Overview
Uden is a mid-sized town of roughly 45,000 residents in the central-eastern part of the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant. Administratively it merged with the municipality of Landerd in 2022 to form the new municipality of Maashorst, named after the large heathland and forest nature reserve that lies partly within its boundaries.
The town itself is a practical, lived-in place without a dramatic historic centre, but it sits at a convenient crossroads for exploring the quieter, less-touristed parts of Brabant and the neighbouring Land van Cuijk region across the provincial border with Gelderland and Limburg. Visitors tend to come for cycling, walking, and nature rather than monumental architecture or nightlife.
Uden has a noticeable military presence historically tied to the former Bernhardkazerne garrison, which has shaped the local community and economy. The surrounding landscape of pine forests, heath, and small river valleys gives the area a distinctly rural character despite its relatively easy road and rail connections.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
The Netherlands is a Schengen Area member. For specific visa requirements applicable to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before travelling.
What to Pack
- Waterproof layer and comfortable walking or cycling shoes year-round; Dutch weather changes quickly
- Cash in small denominations — many local cafés and smaller shops still prefer cash, though card acceptance is widespread
- A cycling map or offline navigation app; the national LF-route and regional cycling networks pass through the area
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to the Netherlands beyond routine immunisations. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK equivalent (GHIC) provides reciprocal healthcare access for eligible visitors; travel insurance is still strongly recommended for all travellers.
Getting There
By Train
Uden has a railway station (Uden station) on the line between 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) and Nijmegen. Journey times and frequencies vary; check the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) journey planner at ns.nl for current timetables.
By Car
Uden lies close to the A50 motorway, which connects Eindhoven to the south with Nijmegen to the north. The A50 makes the town straightforward to reach by car from much of the Netherlands and from Germany via the A73.
By Bus
Regional bus services connect Uden with surrounding towns including Veghel, Oss, and Grave. Check Hermes or Arriva regional bus schedules (operated under contract with the province) locally or via the 9292 public transport planner (9292.nl).
Nearest Airports
Eindhoven Airport is the most convenient airport for Uden, approximately 35–40 km to the southwest. Amsterdam Schiphol is a longer but well-connected option for international arrivals, reachable by train via Den Bosch or by car on the A50/A2.
Getting Around
Uden's town centre is compact and walkable. The surrounding area, including the Maashorst nature reserve, is best explored by bicycle. The Netherlands has a dense network of numbered node (knooppunt) cycling routes; a regional cycling map available from the local VVV (tourist information) office or downloaded in advance will help you plan rides.
Car hire is not widely available in Uden itself; visitors who need a vehicle are advised to pick one up in Den Bosch or Eindhoven. Local and regional bus services cover the main villages in the former Uden and Landerd municipalities, though services can be infrequent outside peak hours — verify schedules locally or on 9292.nl.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (including Uber, which operates in parts of the Netherlands) may have limited availability in a town of this size; confirm options before you arrive, particularly for late-evening travel.
Things to See & Do
Maashorst Nature Reserve
The Maashorst is the headline attraction for visitors to the broader municipality. This mosaic of heathland, mixed forest, and fenland supports free-roaming large herbivores — including wisent (European bison), red deer, and Konik horses — as part of a rewilding initiative. Walking and cycling trails thread through the reserve; entering on foot or by bike is free, but check current access rules and any seasonal restrictions on the official Staatsbosbeheer (state forestry) website before visiting.
War Cemetery Uden
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemetery in Uden is one of the largest British and Commonwealth military cemeteries in the Netherlands. It is a moving and historically significant site, open to visitors; entry is free. CWGC's website (cwgc.org) provides details and a graves register.
Cycling Routes
The regional node network connects Uden to surrounding villages, forest areas, and the nearby Maas river. Day loops of 30–60 km are easily planned using the numbered waypoints. Bike rental is available locally — verify current providers and hours on arrival.
Veghel and the Corridor
The nearby A-corridor between Eindhoven and Nijmegen, which passes through Veghel and Uden, was critical during Operation Market Garden in 1944. Several small monuments and information panels along the route provide historical context for Second World War enthusiasts.
Food & Drink
Uden's food scene is solidly local Dutch rather than destination dining. The centre has a range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving Dutch standards alongside Italian, Turkish, and Indonesian options — the latter reflecting the Netherlands' colonial history and immigrant communities.
Local Brabant culinary traditions are worth seeking out: boterkoek (butter cake), worstenbrood (sausage rolls baked in soft bread dough), and local beers from regional Brabant breweries appear in many cafés and restaurants. Saturday's weekly market is a practical place to pick up regional produce.
For a broader restaurant selection, Den Bosch (approximately 25 km west) and Nijmegen (approximately 40 km north) offer significantly more choice. Verify opening days and hours directly with venues, as smaller establishments in Dutch towns often close on Mondays or have limited Sunday hours.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
The general emergency number in the Netherlands for police, fire, and ambulance is 112. The non-emergency police number is 0900-8844.
Tourist Information
The municipality of Maashorst and regional VVV offices can supply cycling maps, walking guides, and local event information. Check the official municipality website (gemeente-maashorst.nl) and the regional tourism body for current details.
Connectivity
Free public Wi-Fi is available in parts of the town centre. Dutch mobile networks provide good 4G coverage throughout Uden and most of the surrounding rural area. EU visitors benefit from roaming regulations; non-EU visitors should check data roaming costs or acquire a local SIM.
Accessibility
Like most Dutch towns, Uden has relatively flat terrain, which is generally favourable for mobility-impaired visitors. Many public paths and cycle lanes are well maintained. Contact specific attractions or accommodation in advance to confirm accessibility provisions.
Safety
Uden is a safe, low-crime town by most measures. Standard urban precautions apply — secure bicycles properly (bike theft is common across the Netherlands), keep an eye on bags in crowded market areas, and be aware of cycle lanes when walking, as cyclists have right of way and move quickly.
The Maashorst reserve contains free-roaming large animals. While these are generally not aggressive, maintain a safe distance, keep dogs on leads where required, and follow any signage about restricted access areas. Conditions in the heathland can change quickly in autumn and winter; carry water and let someone know your route if doing longer walks.