Explore the extraordinary countryside of the National Parks in North Brabant
Biesbosch National Park
A maze of rivers, islands and creeks formed by the tides. Biesbosch National Park is the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe. It is unique in that there are only a few of these in the entire world. Be inspired and go exploring on your own!
The best way to explore this National Park is from the water. Rent an electric boat, grab a canoe, hire a luxury boat or go on a tour. All those meandering creeks and overhanging branches make you think you are in a jungle. Not only is the beaver completely at home here, but the shallow waters full of fish are also a Walhalla for bird species as imposing as the fish hawk and the white-tailed eagle.
Biesbosch Museum Island
The Biesbosch Museum Island in Werkendam displays the past and the future of this unique area.
De Kleine Abtshoeve
The campsite and pub De Kleine Abtshoeve is an oasis of peace and quiet and Brabant hospitality as well as a nostalgic stopping place.
Biesbosch National Park cycle route
A beautiful 23-kilometre cycle route that goes past the Biesbosch Museum Island and water sports area the Aakvlaai.
Naline went on an adventure for us in her canoe in Biesbosch National Park. Watch her adventure.
Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park
Sand for as far as you can see. The wind has free reign here and is continuously changing the landscape. The Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park is one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe. Come and enjoy some fresh air!
You can go anywhere you like in the drifting sand area. Have fun horsing around, and then shake the sand out of your shoes. The Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park also has extensive wooded areas and heathland that are simply delightful for walking or cycling. Along the way, search for insects, birds and deer!
During the last Ice Age, the polar winds blew sand from the north to North Brabant, where it piled up in thick layers. The Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park was formed years later on one of those sandy ridges. The Brabant Sahara, as the area is also called, has thirty square kilometres of drifting sand that is still blown about freely.
Efteling Loonsche Land
Efteling Loonsche Land Holiday Village is located on the edge of the nature reserve of the same name and is within walking distance from the Efteling theme park.
Guldenberg
This hotel and restaurant is on the edge of the Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park, making it the ideal homebase for hikes and bicycle rides.
The fortified town of Heusden
Picturesque streets, centuries-old buildings and unique shops – all close to the Loon and Drunen Dunes National Park and can therefore be combined in a visit.
Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park
Heathland, fens, wooded areas, polders and inland dunes on both sides of the Belgian-Dutch border. It is literally and figuratively endless enjoyment at Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park, at the most western location of the North Brabant region. See the park for yourself.
The landscape in the nature reserve is incredibly diverse. It alternates between heathland, fens, dunes, wooded areas, meadows and polders. It contains rare plants and is home to many animals that can live here undisturbed and in peace. This is due to the fact that Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park is an official Sanctuary.
You can choose from 25 signposted routes, ranging from 1.7 km to a more serious route that is 24 km long. There are also four bicycle circuits laid out, each about 30 kilometres long.
Bergen op Zoom
Not far from the Cross-Border park is Bergen op Zoom, a monument city. It is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and its narrow streets, old squares and many monuments tell the tale of a rich yet turbulent history.
Markiezenhof
The Markiezenhof in Bergen op Zoom is the oldest city palace in the Netherlands. It is now a museum with amazing exhibitions and many other activities.
Kalmthoutse Heide Cross-Border Park scenic route
A 6-kilometre walk over mostly unpaved paths with an occasional change in altitude.
Naline cycled along this route in the far west of the region for us. Follow her adventure.
De Groote Peel National Park
De Groote Peel National Park introduces you to the opulent Peel landscape. This location, part of the Natura 2000 network, is one of the richest bird areas of Western Europe. The combination of peace and quiet, space and the reigning darkness makes it the ideal location for hundreds of species of summer and migratory birds.
The marshlands of De Groote Peel today were created by the excavation of turf, formerly used as fuel. The excavation caused huge ponds to form in some places, which makes the area so attractive to birds. Many unique and rare types of plants can be found here as well.
Wooden walkways, observation towers, bird watch huts and wooden bridges lead you right through this once impenetrable marsh area, which is 1400 hectares in size. The Peel regions surrounding it can be visited by bicycle. The best home base for exploring this area is Buitencentrum de Pelen in Ospel, just over the border near Limburg, and the Peel Gateway in Deurne.
The Peel Gateway
A nature gate, this is an ideal location to use as a starting point, a place for a break, lunch or end of a walk or bicycle ride in the magnificent surrounding greenery!
Klok and Peel Museum
The Klok and Peel Museum provides a unique look at how De Groote Peel National Park has developed in the past ten thousand years. The museum also has the world’s largest collection of swinging bells and carillons.
Helmond Castle
In the castle, the largest moated castle in the Netherlands, you will meet castle inhabitants from previous centuries and experience the story of the castle. How was the castle built? What was its function during the war? What was life like for the inhabitants?
New: Van Gogh National Park
A new item in North Brabant is the Van Gogh National Park. It is a landscape with winding streams, extensive nature reserves, vital farmland, estates and beautiful townscapes. This is where this idiosyncratic painter was inspired by the countryside and the common people of North Brabant. This is the North Brabant that you see in his world-famous paintings and which Vincent recalls throughout his entire life. Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, using any of the five Van Gogh National Park routes.