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Tourism in the southern Netherlands evokes an interesting intermingling of history, culture, and nature. This region has far lesser-known towns; it holds rich traditions and warmth in hospitality, hence providing that distinct and often rare relaxed and personal touch. Things to do in Southern Netherlands have captivating landscapes to witness, local festivals to join, and unique architecture weave together a distinct cultural fabric, drawing many visitors. One more point of interest of these southern provinces is their gastronomic offering, along with a sweet and slow lifestyle appropriate for experience travel.
Top 10 Things To Do In Southern Netherlands
The southern Netherlands offers a range of attractions, from cultural experiences to scenic escapes. Here are the best things to do in Southern Netherlands:
1. Visit Maastricht’s Historic Center
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and is located in the province of Limburg. The historic center is a mix of medieval architecture, colorful squares, and animated street life. Famous sites, such as Vrijthof, come with adjacent cafés that are mostly overshined by the Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Church of St. John. The guided tours in the caves of St. Pietersberg takes one on a journey through limestone tunnels that have served such function for centuries.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 6 hours
Distance: 2.5 hrs from Amsterdam
2. Discover Valkenburg’s Castle Ruins
Photo: Kleon3 / Wikimedia Commons
Valkenburg, in the mountainous Limburg, is home to the Netherlands’ only castle remains. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle was named after the valley that it looked over, namely Geul Valley, which it famously overlooks. Below the castle lies a system of marlstone caves that were hollowed out very slowly over centuries through mining, taking refuge, and even temporarily sheltering wartime activities. Valkenburg is also famous for its Christmas markets in the caves, making a very atypical festive experience.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Distance: 20 mins from Maastricht
3. Wander Through Breda’s Old Town
Photo: Rob Kemme / Wikimedia Commons
Breda, nestled in North Brabant, is an ancient city that is associated with a kind of liveliness and very well-preserved architecture. The old town centers on the Grote Markt and the adjacent Grote Kerk or Church of St. Anthony, a Gothic church from the 15th century and its soaring spire. One can take things slowly at the charming Begijnhof Breda, with its court surrounded by the houses of the seventeenth century as well as a herb garden. The Castle of Breda, which once belonged to the House of Orange-Nassau, is now a part of the Royal Military Academy and opens up only during some special events.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Distance: 1 hr from Rotterdam
4. Cycle The Biesbosch National Park
Photo: Baykedevries / Wikimedia Commons
The biggest freshwater tidal marshes in Europe, Biesbosch National Park, is located mostly in North Brabant. The place possesses a special ecosystem evolved from every other flood of river and reclamation of the land over the years. It’s an outdoor sanctuary with its miles of cycle and kayak routes through the park’s network of creeks, willow forest, and reed-bed habitat. Wildlife is rich, with visitors hoping to spot even beavers, deer, kingfishers, or any waterbird of any variety. Boat tours are also available. Biking across this landscape allows immersion into its splendor in a much deliberative way.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: 1 hr from Breda
5. Explore The Markiezenhof In Bergen Op Zoom
Photo: Donarreiskoffer / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Bergen op Zoom, North Brabant, Markiezenhof is a late Gothic castle which has always been known as one of the most important secular examples of medieval architecture in the Netherlands. At one time, it was a residence for the Lords and then later Marquises of Bergen op zoom, but it now fulfills the function of museum and cultural center. The exhibitions relate to regional history, international art, and the genealogy of the noble families who used to live there.
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 45 mins from Breda
6. Attend Carnival In Den Bosch
Photo: Michielverbeek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Every year before Lent, around February or March, Carnaval in Den Bosch is a multi day festival involving parades, costumes, brass bands, and revelry by the masses. The city changes its name temporarily to Oeteldonk, and the inhabitants don their scarves and fancy costumes. The festivities feature a magnificent parade, the symbolic entrance of the Prince of Carnaval, and street celebrations in every square in the city. Pubs and cafes remain open day and night with live music and theme drinks.
Dates: 3 – 5 days before Ash Wednesday
Distance: 1 hr from Utrecht
7. Enjoy Art And Nature At Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven
Photo: Choinowski / Wikimedia Commons
The Van AbbeMuseum in Eindhoven, North Brabant, is one of the most important museums for modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands. Founded in 1936, the museum is respected for its quite modern curatorial leadings and a collection of works that include masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Kandinsky, Lissitzky, and Mondrian. Striking in itself, the building contains parts of historic structures and some modern ones all located along the Dommel River. In addition to regular exhibitions, whose intent is to counter traditional art narratives, several interactive or socially engaged installations may be found in these ever-changing settings.
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Distance: 1.5 hrs from Amsterdam
8. Relax At The Thermal Baths In Arcen
Photo: Goga504 / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for its thermal baths and serene atmosphere, Arcen is located in the northern part of Limburg. Thermaalbad Arcen is a wellness center that uses natural spring water, which is mineral-rich, and held at a temperature of about 35-36 °C. Here one can swim in indoor and outdoor pools with whirlpool features, fin onto herbal baths, saunas, and relaxation areas. Beauty treatments, massage, and health therapies are also available at this spa in a quiet setting reminiscent of beautiful gardens. Apart from this, you have the Kasteeltuinen Arcen (Castle Gardens of Arcen). The city has a very serene and idyllic nature while at its banks along the Maas River with several forests and appealing cycling and walking trails.
Timings: Daily, 10 AM- 10 PM
Ideal Trip Duration: 2- 4 hours
Distance: 1 hr from Eindhoven
9. Tour The White Village Of Thorn
Photo: Microtoerisme / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Limburg is Thorn, the small village that is popularly referred to as ‘The White Village’ due to its structures that are all painted in white. Formerly an independent mini-principality, ruled over by an abbess and noblewomen, Thorn is thus still very much unique in identity with regard to history and architecture. On white walls, perhaps painted to symbolize purity and cleanse the soul, impoverished residents bricked in their actual windows supposedly in order to reduce their tax liability-a long-standing custom back in the 1700s when taxation was determined on the size of window openings-a picturesque myth that pleases the imagination.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 2 hours
Distance: 45 mins from Maastricht
10. Visit Zundert
Photo: ReneeWrites / Wikimedia Commons
Zundert is in North Brabant just south of the Belgian border and is the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh. The little town pays its respect to the legendary painter through the Vincent van GoghHuis, a museum and cultural center located on-site where Van Gogh spent his childhood. It showcases art and exhibits about his early history, family, and artistic development, as well as contemporary art inspired by his legacy. Zundert takes center stage as well when it celebrates the Bloemencorso, Europe’s largest flower parade that occurs every September. Giant floats made completely of dahlias are designed and built by local teams, resulting in a breathtaking display of inventiveness and colour.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Distance: 45 mins from Breda
The Southern part of the Netherlands is really a blend of culture, nature, and locality and will definitely fit a variety of travelers. It could have been countryside pictures but is exciting enough that could include an urban flare with lots of memorable experiences from the typical tourist route. To access local experiences, discover these things to do in Southern Netherlands with hassle-free travel planning, and book with TripXL. Start discovering the gems in the Southern Netherlands and work on your itinerary today.
Cover Photo: Merve Selcuk Simsek / Wikimedia Commons
