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

The best area to stay in Valkenswaard is near Valkenswaard Park, where you can enjoy easy access to local culture and nature. Stay at Hotel de Bonte Koe, a charming boutique hotel that blends traditional Dutch architecture with modern comforts. This hotel is known for its authentic Dutch cuisine—try their signature stamppot and locally sourced cheeses.

Alternatively, Hotel de Loo, located by the Nederrijn River, offers a peaceful retreat with river views and a private garden. Both hotels provide free Wi-Fi and parking, making them ideal bases for exploring North Brabant’s rural landscapes, historic villages, and seasonal festivals like the Valkenswaard Flower Festival.

For families, Hotel de Bonte Koe stands out with its child-friendly facilities, including a dedicated playroom, outdoor playground with shaded areas, and spacious family suites sleeping up to four guests. The suites come with kitchenettes and living spaces, perfect for self-catering.

The hotel also hosts family farm experiences, such as feeding lambs, picking fresh vegetables, and making cheese—ideal for children to learn about Dutch agriculture. Located just a 5-minute walk from Valkenswaard Park, guests can enjoy walking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. The hotel welcomes pets, provides cribs, high chairs, and baby gear, ensuring a stress-free stay for all ages.

Visitors must attend the Valkenswaard Agrifestival, held annually in summer, showcasing traditional farming techniques and crafts from North Brabant. Enjoy hands-on workshops in pottery, wood carving, and taste freshly baked Dutch apple pie (appeltaart).

Don’t miss the Museum Valkenswaard, which offers guided tours highlighting the town’s evolution from a 17th-century village to a modern community. Exhibits include antique farm tools, looms, and regional costumes, offering insight into rural Dutch life.

Pair your visit with a scenic ride along the Nederrijn River trail, passing historic windmills and stone bridges, to fully embrace the region’s pastoral charm and cultural heritage.

The Valkenswaard Park offers over 10 km of well-maintained nature trails through forests, wetlands, and blooming meadows. Trails vary by season—spring brings tulips and daffodils, while autumn paints the landscape in golden reds.

Scenic viewpoints and rest shelters are placed every few kilometers, and bike rentals (including tandem options) are available for couples or families. The park’s Nature Education Center hosts guided walks on birdwatching and native plant identification, led by expert naturalists.

Adjacent to the park, the Nederrijn Greenway connects Valkenswaard to neighboring villages with a flat, paved path ideal for all fitness levels. Along the way, travelers pass historic mills and farmland, offering a serene escape into nature and rural Dutch scenery.

Must-try dishes in Valkenswaard include Valkenswaard Cheese, a semi-hard cheese made from local dairy, offering a nutty flavor perfect with rye bread.

Try bitterballen, crispy deep-fried meatballs, served hot at stalls around Marktplaats—best enjoyed with mustard sauce. The Valkenswaard Bakery is famous for its fresh appeltaart (apple pie) and kroket (croquettes), made using traditional recipes and regional ingredients.

Many restaurants feature seasonal menus: winter specialties like beef stew with rutabaga, and summer delights such as grilled trout with herb potatoes, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of North Brabant.

Yes, Valkenswaard is highly accessible for car travelers. Located near the A73 highway, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Arnhem, with clear road signage throughout. Most attractions, including Valkenswaard Park and nearby nature reserves, are within 10 minutes by car.

Car rental is available at Valkenswaard Train Station, with options ranging from economy to electric vehicles. Many hotels offer free parking, and some have EV charging stations, supporting eco-friendly travel.

While public buses serve the area, schedules are infrequent. For maximum flexibility and access to rural sites, driving is strongly recommended—especially for exploring the surrounding countryside and seasonal events.