Things To Do
in Rijen

Typical small-town market selling fresh produce, cheese, breads and occasional street-food stalls on market day; check locally for the exact weekday (often a Thursday or Saturday in similar towns).

Bigger markets a short train ride away offer street food, international snacks, fish stalls and specialty vendors — great for sampling herring, stroopwafels and frites with toppings.

Dutch people are known for being direct and straightforward; take this as practical honesty rather than rudeness.

Be on time for meetings, tours and social appointments; lateness is considered impolite.

Respect cycling lanes, signal when turning and watch for fast-moving bikes—pedestrians should avoid walking in bike lanes.

Form orderly queues in shops and transport; greet with a simple 'hallo' or 'goedemorgen' and say 'dank u wel' for thanks.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants. For taxis and hairdressers, round up to the nearest euro or add a small tip; café and bar service rarely expect large tips.

Cards (chip-and-PIN) and contactless payments are widely accepted; debit cards (Maestro/V PAY) and contactless credit cards are common. Cash is accepted but used less. Mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are increasingly supported—carry a small amount of cash just in case for tiny vendors.

Mild weather with blooming trees and increasing daylight; ideal for cycling and early wildflowers. Expect occasional rain and cool mornings—pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Warmest period with long daylight hours and many outdoor events; comfortable for hiking and beach-style walks in sand drift areas. Summers are generally pleasant but can include occasional heat waves and pop-up showers.

Crisp, colorful foliage in forests and heathlands, great for photography and walks; temperatures cool and rain becomes more frequent. Bring waterproof layers and warmer clothing for evenings.

Cold, damp and often grey with short daylight hours; snow is possible but not guaranteed. Dress warmly and be ready for wind and wet conditions; many indoor cafés and museums remain cozy refuges.

Large protected area of shifting sand dunes and forests offering varied walking routes — about a 20–30 minute drive and one of the region’s most striking landscapes.

Mixed forest and heathland close to Rijen with pleasant loops suitable for short hikes and family outings.

Former railway line converted to a cycle and walking path—ideal for flat, easy walks and cycling between small towns, with scenic countryside views.

A bit further afield (under an hour’s drive) but well worth it: peat bogs, fens and wooded trails with boardwalks and viewpoints over clear pools.

Approximately 45–60 minutes by car from Rijen; offers many European connections and is convenient for budget and short-haul flights.

Roughly 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic; smaller international airport with some European routes.

The Netherlands’ main international hub about 1.5–2 hours by car or 1.5–2 hours by train with transfers; excellent global connections.

Around an hour’s drive (depending on border routes); useful for some regional flights and convenient for visitors coming from Belgium.

Many families live in Rijen, attracted by a quieter environment, schools and community amenities.

Residents who commute to nearby cities for work (Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven) form a significant portion of the population.

Personnel and associated families linked to the Gilze-Rijen Air Base contribute to a distinct local demographic and international presence.

Like many Dutch towns, Rijen has an established older population who are active in community life and local clubs.

The most popular sport regionally and nationally—local amateur clubs are active with youth and adult teams.

Both recreational and competitive cycling are widely practiced, with many dedicated routes and clubs.

Common team sports in North Brabant, with local clubs and facilities available in neighboring towns.

Due to the nearby Gilze-Rijen Air Base, interest in aviation, model flying and airshows is notable among residents and visitors.