Tips for a sustainable weekend away or day out in North Brabant

In North Brabant everything is close by. In many places, the city and the countryside blend seamlessly into one another. Be sure to come to North Brabant by train. The Brabant cities have stations that are connected to the rest of the Netherlands and even to Belgium and Germany. There are bus connections that leave from the (38!) train stations to go throughout the entire province, but you can also continue your travels on a bicycle. Take your own bicycle along or rent one at the station or a bicycle rental company. Many cities also offer shared transport services. There are various providers of shared bicycles, cars and scooters, which is very handy!

Are you staying overnight? There is plenty of accommodation in North Brabant with a Green Key certificate, which shows that a business is committed to corporate social responsibility and to reducing the environmental impact. De Soete Moeder Monastery Hotel in ’s-Hertogenbosch, for example, has a gold Green Key certificate. Another well-known eco-label is the Green Globe. All Bastion Hotels in North Brabant have this label but Hotel Bent in Oisterwijk does as well. Sustainability is a top priority at this charming boutique hotel, and it is also within walking distance of the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens. The map below gives you an overview of accommodation with a Green Key or Green Globe certificate.

The love of good food and the generous Brabant soil can be felt and tasted in North Brabant, whether at a farmyard or the heart of a city. In North Brabant, chefs and farmers join forces for a food experience that is unforgettable – not just because of the flavour or the location but also because of the story behind it. Whether you choose a lunch at a farm or a Michelin star dinner in the city, there are enough restaurants where you, as a foodie, vegetarian or vegan, can enjoy local products prepared with passion for flavour and sustainability. Check out these genuine restaurant experiences, for example.

Shopping also fits in perfectly with a sustainable city trip. Vintage is totally in and second-hand clothing shops are popping up everywhere. Check out these hotspots for vintage and local shopping in North Brabant. If you would rather have something new, then buy something from a sustainable label or a local producer. Breda, for example, has laid out a green city walk with sustainable businesses all along the route.  If you are done shopping, go for a lovely hike or a bicycle ride through the beautiful Brabant countryside. At Routes in Brabant, you will find the best themed routes, but you can also easily plan your own route using the junction network.