Noord-Brabant

Bordering Limburg in the east and Belgium in the south, Noord-Brabant extends west to the Oosterschelde, almost to the North Sea. The capital is s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) and other important cities include Eindhoven, Tilburg and Breda. 

Over the years, Noord-Brabant has faced some difficult times, both economically and socially. It was here that Van Gogh painted ‘De Aardappeleters’, depicting a poor farming family eating their daily meal of potatoes. In recent decades, however, its fortunes have improved.

Now Noord-Brabant is the foremost industrial province of the Netherlands and a much admired economic protagonist. It has a wealth of impressive cultural sites such as the fortified towns of Grave, Megen and Ravenstein, which retain the atmosphere of ages past with their small squares, stately mansions and remains of fortifications.

The city of ’s-Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch as everyone calls it, is located in the delta of the Dommel and Aa, and owes its name and origins to the glory of Duke Henry I, who gave the settlement city rights in 1185. The impregnable ramparts, bastions and rondeaux are still intact, a testament to conflicts past. Nowadays the city is a bustling, friendly place where you can sample the sweet ‘Bossche Bollen’, have a dinner in a medieval hall or enjoy a night out on the town. As home to the electrical manufacturers Philips, Eindhoven and lighting are synonymous! Engineers, designers and artists collaborated on the latest lighting technology to give the old city a radiant new look.

Places of interest

Biesbosch: This national park is a green maze of rivers and islands interspersed with a network of narrow and wide creeks.

Bergen op Zoom: Enjoy a stroll through this city with its many monuments, cafés and restaurants.

Tilburg: De Pont museum of contemporary art; Scryption museum dedicated to the history of writing.

Eindhoven: City of light, art and design, and sport; Van Abbe Museum of modern and contemporary art; home of PSV Eindhoven.

Breda: Popular city with lots to see, especially in the areas of the Great Market and the Havermarkt.

Attractions

Safaripark Beekse Bergen: Large wildlife park with more than 1,500 animals, amusements and winter skiing village.

De Efteling: One of the largest and oldest amusement parks in the Netherlands, with golf course and themed hotel.

Het Roozenhuys, Hasp:An historical site where roses have been cultivated for more than a century.

Ploegfabriek en Ploegpark, Bergeijk: The former factory of the textile company, De Ploeg; and the Mien Ruys park, with activities, tours, exhibitions and events.

Cuisine of the region

The cuisine of Noord-Brabant, a province in the southern Netherlands, is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. The region has a rich agricultural tradition, which is reflected in its cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in Noord-Brabant include:

• Brabants worstenbroodje: A savory sausage roll made with a flaky pastry dough and a filling of ground pork and sausage.
• Hachee: A beef stew braised in red wine and broth, typically served with mashed potatoes or rice.
• Bossche bol: A spherical pastry filled with whipped cream and chocolate ganache, coated in a layer of chocolate.
• Schrobbelèr: A sweet herbal liqueur made with more than 43 different herbs and spices.
• Brabantse kazen: A variety of cheeses produced in Noord-Brabant, including Gouda cheese, Edam cheese, and Maasdam cheese.
• Brabantse worsten: A variety of pork sausages, including smoked sausages, cured sausages, and fresh sausages.
• Brabantse poffertjes: Small, fluffy pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.