the friendly province in the Netherlands

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IndexIntroductionWhy visit Brabant?Practical information

→ Brabant on the map→ Accommodation→ Food

Must-do in 2016 Must-do in 2017

Icons of Brabant Brabant’s Masters

→ Vincent Van Gogh→ Hieronymus Bosch

Theme parks→ Efteling→ Beekse Bergen

Wander and roam through beautiful cities→ Eindhoven→ ’s-Hertogenbosch / Het Noordbrabants Museum→ Breda→ Tilburg

Endless enjoyment of Brabant’s natural beauty Vibrant Brabant

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Welcome to the Brabant region.

This friendly province in the south of

the Netherlands offers a wide range of

surprising short breaks.

‘s-Hertogenbosch

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Welcome to Brabant, the most welcoming province of the Netherlands! Our hospitality is revealed in our smile, in the stories, the cities, the beautiful countryside…

We warmly welcome you to experience it for yourself! From spotting designs and shopping in the historical inner cities to sleeping among the lions in the Beekse Bergen and in the fairy-tale world of one of Europe’s best theme parks, the Efteling.

From cycling with Master Painter Van Gogh to spotting beavers in De Biesbosch National Park. Experience it. And enjoy it, in every season and for whatever takes your fancy.

EINDHOVEN

TILBURG

EFTELING

’S-HERTOGENBOSCH

BREDA

EUROPE

Introduction

BEEkSE BERGEN

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Philips Museum, Eindhoven

Why visit Brabant? And there is more. Brabant is home to one of the best theme parks in Europe: the Efteling. Eindhoven is Brabant’s hotspot for design and every year, more than a million people visit the Benelux’s largest fun fair in Tilburg: over 230 attractions spread over three kilometres throughout the city centre. The city of Breda has been

voted the best city centre in the country and ’s-Hertogenbosch has won the award for most welcoming city several times over the past years. And do not forget the smaller gems in our wonderful province such as the fortified cities of Willemstad and Heusden. You have a wonderful view of the Brabant countryside from the top of the fortifications in the picturesque cities. There are numerous well-preserved centuries-old buildings in the scenic streets and narrow alleyways

The people of Brabant complete the package. They are known as open minded, sociable and welcoming people who work hard, but certainly also know how to enjoy the good things in life.

The world famous painter Vincent van Gogh was born and raised here and he drew inspiration from the Brabant countryside.

Many of the locations that featured in his life and work can still be visited today. In medieval times, the historic city of ’s-Hertogenbosch was home to another renowned artist: Hieronymus Bosch lived and worked here.

Vincent van Gogh

Breda

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The people of Brabant know how to

have a really good time. But they

do not keep their secrets to

themselves! Experience Brabant’s

exuberant hospitality.

Korte Putstraat ‘s-Hertogenbosch

BERLIN

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BRUSSELS

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LYON

LONDON

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Practical information Brabant on the map

Easy Access

→ Brabant is situated in the heart of Europe and in

the centre of the Benelux region.

→ Amsterdam, Belgium and Germany than you’d

think: only 60 minutes away, making it an easy day

trip or short break destination!

→ Fly directly into Eindhoven Airport (more than 500

flights a week) with Transavia, Ryanair, Wizzair,

Vueling, Corendon, TUIfly and JetairFly

→ Direct transfer service to Eindhoven Airport from

Amsterdam, Weeze, Brussels, Rotterdam-The

Hague Airport or Antwerp via AirExpressBus

→ Direct train link from Schiphol Airport to

’s-Hertogenbosch in less than 60 minutes.

New in 2016:In 2016, Breda will have a direct train connection with Belgium. This express train, under the name Benelux-Plus, will use the high-speed line (HSL). This means that Breda, one of the most important transport hubs in South Netherlands, can be reached quickly from the south as well. A perfect starting point from which to explore the Low Lands.

Hello world!You can find us here.

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Accommodation

Visitors may feel in need of a good night’s sleep after all the fun and excitement on offer here. And understandably so. Hotels, hostels, holiday

parks or bed & breakfasts, there’s always a bed for a tired guest in Brabant. Tomorrow’s another day, as the locals say. There are over 300 hotels to choose from, most of them 3 or 4 star accommodations, with a total number of 10,500 rooms. Average pre-contracted group rates for hotels in Brabant are much lower, and they are better equipped, than in Amsterdam or Brussels. And these cities are only an hour away by coach!

There is plenty of variety in accommodation, from leisure, corporate and heritage to art, design and themed hotels. From country lodges and youth hostels to B&Bs and holiday parks. All the main hotel chains are represented.

→ 2.300 hotel rooms *** average group rate p.p. based on double occupancy from € 25*

→ 5.600 hotel rooms **** average group rate p.p. based on double occupancy from € 27,50*

*Prices subject to change

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Food Avisit to Brabant simply must include a sampling of the local specialities. It’s a strawberry

and asparagus region and has its own locally brewed Trappist beer. La Trappe is the oldest Trappist beer brewed in the Netherlands and the monks of Our Lady of Koningshoeve Abbey, near Tilburg, have produced it since 1884. Local produce such as asparagus, strawberries and other fruits, cheeses and meats can be bought at farmer’s markets and local or farm shops.

Brabant’s restaurants stand out due to their hospitality

That the people of Brabant love good food is also apparent in the trendy food market concepts in Eindhoven and ‘s-Hertogenbosch – worth a visit if you are in the neighbourhood!

Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven

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One of Europe’s leading theme

parks with nearly 5 million visitors

per year, De Efteling’s mission is to

continually delight its visitors

with new forms of

family entertainment.

Efteling

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Must-do in 2016 – city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch

A visit to our capital is even more worthwhile in 2016. ’s-Hertogenbosch’s residents and visitors will commemorate the five hundred year anniversary of the death of the most important medieval painter from the Netherlands, Hieronymus Bosch, with an international cultural manifestation. The spirit of Bosch will wash over the squares and through the streets of the city for the entire year. Discover the bustling centre of the ‘duvelsmaker’ (literally: devil maker), there will be over 90 organised activities.

Nanine Linning

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Design is big in Brabant. Eindhoven is

a centre of innovation and design.

Many pioneering designers are graduates

of the Design Academy Eindhoven, and

Philips Design Centre is a vibrant

hub of smart technology.

Strijp S, Eindhoven

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Must-do in 2017:

Brabant claims Dutch Design

Over the past 25 years, the desire to modernise design and art that characterised De Stijl has been carried forward under the banner of Dutch Design. For art and design lovers worldwide, 2017 is the perfect time to visit the Netherlands. There will be numerous exhibitions and events organised. Major museums like the Gemeentemuseum of the Hague and the Kröller-Müller-Museum in Otterlo will give stage to De Stijl.

In 2017, it will be the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Dutch artistic movement called ‘De Stijl’ (The Style). Established in 1917 in the Netherlands with founding members Piet Mondrian (born Mondriaan) and Theo van Doesburg, it was originally a magazine, which published Mondrian’s theories on art but it grew into a wider art movement that widely influenced modern architecture, design and fashion.

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Expo-Restaurant-shop Kazerne

Design Academy

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→ Museums in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Breda, Tilburg and Helmond will hold exhibitions inspired by the various aspects of contemporary Dutch Design

→ Design Tours: visit the places where Dutch Design is conceived and made, meet the designers, see their studios, explore shops and hidden gems

→ Festivals & Events in Brabant

World Design Summer FestivalMeeting Tomorrow’s cityEindhovenJune to October 2017The capital of Dutch Design explores the future of the city. Festivals, designers, artists, creators and thinkers will literally make a future city. The festival brings all the elements together to be admired, experienced and enjoyed by the visitors.

25 Years of Dutch Design: From 1992 to 2017EindhovenApril to October 2017International premiere: the first overview of the last 25 years of Dutch Design. With work of more than 100 designers that helped shape the history of Dutch Design and international design.

Dutch Design Week 2017 International Edition Eindhoven21 to 29 October 2017Dutch Design Week (DDW) takes place in Eindhoven in October of each year. It is the biggest design event in Northern Europe: nine days of over 400 exhibitions, presentations, events and much more from more than 2,500 artists and designers and spread throughout the city of Eindhoven.

The province of Brabant will also be playing a main role in this themed year:

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Dutch Design Week

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Brabant’s Masters

Icons of BrabantFrom the famous historical towns to industrial heritage and

from fun fairs and theme parks to some true hidden gems and

last but not least: ‘Brabant’s Masters’. The generous range

of experiences typifies Brabant. And the locals are happy to

share their best kept secrets with visitors. We provide you

with an overview of our icons. Come and experience the

good life!

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Brabant’s Masters

Vincent van GoghBrABANT IS VINCENT VAN GoGH’S HoMElAND (1853 - 1890)Brabant is Vincent van Gogh’s homeland (1853 - 1890). Van Gogh’s masterpieces are scatteredthroughout the world, but their roots are in Brabant. Here is where Van Gogh produced his first masterpiece ‘The Potato Eaters’. To this day, Vincent’s footsteps can be traced in places like Zundert, Nuenen, Tilburg, Etten-Leur and ’s-Hertogenbosch. You can see the house where he was

born, his young brother’s grave, his art class at school, the parsonage and several churches where his father worked. Nuenen is a historical village that offers a

walking tour along 22 locations related to his work. The Noordbrabants Museum in ‘s-Hertogenbosch houses original works by Van Gogh in ‘The Story of Brabant’.

Cycle through the wonderful landscape and past exceptional spots from the work and life of Van Gogh in North Brabant. The Van Gogh Cycle route consists of a tour covering 335 kilometres and it is sub-divided into five unique routes. The route is connected to the renowned cycling network and is marked with clearly recognisable Van Gogh signposts.

After 125 years, Van Gogh is still a global source of inspiration. Tech prodigy Daan Roosegaarde has created a unique and

innovative cycling experience as part of the Vincent van Gogh cycle route in Nuenen: as the sun sets, millions of sparkling lights embedded in the cycling lane light up to reveal Vincent’s starry skies. Images of this unique cycling path have gone across the globe.

Partner & locations→ Van Gogh Brabant – Vincent’s

Homeland → Amsterdam: The Van Gogh-Museum→ Otterloo: The Kröller-Müller-Museum

After 125 years, Van Gogh is still a global source of inspiration

Best European Cycle Route 2016

Vincent van GoghHuis Zundert

Van Goghkerkje, Nuenen

Vincentre Nuenen Daan Rosegaarde Radweg Eindhoven

Vincent’s Homeland

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Brabant’s Masters

Hieronymus BoschAnother major Brabant’s master is Hieronymus Bosch – born and bred in our provincial capital of ’s-Hertogenbosch. In this city, Bosch created his characteristic panels and drawings, which can be admired at various locations across the world. In 2016, the city will be celebrating Hieronymus Bosch’s homecoming.

Unique exhibitionA large number of his best works are returning to the city on this one occasion for an exceptional exhibition in Het Noordbrabants Museum: ´Hieronymus Bosch – Visions of genius .→ 13 February to 8 May

In the footsteps of Hieronymus Bosch (The Bosch Experience)A wonderful climb to the roof of the Sint-Janskathedraal, a trip to heaven and descent into hell over the river Binnendieze, a spectacular light show, ‘Bosch by night’… The Bosch Experience is so varied that the events will appeal to families with children as well as history lovers and contemporary art connoisseurs. → March to December 2016

Bosch Grand Tour4 Brabant cities, 7 museums, 13 exhibitionsA tour of discovery of current art, design and culture in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Breda, Eindhoven and Tilburg, inspired by Hieronymus Bosch

→ December 2015 to April 2017

Binnendieze

Korte Putstraat Het Noordbrabants Museum

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Step into another world: visit our theme parks

Efteling

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National and internationally awarded

theme park the Efteling

The Efteling enchants both young as old – all year round. In the colder months, the theme park is transformed into the Winter Efteling that is filled with winter fun, live music and cosy fires to warm your hands and by which to enjoy a hot chocolate.

Experience Aquanura, the third largest fountain show in the world. Four frogs transform the Vonderplas (lake) into a musical spectacle, featuring a soundtrack by Grammy Award winning, electronic dance music icon DJ Tiesto. Glide through the air in the ‘Droomvlucht’, discover the forbidden city in Fata Morgana and step into the magical city of Raveleijn. Here you land in the middle of a spectacular battlefield filled with fire and water special effects.

For the most enjoyable day in the Netherlands, you must visit the Efteling! It’s one of the leading theme parks in Europe with nearly 5 million visitors every year. In 2015, the Efteling received a record number of no fewer

than eight awards, including for the best theme park and most child-friendly theme park in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In 2015, the spectacular new dive coaster ‘Baron 1898’ was added to the Efteling’s already impressive list of attractions, with a music composition by DJ Hardwell, born and raised in Breda. This hair-raising dive coaster promises to take you on a thundering 90 km/h trip to outrun the spirits before screeching to a halt again.

Python

Langnek Baron 1898

Raveleijn

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Spend the night in a fairy-tale Endlessly enjoy the impressive attractions or the GolfPark and then have a nice relaxing rest. Dream away in the enchanting rooms and suites of Efteling Hotel **** or amid the nature in the holiday park Efteling Bosrijk.

New in 2016 In the spring of 2016, the 29th fairy-tale will be created in the enchanted forest: Pinocchio. The story comes from the book ‘Le avventure di Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi from 1883.

New in 2017Efteling will be celebrating its 65th birthday in 2017. To celebrate this, the Efteling will be opening the ‘Symbolica: Paleis der Fantasie’ in the summer of 2017. This covered family attraction centres on the interaction of reality, dreams and fantasy. The attraction will be in the middle of the park and will enchant you all over again.

SAFArI PArk BEEkSE BErGEN IN HIlVArENBEEk IS THE lArGEST WIlDlIFE PArk IN EUroPE.

With lions, elephants, gorillas and many, many other species roaming around, this part of Brabant feels a little like Africa. Experience the park on foot or go on safari in your car. Take a relaxing boat trip or canoe among the buffalo, rhinoceros and ring-tailed lemurs with a ranger. THE AFrICAN WIlDlIFE CoMES DANGEroUSlY CloSE!

The Beekse Bergen has vast sandy dunes, wooded areas, lots of water and enormous grass plains and it will provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The large pool at Speelland Beekse Bergen is an absolute guarantee for swimming and water fun.

Beekse Bergen also offers overnight stays in its themed holiday park or on the campsite by Lake Victoria. And if the children are done spotting the Brabant big five, they can play and romp around in Speelland.

The largest wildlife

park in Europe:

Beekse Bergen

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Bosrijk

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Wander and roam through beautiful cities

Eindhoven

‘The Blob’, Massimiliano Fuksas

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If you love design, going out and shopping, then the largest city in Brabant, Eindhoven,

is the place to be. It’s a vibrant and lively city bursting with energy with a constant flow of new developments in creativity, innovation and design.

Excellent shopping and impressive architecture can be found in and around Eindhoven’s large covered shopping centre. In the old city centre, you will find a futuristic building called ‘The Blob’, designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The organically shaped glass and steel structure serves as the entrance to the wonderful Admirant Shopping centre.

The Van Abbemuseum is another must-do while visiting this city. Its distinctive architectural design, alongside its collection and exhibitions programme makes the Van Abbemuseum a unique place for modern and contemporary art.

The exhibitions in De Kazerne are definitely worth a visit. Grab a bite and a drink and be inspired by the creative works of various artists. The setting will leave you speechless.

For another uniquely industrial dining experience, try the Piet Hein Eek design restaurant, Radio Royaal or one of the other eateries in the former Philips factory in Eindhoven. The Strijp S, the nearby creative cultural heart of Eindhoven, is not to be missed during a visit to this City of Light.

With acclaimed festivals like GloW and Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven will play a leading role as the capital of Dutch Design in 2017 in the national themed year of ‘Mondriaan to Dutch Design’.

GLOW festivalVan Abbe Museum

Piet Hein Eek

Dutch Design Week

EINDHoVEN

Expo-Restaurant-Shop Kazerne

IT’S A VIBrANT AND lIVElY CITY

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Wander and roam through beautiful cities

‘s-Hertogenbosch

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Korte Putstraat

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’s-Hertogenbosch is one of the oldest medieval cities in the Netherlands and it was voted the most welcoming city four years in a row. The maze of narrow medieval streets and alleyways in ’s-Hertogenbosch can be explored on foot.

Another option is to marvel at the picturesque bridges and perfectly preserved historical buildings from a small boat: admire Den Bosch from its waterways, the Binnendieze. Visitors gain an entirely different perspective floating beneath the walls of the fortified city.

When you visit the capital city of Brabant, make sure that the Den Bosch delicacy is on your menu. Find a table at one of the many outdoor cafes and order a ‘Bossche Bol’ (chocolate ball) with your coffee. Newly opened at the end of 2015 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is Van Heinde, the only food hall in Brabant. At this covered fresh market, you will find a variety of fresh produce for your daily shopping as well as coffee bars, lunchrooms and restaurants. The Korte Putstraat in the historical city centre is a street known across the country for offering culinary treats in a variety of cuisines. Throughout the year, all the eateries have extensive outdoor seating areas.

Markt

Binnendieze

Lepelstraat

‘s-Hertogenbosch

Kerkstraat

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oNE oF THE olDEST MEDIEVAl CITIES IN THE NETHErlANDS

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You will find two museums in the middle of the city, the Noordbrabants Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. Together, they form the Museum Quarter, already dubbed ‘the Dutch branch of the Guggenheim’. The Noordbrabants Museum tells the story of Brabant and it is the

only location in Brabant housing original pieces by Master Painter Van Gogh. The Stedelijk Museum is a young and lively museum for

modern art and design with an international, specialised collection of ceramics and jewellery.

The lovely Sint-Janskathedraal on the corner of the Parade impresses through its size and enormous wealth of sculptures. See the

wonderful Brabant countryside and the city from above during the Wonderlijke Klim

(wonderful climb) as part of the Bosch Experience.

From life during roman Brabant to modern masterpieces by Jan Sluijters and JCJ Vanderheyden, ‘Het Verhaal van Brabant’ (The Story of Brabant) and work by Vincent van Gogh: Het Noordbrabants Museum, with its four thousand square metres of exhibition space, wonderfully restored palace halls and modern extension is a must-see in Brabant. The building is a historical 18th century city palace and is located in the middle of the centre of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Beside a vast collection, there are multiple temporary exhibitions held each year on a variety of themes.

The ‘Statenzaal’, or Provincial Chamber, is the showpiece of the Noordbrabants Museum. This large chamber served for nearly two centuries as an assembly chamber of the North Brabant Provincial Council.

If you visit the museum, make sure you enjoy the splendid garden, without doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the Museum Quarter. The centrepiece is the huge, almost two centuries old red beech, which provides a varying but always majestic sight each season. In the garden, you will discover a wonderful collection of sculptures by major southern Dutch artists from 1840 to the present.

YoU WIll FIND TWo MUSEUMS IN THE MIDDlE oF THE CITY

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Historic cities and towns, such as

’s-Hertogenbosch, Heusden and

Breda, offer a wealth of historical

monuments, including cathedrals,

city walls and courtyards.

Heusden

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Wander and roam through beautiful cities

Breda

The so-called ´Spanjaardsgat reminds visitors of the time Breda was in hands of the Spaniards. The Breda Castle shows the historical relation between Breda and the home of Oranje Nassau. The ancestors of the Dutch Royal Family, the Nassaus, were of great importance for the city.

In Breda, you will also find the museum for visual culture: MOTI, Museum of the Image. A creative meeting place for today’s artists and image-makers and, great for children.

Breda may be historic in outlook, but the inhabitants conduct their active daily lives with a modern down-to-earth approach – against a gorgeous historical backdrop. The onze-lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of our lady)

is the most important monument and a landmark of Breda that can be admired from almost every place in the city. Breda has been voted best city centre in the Netherlands, with plenty of pavement cafes, trendy restaurants and excellent shopping.

New in 2016A five-star hotel will be opening its doors in Breda in 2016. Grand Hotel Nassau Breda on the historical Nieuwstraat is created by the conversion of three manors, a chapel and a former monastery. Due to the historical setting and the chic decor, the hotel (Odyssey Group) can carry the name Autograph Collection of the international hotel chain Marriott.

Spanjaardsgat

Grote Markt

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Wander and roam through beautiful cities

Tilburg

Tilburg was an important city for the Dutch textile industry. You can learn all about it at the TextielMuseum. And there is more. In the accompanying TextielLab, national and international designers, architects, artists and students discover endless possibilities in relation to yarns, the latest techniques and traditional crafts.

These days the vibrant cultural climate and student population make the town highly inviting and fully future-proof. The quays, the water and the pier in the Piushaven are a lively stage for an array of events and activities. Every week at 013, the largest pop music venue in the Netherlands in the

heart of Tilburg, you can enjoy live concerts, dance and club evenings and festivals late into the night.

And do not forget to visit De Pont Museum. The museum is located in a former wool mill and offers contemporary visual art from 1988. The collection includes more than 600 works of art from more than 60 national and internationally renowned artists.

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Endless enjoyment of Brabant’s natural beauty

Loonse en Drunense Duinen

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De Biesbosch

De BiesboschDe Biesbosch National Park is one of the few freshwater tidal areas in the world. It is excellent for boating, canoeing, fishing but also cycling, hiking, and horse riding. The new Biesbosch MuseumEiland tells the story of the Biesbosch through seven stimulating themed pavilions and it is a perfect base from which to follow hiking and cycling routes. The MuseumEiland is also the departure point for the Fluistertochten (Whispering Tours) De Biesbosch.

loonse en Drunense DuinenThe Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park is about 3,500 hectares in size and it is situated amid the cities of Tilburg, Waalwijk and ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The park has the largest drifting sands in Europe and it is often called the Sahara of the Netherlands.

rural Brabant is renowned for its natural beauty and it is guaranteed to provide a refreshing and unforgettable short break. There are various national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Biesbosch Museum Eiland

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largest integrated cycling network of EuropeWhether you like to go walking, cycling,

skating, horse riding or canoeing, you will have well-marked routes at your

disposal. Brabant has Europe’s largest integrated and signposted cycling network. There are 6100 km of integrated and marked footpaths crisscrossing the countryside and 1200 km of integrated mountain bike tracks.

Cycle through the liberated Brabant of 1944There was a lot of activity in Brabant during the liberation in the autumn of 1944. The Liberation Route Europe enables you to experience that which played out in North Brabant in 1944 and 1945 around Arnhem and Nijmegen and on the Veluwe. The route follows the path trodden by the Allied forces during the liberation of Europe. Five themed routes have been marked out in Brabant, each providing a good picture of the battle for liberation in this specific region. At more than 60 locations spread over Brabant, you can listen to stories using interactive information points, which tell you all about the significant events in our history.

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Brabant is culturally vibrant,

offering a wide range of annual

events from classical music to pop

and from fine arts to dance festivals.

Wish Outdoor

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Vibrant Brabant

Brabant’s nightlife is rich and varied, with numerous bars and restaurants on the market squares or tucked away in quieter streets. Brabant also has the greatest density of festivals of the Netherlands. The world’s best DJs perform during acclaimed dance festivals, such as Extrema

outdoor and Wish outdoor. The theatre scene includes festivals such as November Music, Festival Boulevard and Mundial Festival. Most of our cities host their own Jazz Festivals and thousands of visitors come every year to experience the GloW light festival and the word famous flower parades in the towns Zundert and Valkenswaard.

A selection of the many events in Brabant….

January:→ Storioni-Festival, 20 January-31 JanuaryAn international chamber music festival spanning the province of North Brabant.

→ Awakenings Eindhoven, 30 JanuaryThe Techno Festival in the Netherlands will be back in the Klokgebouw at Strijp S with an insane line-up.

February: → Carnival, 7-9 February Festive season of public celebrations and/or parades combining elements of a circus, masks and a public street party. Overturning the normality of life.

→ Exhibition ´Hieronymus Bosch, Visions of Genius , 13 February-8 MayThe biggest Hieronymus Bosch exhibition ever at Het Noordbrabants Museum, ’s-Hertogenbosch.

→ Cross-linx in Eindhoven, 25 FebruaryCross-linx is an annual indie-classical festival. Unexpected links between ‘new’ composed music and artists from the avant-garde pop scene.

March: → Bosch Experience in ’s-Hertogenbosch, 4 March-31 OctoberWalk in the footsteps of Hieronymus Bosch and discover the city and region in which he was born.

→ Indoor Brabant Horse Event in ’s-Hertogenbosch, 10-13 MarchThe best riders from around the world will show their skills over four days.

→ Paaspop in Schijndel, 25-27 MarchThe Dutch festival season opener with more than 175 acts from home and abroad.

→ Grand Prix Valkenswaard, 27-28 MarchThe first European Grand Prix of the year will be held at the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard.

April: → Swim Cup in Eindhoven, 6-10 AprilMany national and international swim-mers, including world champions and

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Olympic medal winners, battle for the honour and to qualify for the Olympic Games.

→ roadburn-Festival in Tilburg, 14-17 AprilAnnual international rock festival in the largest pop temple of Brabant, the 013 venue.

→ (National) Museum Week 16-24 AprilVisit over 500 museums with a discount or even free of charge! Many museums offer additional activities this week.

→ Down Under-Festival, 23 AprilEindhoven’s trend-setting dance festival with a wonderful line-up and a great atmosphere.

→ king’s Night 26 April The night before King’s Day, with flea markets and celebrations everywhere.

→ king’s Day 27 April The official national celebration of the King’s birthday. The Netherlands turns orange. From major ticketed dance parties to small stages in neighbourhood cafes – the Netherlands celebrates.

May: → liberation Festival Brabant, 5 May The Dutch celebrate Liberation Day on 5 May, the day on which the Netherlands was liberated by the Allies in 1945 during World War II. Liberation festivals are organised across the country.

→ Fairytale Festival in Kaatsheuvel, 7 MayDance festival where fantasy meets reality.

→ National Mill Day, 14 & 15 May This is the best day to visit a mill; 950 watermills and windmills in the Netherlands open their doors to you.

→ 7th Sunday Festival in Erp-Veghel, 15 mayAnnual dance festival, at a magical place, exactly seven Sundays after Easter. Nominated for best festival at the European Dance Awards in 2012.

→ Brabantse kastelendag, 16 May During the ‘Brabant Castle Day’ castles in Brabant open their doors especially for the public.

→ International Gypsy Festival in Tilburg, 28 & 29 May The 20th edition with a whirlwind programme of music: Balkan, flamenco, klezmer, gipsy swing and jazz. But also hip-hop, brass band and folk are common musical styles.

→ Breda Jazz Festival, 5-8 May Around 175 performances on 16 stages in Breda’s historical inner city. The Breda Jazz Festival is the oldest and biggest jazz festival of Europe.

→ May Market Tilburg, 14 & 15 May The biggest night flea market in the Netherlands.

→ Area51 Festival, Rosmalen, 27-29 MayTechno weekend. For two days and three nights you live in a wondrous world, immersed in the very best

music and at an unrivalled, unique location, Autotron Rosmalen.

June: → Intents Festival in Oisterwijk, 3-5 JuneDeclared the best dance festival in 2015 by festivalgoers.

→ Mandala festival in Wanroij, 3-6 JuneFirst edition of this new festival, dominated by creativity, art, music and theatre. Do not expect a massive stage, but do expect adventure in the countryside!

→ Bosch’s World in ’s-Hertogenbosch, 4-5 JuneMusic, theatre, children’s games, crafts, market, minstrels, food and drink, readings and exhibitions around the Jheronimus Bosch Art

Center and the Groot Tuighuis in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The time of Hieronymus Bosch is revived.

→ Topshelf open in Rosmalen, 6-12 JuneLargest and only international tennis tournament on grass in the Netherlands.

→ Bosch Parade, 16, 18 & 19 JuneA wondrous parade of vessels and objects over the canals of ’s-Hertogenbosch, inspired by the work and philosophy of Hieronymus Bosch.

→ Best kept Secret Festival in Hilvarenbeek, 17-19 JuneThe best kept festival secret in the Netherlands with secret shows on the water and acoustic sets in the forest.

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→ Festival Mundial, Spoorzone Tilburg, 25-26 June The world music festival of the Netherlands in the Spoorzone in Tilburg.

July: → WiSH outdoor in Beek en Donk, 1-3 July Enjoy the most extraordinary stages in the Netherlands during this multi-day dance festival in which experience is central.

→ Woo Hah! Festival Tilburg, 2 JulyBiggest hip-hop festival in the Netherlands in pop venue 013.

→ kennedymars Someren 2 & 3 July Oldest ‘Kennedy March’ in the Netherlands.

→ Xo live in Best, 9 July After 20 spectacular editions, this is now a concept in the international dance scene.

→ Tilburg Fun Fair, 22-31 July The biggest fun fair in the Benelux region.

→ Festival Fabriek Magnifique in Veghel, 22-24 JulyThis Culture & Food festival is a meeting point of culture, expression and experience.

August: → Theatre Festival Boulevard ’s-Hertogenbosch, 4-14 August The city will be bursting at the seams during this free festival filled with theatre, dance, music, performance, cabaret, street theatre and visual art.

→ longines Global Champions Tour in Valkenswaard, 4-7 AugustThe Longines Global Champions Tour brings together the top 30 show jumpers in the world to compete at prestigious locations.

→ Decibel outdoor in Hilvarenbeek, 20 AugustHardstyle festival in a unique area at the theme park Beekse Bergen.

→ Cultural and historical parade Brabant Day in Heeze, 28 AugustA unique experience: no less than 16 floats with about two thousand actors ride through the streets of Heeze with impressive, towering theatrical sets.

September: → redhead Days in Breda, 2-5 SeptemberCome and join us on the first weekend in September and help us celebrate during the Redhead Days! We welcome redheaded guests and their family and friends from around the globe.

→ Tilburg Ten Miles, 4 September International running event for competitive and recreational runners.

→ Zundert Flower Parade, 4 SeptemberThe world’s largest flower parade. Will the floats be finished in time? Are there enough dahlias? Come to Zundert, find out and share the experience!

→ outdoor Brabant Horse Event in Breda, 7-11 SeptemberThe best riders from around the world will show their skills over four days.

→ Valkenswaard Flower Parade, 11 SeptemberColourful flower parade inspired by the work of Hieronymus Bosch.

→ Incubate in Tilburg, 12-18 September The most adventurous music festival in the Netherlands for cutting-edge culture.

→ Breda Photo, 15 September-30 OctoberInternational photo festival with work from globally renowned photographers and young talent.

→ Breda Barst, 17-18 SeptemberTwo days filled with pop, rock, metal, punk, electro, hip-hop and dance in Breda’s city park, Valkenberg.

october: → Amgen Singelloop Breda, 2 OctoberRunning event along the avenues and inner city of Breda.

→ Marathon Eindhoven, 9 October The largest one-day sporting event in Brabant.

→ Circo Circolo in Liempde, 22-30 October The leading international festival of Het Nieuwe Circus in the Netherlands with a mix of traditional circus techniques and modern dance, music, design and theatre.

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→ Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, 22-30 October Largest design festival in the Netherlands with more than 300 events at almost 100 locations in the city.

November: → Bosch requiem in ’s-Hertogenbosch, 4 NovemberWorld premiere of the ‘Requiem for Hieronymus Bosch’ in the lovely Sint- Janskathedraal.

→ November Music in ’s-Hertogenbosch, 4-13 November Music festival with the music of today, by today’s music makers.

→ Glow Festival Eindhoven, 12-19 November For eight days, the city of Eindhoven will be all about ‘Light Arts’ during

GLOW, the biggest light art festival of the Netherlands.

December: → 3FM Serious request Glazen Huis in Breda, 18-24 DecemberAn annual radio and multimedia fundraising event developed and hosted by Radio 3FM. Three DJs lock themselves up in a glass studio for six days. During those days, they eat nothing, broadcast live radio and television 24 hours a day and can be followed online.

Flowerparade Zundert

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About VisitBrabant VisitBrabant is the main marketing organisation for Brabant. Our platform visitbrabant.nl offers a gene-rous selection of Brabant icons, festivals, activities and events, thanks to our partnerships with local tourist information services (VVVs) and individual suppliers in the Brabant tourism industry.

International Sales & TradeWe invite you to discover our region! Our trade & sales department offers high quality hospitality pro-grammes for tour operators and press to sample the best of Brabant including local transport, visits and introductions to the sites. From the famous historical towns to industrial heritage and from fun fairs and theme parks to some true hidden gems - all to make sure your customers’ experience meets their expec-tations. And even surpasses them! Our programmes are created in collaboration with suppliers within the Brabant leisure segment.

We can provide you with free assistance in:→ Informationen → information services → familiarisation visits and site inspections → assistance arranging hotel accommodation and short break programmes → events listings and itinerary planning → introductions to museums, attractions, accommodations and destinations→ images database → regular e-newsletter updates

Feel free to contact us any time!

@BrabantTrade E: trade@visitbrabant.comT: +31(0) 13 303 03 93

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