings together a variety of experiences: tidal landscapes, heathland and forests, routes themed around cultural history, museums and attractions. Choose what to explore based on whether you’d most like to spend time outdoors, learn about Brabant’s history or combine the two.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Schaijk, Putte, Vlierden, Tilburg, Drimmelen, Boekel, Asten, Heeze-Leende, Zundert, Alphen-Chaam, Bernheze, Steenbergen, Halderberge, Oss, Gemert-Bakel, Geldrop-Mierlo, Vught, Veghel, Cranendonck, Laarbeek, Aalburg, Baarle-Nassau, Bergeijk, Bergen Op Zoom, Best, Bladel, Boxmeer, Breda, Cuijk, Deurne, Dongen, Eersel, Eindhoven, Etten-Leur, Geertruidenberg, Gilze En Rijen, Goirle, Grave, Haaren, ’S-Hertogenbosch, Heusden, Hilvarenbeek, Helmond, Landerd, Loon Op Zand, Maasdonk, Mill En Sint Hubert, Moerdijk, Nuenen, Gerwen En Nederwetten, Oirschot, Oisterwijk, Oosterhout, Reusel-De Mierden, Roosendaal, Rucphen, Schijndel, Sint Anthonis, Sint-Michielsgestel, Sint-Oedenrode, Someren, Son En Breugel, Uden, Valkenswaard, Veldhoven, Waalre, Waalwijk, Werkendam, Woensdrecht, Woudrichem, Lith, Boxtel.

For the main travel overview: Netherlands.