Heusden, Drunen, Vlijmen, and the surrounding area Municipality of Heusden

In 2026, several businesses from De Langstraat once again won awards at TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. These international awards are based on millions of reviews from travelers worldwide, making them an important indicator of quality and hospitality. From exceptional accommodations to unique activities and experiences: De Langstraat proves itself to be a region full of award-winning businesses. Discover here all the winners that rank among the top 10%—and even the top 1%—of the world’s best businesses, as rated by visitors. By: Laura van der Wal

The Brabant Hospitality Award shines a spotlight on places and business owners where visitors truly feel welcome. For the 2026/2027 edition, 18 business owners were nominated from over 220 participants, including no fewer than three from De Langstraat: De Hoge Heide, Stadshotel Geertruidenberg, and Schoenenkwartier. The winner has since been announced: on October 8, 2026, Schoenenkwartier in Waalwijk received the Brabant Hospitality Award! This is a great opportunity to get to know the three entrepreneurs from our region who were nominated at the time. What makes them so hospitable and special? You can read all about it in this article. By: Laura van der Wal

Want to bike or hike while discovering a unique story? In De Langstraat, you’ll find various themed routes that take you past places where history and local stories come to life. Follow in the footsteps of a notorious band of robbers, discover the story of the Scottish liberators, or reflect on impressive events from World War II.

Feel the wind in your hair, hear the rhythm of the hooves, and enjoy the forests, heathlands, and vast sandy plains along the way. De Langstraat isn’t just a beautiful place to explore on foot or by bike—it’s also wonderful on horseback! With nearly 100 kilometers of riding and driving trails, there’s something new to discover on every ride. Written by: Fabiënne Jonkers 

Heusden is full of fascinating stories! Curious about the history of the town and its residents? Join one of our guides on a tour and discover the most beautiful spots, unique buildings, and hidden stories of this historic fortified town. By Amber Jehoel

I settle down on the sunny terrace of Uitspanning ’t Blauwe Schaap in Loon op Zand. Even though you’re not that far from the city here, you feel completely immersed in nature. What a peaceful silence. Sheep are grazing in the distance, geese are honking somewhere further away, and meanwhile, owner Bart takes a seat across from me. Time for coffee—and for the story behind this special place. By Laura van der Wal 

Are you the kind of person who likes to pop into a unique shop during a day out? In De Langstraat, you’ll find plenty of great spots where you can enjoy browsing. From local products and unique souvenirs to shoes, fashion, and fun gifts: there’s something for everyone.The great thing is that you can easily combine shopping in De Langstraat with a day out. For example, stroll through the historic streets of Heusden, explore the center of Waalwijk, or make a stopover during a bike ride or hike through the region. We’ve put together a list of some great shops in the Langstraat that are definitely worth a visit! By: Inayah van Riel

It’s a beautiful late-summer day as I walk down the green avenue leading to Steenenburg Castle in Nieuwkuijk. Butterflies flit ahead of me, into the lush garden. Amid the greenery, the distinctive castle slowly comes into view. It immediately feels as if I’ve stepped into another world. By Laura van der Wal