A day out in West Brabant? Start in Rucphen!
Fancy a day full of variety? Rucphen is the perfect starting point to discover West Brabant. Whether you love nature, culture, or enjoying life's pleasures – your day out starts well here.
From Rucphen, you can easily reach surrounding villages, towns, and nature reserves. First, explore the Rucphense Bossen, soak up the atmosphere of the five villages, and discover all our beautiful gems. There's also plenty to do for children. And afterwards? Enjoy dinner or drinks at one of our hospitable catering establishments. From Rucphen, West Brabant is at your feet, and you can enjoy a multi-day stay in the region. Consider excursions to De Brabantse Wal, Biesbosch, Antwerp, ’s-Hertogenbosch, De Efteling, or Beekse Bergen. A unique region awaits you!
7 cultural and historical outings in West Brabant
West Brabant is packed with cultural gems. Think of historic cities, special buildings and unique events. Here are seven places you must see:
Halderberge - Basilica of Oudenbosch
Halderberge – Basilica of Oudenbosch
A miniature version of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, right in the middle of Oudenbosch. The impressive architecture makes this one of the most unique buildings in the Netherlands.
Moerdijk - Fortified City Willemstad
Moerdijk – Fortress City Willemstad
Stroll through this historic waterside fortress. With its city gates, bastions, and star-shaped streets, it feels as though time has stood still here. Be sure to visit the Mauritshuis as well.
Bergen op Zoom – historical heart
Bergen op Zoom – historical heart
Discover the Markiezenhof, the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate), and the old town centre with its characteristic buildings. The many squares and terraces make this city perfect for a cultural yet enjoyable day out.
Roosendaal - Leisurepark Roosendaal Designer Outlet Wouw
Roosendaal - Leisurepark Roosendaal Designer Outlet Wouw
Leisurepark Roosendaal is the place where adventure, shopping, and enjoyment come together. The market square in Wouw is a picture to behold. The castle of Wouw also has a rich history.
Nassau Quarter Breda – City in the park
Nassau Quarter Breda – City in the park
From Breda Castle to the Grote Kerk and the Beguinage: history comes alive in Breda. Add to that the vibrant city centre and you have a wonderful finale to your cultural exploration.
Zundert – Van Gogh's Birthplace and Flower Parade
Zundert – Van Gogh's Birthplace and Flower Parade
Zundert is the birthplace of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. The Van Gogh House is a living art centre on his native soil. Bloemencorso Zundert, held on the first Sunday of September, is the largest dahlia parade in the world. A unique event that you must see!
Baarle-Nassau – a unique border village.
Baarle-Nassau – a unique border village.
An enclave is a piece of territory that is completely surrounded by the territory of another country. In the Netherlands-Belgium area, there are even 30 of them! The border runs haphazardly through roads, houses, and gardens.
Events
7 nature reserves you shouldn’t miss
West Brabant is bursting with diverse nature reserves where you can enjoy wonderful walks, cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding.. The nature here is showing off its most beautiful side, on the edge of the Van Gogh National Park. These are seven six special places to discover:
Rucphense Heath
Rucphense Heath
A vast area full of heathland, forests, and sandy paths on the edge of Rucphen. Ideal for peace-seekers and hikers who love tranquility. Thanks to the junction points, you can determine your own route through this quiet corner of Brabant.
The Biesbosch
The Biesbosch
Biesbosch National Park is a watery nature reserve full of creeks, willow forests and beaver tracks. Explore the area by boat or walk along dikes and boardwalks.
Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Park
Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Park
On the border with Belgium lies this impressive nature reserve full of fens, heathlands, and forests. Perfect for long walks with views over rugged landscapes. Here, you can experience every season at its finest.
Oude Buisse Heath
Oude Buisse Heath
Wander through the landscape that once inspired Vincent van Gogh. A tranquil and varied nature reserve with forests, heathland and old estates. A combination of nature and cultural history.
Benedensas & Dintelse Gorzen
Benedensas & Dintelse Gorzen
At Benedensas, you'll walk through a dynamic nature reserve where fresh and salt water meet. Climb the observation tower for a magnificent view. The Dintelse Gorzen form a beautiful nature reserve outside the dykes, far from the inhabited world.
Fort Roovere
Fort Roovere
A unique green defence work, known for the Moses Bridge that literally leads you under water. The surrounding nature is perfect for a walk with a historical touch. Culture and landscape come together here.
Southern Water Line
Southern Water Line
The Zuiderwaterlinie is a unique chain of historic fortified towns and their hinterland, connected by the typically Dutch story of defending with water. It is the oldest, longest, and most used water defence line in the Netherlands.
Discover all that West Brabant has to offer
West Brabant is buzzing of the adventures Rucphen is your ideal starting point. Whether you are looking for peace, action, history or want to enjoy the Burgundian regional products, you'll find the most enjoyable excursions and events on VisitBrabant. Stay overnight in a cosy B&B, a charming hotel or amidst nature at the campsite. There's also plenty to do with friends, family or colleagues: think of active group outings, relaxing days in nature or a tasteful Burgundian discovery tour. Welcome to our hospitable, genial, Burgundian, pure and green region!