Hugging the southern border of the Netherlands with Belgium, North Brabant is a sprawling province centred around the city of Eindhoven. It originates from the 12th-century Duchy of Brabant, a former state of the Holy Roman Empire, and was the site of battles between the Protestant Dutch Republic and Catholic Spain in the 16th century.
Things to do in Noord-Brabant
Whether you want to explore the museums of Eindhoven, get up close to African wildlife or immerse yourself in a fantasy world, North Brabant Province is sure to impress.
Sightsee in Eindhoven. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Eindhoven is renowned as a Dutch tech hub and the birthplace of Philips electronics. You can delve into the company’s past at the fascinating Philips Museum or admire the modern and contemporary art exhibitions at the Van Abbemuseum. Life during the Iron and Middle Ages is brought to life at the open-air Eindhoven Museum.
Safari through Beekse Bergen. Home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 150 species, the Beekse Bergen is a naturally inspired wildlife park between Tilburg and Hilvarenbeek. It can be explored on walking, bus and boat safaris, which offer up-close sightings of zebras, giraffes and leopards. Beekse Bergen is also renowned for its bird shows and breeding programs for threatened lemurs and rhinoceros.
Step into the fairytale world of Efteling. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss a visit to Efteling, a fantasy-themed amusement park that first opened in 1952. It is divided into five “realms” where you’ll find rollercoasters, dark rides and family-friendly attractions that reflect ancient myths and fables. Photograph the “Langnek” sculpture and enjoy a ride on the “Gondoletta” before catching a show in the Van de Ven-designed theatre.
Getting around Noord-Brabant
Eindhoven Airport is the main aviation gateway to the province and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport are around 1.5 hours away. Trains connect to major towns and cities across the province while buses travel to smaller villages. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around North Brabant.