Ooij(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oijen, the top choice is Hotel de Gouden Kruis, a charming boutique hotel with historic Dutch architecture and modern comforts. Located just steps from the Sint Nicolaaskerk and Old Market Square, it offers elegant rooms with original wooden beams and cozy ambiance. Another excellent option is B&B De Vliet, set along the quiet Mak River, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and easy access to scenic walking paths and local cafes.

The historic city center of Oijen is the most desirable area for lodging, offering proximity to key landmarks like the Town Hall and Old Market Square. With its well-preserved 17th-century canal-side houses and cobblestone streets, this district provides a romantic atmosphere, especially at night. It’s also walkable to local restaurants, shops, and cultural sites, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy authentic Dutch charm and a relaxed pace of life.

Visitors to Oijen should not miss the annual Dutch Windmill Festival, featuring guided tours of traditional windmills and artisan markets. Explore the Oudheidkundig Museum to learn about the town’s evolution from rural settlement to urban center. Hands-on activities like wooden clog-making workshops offer a fun way to engage with Dutch heritage, creating personalized souvenirs while experiencing traditional craftsmanship.

Yes, Oijen is highly suitable for families. The Scharpstraat Park features playgrounds, open lawns, and picnic areas, perfect for children. Families can also rent pedal boats along the Amsterdam-Utrecht Canal Route, enjoying a peaceful outing together. Local attractions like the Children’s Museum provide interactive exhibits on Dutch history and nature, blending education and entertainment in a child-friendly environment.

Try Poffertjes, small fluffy Dutch pancakes served warm with powdered sugar and butter, especially popular at the Old Market Square stalls. Another must-try is the Hollandse Kaas Assortiment—a selection of local cheeses paired with honey and rye bread. At De Lantaarn, don’t miss their signature venison with dark beer sauce, a hearty dish that showcases regional flavors and culinary tradition.

Oijen is well-connected by rail, with direct trains to Amsterdam and Utrecht in about 25 minutes. While there’s no metro, several bus lines link major sights and nearby villages. The town also boasts an extensive network of bicycle paths, making renting a bike the best way to explore the canal route and countryside trails. Cycling is eco-friendly and offers freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace.

The Sint Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church) is the most iconic site in Oijen, featuring a Gothic tower rising 68 meters high. Inside, you’ll find 15th-century stained glass and a historic carillon, with organ concerts held every Saturday evening. Climbing the tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the town and surrounding farmland—especially breathtaking during sunset.

Visit the Oude Markt for a weekly open-air market offering handmade crafts, local cheese, flowers, and vintage clothing. For unique finds, stroll down Brugstraat, where independent boutiques and antique bookshops line the historic street. For gourmet groceries, head to De Gouden Zijde, known for its high-quality local cheeses and house-made jams, perfect for gifts or self-indulgence.

Oijen offers a relaxed, artsy nightlife scene. Cozy wine bars like De Molen serve craft beers and wines, often with live folk music on weekends. De Oude Molen, a former mill turned bar, is famous for its intimate atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. Though lacking large clubs, it’s ideal for those who prefer quiet evenings with local culture and conversation.

Absolutely. Oijen offers stunning photo opportunities: misty mornings along the Mak River, dramatic silhouettes of the Sint Nicolaaskerk tower, colorful facades on the Old Market Square, and winter scenes blanketed in snow. Early sunrise shots at Scharpstraat Park capture soft light over the town. The reflection of bridges and rooftops in the canal routes create striking compositions—perfect for capturing the soul of a timeless Dutch village.