Things To Do
in Uden

Uden is a friendly market town in the North Brabant province of the Netherlands, known for its compact historic center and easy access to large nature reserves. It balances small-town Dutch life with cafés, weekly markets and outdoor opportunities in nearby forests and heathland. The town is a practical base for exploring De Maashorst, cycling routes and nearby cities like Eindhoven and 's-Hertogenbosch.

Visitors find a relaxed atmosphere, good local food, and well-marked trails for walking and cycling.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Uden and settle into your cozy accommodation. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll around the town center, enjoying the quaint streets and charming architecture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Dutch breakfast featuring fresh bread and cheese.

afternoon
:

Visit the Museum of Uden to learn about the local history and culture, taking in the fascinating exhibits. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby Uden Forest, where you can appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Take some time to relax in one of the forest’s picnic spots.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant, sampling dishes made from fresh, regional ingredients. Afterwards, walk through the charming town square to soak up the atmosphere, perhaps stopping for a drink at a cozy pub. As the evening wind downs, enjoy a peaceful night stroll back to your accommodation.

day 2
Cultural Riches
morning
:

Start the day with breakfast at a nearby bakery, treating yourself to some sweet Dutch pastries. After breakfast, head to the Sint-Petrus Banden Church to explore its stunning architecture and serene ambiance. Spend some time wandering the surrounding streets to capture the local vibe.

afternoon
:

Join a guided walking tour of Uden to learn about its rich history, visiting key landmarks and hidden gems. Enjoy lunch at a café with a view of the historical sites, sampling local delicacies. After the tour, explore local shops for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Savor a gourmet dinner at a restaurant that showcases traditional Dutch cuisine with modern twists. Post-dinner, enjoy a live music performance at a local venue to immerse yourself in the vibrant Dutch music scene. Reflect on your day while enjoying a nightcap at a local bar.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range)$50-75
Coffee$2.50-4
🍺Pint of beer (local)$3-5
🚌Local bus single ticket$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close access to large, scenic nature reserves (De Maashorst and Vresselse Bossen).
  • Compact, walkable town centre with markets and friendly local cafés.
  • Good cycling infrastructure and ample outdoor activities.
  • Lower crowds compared with big Dutch cities; authentic small-town feel.
  • Limited late-night entertainment and nightlife compared with larger cities.
  • Fewer direct train connections; regional travel often requires a bus or car transfer.
  • Smaller selection of specialty restaurants and international cuisine options.
  • Weather can be changeable and rainy year-round.
  • "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Dank u wel / Dankjewel" - Thank you
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ik ben allergisch voor ..." - I am allergic to ...

Places to Visit in Uden

Visit one of these nice places.

De Maashorst Nature Reserve

Expansive heathlands, sand drifts and grazing cattle provide dramatic landscape photography at golden hour; ideal for wide shots and wildlife.

Uden Market Square and Church

Picturesque town square with market stalls, traditional façades and the central church—good for street scenes and architectural details.

Vresselse Bossen

Woodland trails with varied light and seasonal colors—excellent for close-ups of flora and atmospheric forest scenes.

Rural backroads and farmland

Rolling fields, farmhouses and lanes around Uden offer classic Dutch countryside composition opportunities, especially in spring and autumn.

Canal edges and bridges (nearby towns)

Nearby villages and towns have charming canals and small bridges—good for reflections and evening shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Uden

Uden shares North Brabant culinary traditions—hearty, homey dishes with good breads, cheeses and locally brewed beers. Meals emphasize seasonal ingredients, and cafés and brasseries serve both classic Dutch snacks and contemporary bistro fare.

Uden Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bitterballen

Deep-fried beef ragout croquettes served with mustard—an essential pub snack you’ll find in cafés and brown bars.

Must-Try!

Worstenbroodje

A savory sausage baked in soft dough, typical of the region and available at bakeries and markets as a grab-and-go item.

Dutch cheeses and local accompaniments

A selection of Gouda-style and regional cheeses sold at markets and specialist shops—pair with local bread and mustard.

Stamppot (seasonal)

A traditional mashed-potato-and-vegetable dish often served in winter with smoked sausage—comfort food found at traditional restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Uden Saturday Market

Weekly market on the town square (typically Saturdays) with fresh produce, cheeses, flowers and bakery stalls—perfect for sampling local snacks and buying picnic supplies.

Local bakery stalls

Throughout the week you’ll find bakeries selling warm rolls, pastries and worstenbroodjes; ideal for breakfast on the go.

Climate Guide

Weather

Uden has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. Rain is possible year-round, though summer brings the warmest and sunniest conditions. Spring and autumn are transitional and can be changeable, with brisk winds and sudden showers. Average temperatures range from near freezing in winter to the low to mid 20s°C (70s°F) in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Politeness

A brief handshake or nod is common when meeting someone; use 'goedemorgen/goedemiddag' (good morning/afternoon) in shops and service encounters.

Punctuality

The Dutch value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments, tours and meetings.

Bicycle Respect

Always be aware of bike lanes and give cyclists priority. Don’t walk on bike lanes and check for bikes before crossing.

Quietness

Respect quiet hours in residential areas in the evening; loud behavior late at night is frowned upon.

Safety Guide

Safety

Uden is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft like bicycle theft and occasional pickpocketing at busy spots can occur. Lock bikes securely, keep valuables out of sight, and use well-lit streets at night. In outdoor areas, stick to marked trails, be mindful of changing weather and carry a charged phone. For emergencies dial 112; for non-urgent medical issues contact a local GP or the regional hospital.

Tipping in Uden

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest and discretionary—rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not obligatory because service is typically included in prices.

Payment Methods

Debit cards (PIN/Maestro) and contactless payments are widely accepted; many places also accept major credit cards. Carry some cash for small vendors and market stalls which may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming fields make it a great time for cycling and walking; expect occasional rain and muddy trails in nature reserves.

Summer

Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours—ideal for outdoor dining, festivals and extended rides. Sunscreen and a light rain jacket are still recommended due to unpredictable showers.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage in forests and heathlands; cooler evenings mean layering is useful. Trails can be wet from autumn rains.

Winter

Cold and often damp, with short daylight hours; some outdoor activities are quieter but winter walks and hearty regional dishes are rewarding. Snow is possible but usually light and transient.

Nightlife Guide

Uden at Night

Uden’s nightlife is relaxed and centred on cafés, brown bars and family-friendly pubs rather than large nightclubs. Expect convivial local watering holes with live music on occasion and seasonal events; for a broader club scene and late-night options, nearby Eindhoven and 's-Hertogenbosch are the closest urban centres with more extensive nightlife.

Hiking in Uden

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

De Maashorst Trails

A varied network of trails across heathland, sand drifts and woods—options for short loops or longer hikes with good signage and viewpoints.

Vresselse Bossen Loop

Woodland paths suitable for family walks and birdwatching, with well-maintained trails and seasonal flora.

Maas River Walks (nearby villages)

Riverside paths along the Maas provide flat, scenic walks with opportunities to combine hiking and village visits.

Estate and farmland routes

Marked footpaths through local farmland and historic estates allow gentle countryside hikes and glimpses of rural life.

Airports

How to reach Uden by plane.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Approximately 40–45 km southwest of Uden; about 30–50 minutes by car or an hour by public transport depending on connections. Serves many European destinations and low-cost carriers.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

The Netherlands’ main international hub, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train/bus combination from Uden. Offers the widest range of long-haul and intercontinental flights.

Weeze/Niederrhein Airport (NRN)

A smaller regional airport in Germany about 60–90 minutes by car; serves some budget carriers and can be convenient for low-cost flights depending on routing.

Getting Around

Walkability

Uden’s centre is compact and easy to explore on foot; shops, cafés and many attractions are clustered around the market square. For reaching nearby nature reserves on foot you’ll face longer distances—cycling or driving is practical for more distant trails. Pavements and crossings are well-maintained, and the town is friendly to pedestrians.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Dutch families

Uden has a significant population of native Dutch families and a broad mix of age groups, including many middle-aged residents and children.

Older residents

Like many Dutch towns, there is a noticeable proportion of older adults and pensioners who contribute to community life and local clubs.

Commuters

Some residents commute to larger nearby cities (Eindhoven, Den Bosch) for work, creating a daytime rhythm of local shops and evening quiet.

Small international community

An increasing number of internationals live in the region tied to regional businesses, healthcare and the service sector, but the town remains largely Dutch-speaking.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport regionally, with many amateur clubs and youth teams—local matches are community events.

Cycling

Both recreational and competitive cycling are very popular thanks to extensive cycling routes and flat terrain.

Korfball and Field Hockey

Traditional Dutch sports with local clubs active in the area, offering both recreational and league play.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Uden is generally light compared with larger cities, although commuter hours can cause local congestion on main roads. The town has limited train service directly; regional buses connect Uden to nearby train stations and towns. Cycling is often the fastest and most pleasant way to get around town. Major highways to Eindhoven and 's-Hertogenbosch are straightforward for drivers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Uden.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common at cafés and restaurants (salads, vegetable soups, cheese platters). Always ask staff—most places can adapt dishes or point you to vegetarian-friendly eateries.

Vegan

Vegan choices are growing but still limited in smaller towns; bakeries and supermarkets offer plant-based alternatives. Call ahead for vegan mains at sit-down restaurants.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and pasta are available in supermarkets and some cafés. When ordering fried snacks like bitterballen, specify gluten-free needs as batter and cross-contamination may be an issue.

Allergies

Carry a translation card for your allergy in Dutch (or say “Ik ben allergisch voor...” followed by the ingredient). Staff tend to be helpful but always double-check for cross-contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Uden has local general practitioners and clinics for non-urgent care, and a regional hospital nearby (Bernhoven Hospital serves the area) offering emergency and specialist services. EU visitors should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC where applicable; international travelers should have travel insurance covering medical evacuation. For emergencies call 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide