Barts Best of Oisterwijk
Brabant is full of charming villages, but Oisterwijk? It is high on the list. The village has beautiful forests, fens and the Kampina, which makes it a natural paradise. But Oisterwijk has much more to offer than just greenery: it is rich in nice shops and also has the highest density of catering establishments in Brabant. Barts Best of Oisterwijk:
Oisterwijk is a relaxed village. Rituals Mind Oasis, right in the center, fits in perfectly. It is a place where you can completely reset yourself and fully relax. How does that work? With a range of scientifically based and multi-sensory treatments, such as a Brain Massage or Hydro Massage, you will feel reborn about 20-55 minutes later. During a Hydro Massage, you lie on a waterbed that simultaneously massages your body. Next to you hangs a tablet with which you can adjust the intensity of the massage, music, and scent. Above you hang red light therapy lamps that boost collagen production (creating a rejuvenating effect). During the Brain Massage, you lie in a separate cabin on a zero-gravity chair that brings your brain into a deep, relaxed state – comparable to the restorative effect of deep sleep (theta state). Sounds good, right? So, in no time at all, you'll be loaded with new energy to continue your day out. After all, the hustle and bustle of daily life can lead to stress, overstrain, and insomnia. It is Rituals' mission to help you let your mind and body unwind completely.
The centre of Oisterwijk has three streets where most of the shops and catering establishments can be found: The Lind, de Dorpsstraat and the Station Street. They merge into each other so that is easy: you can walk in one line. On De Lind you will find about fifteen terraces together, reasonably facing south. Sun guaranteed and with a view of the Trouwlaantje where, if you are lucky, you will see a bride strolling by on her big day.
In addition, within walking distance of these three streets is the Leather factory This old factory has been transformed into a hotspot where more and more creative entrepreneurs are opening their doors.
Ask a woman if she knows Oisterwijk, and you will often get the answer: “The village of the shop Mayke.” And rightly so. In the heart of Oisterwijk you will find this unmissable boutique, where you will immediately fall in love with everything that hangs and stands there as soon as you step inside. We speak from experience. Clothing, accessories, shoes – all high-end and carefully selected. Can’t make a trip to Oisterwijk? Then there is always the webshop. No stress, the webshop has everything you can find in the store – just as nice, only from the comfort of your own armchair!
Oisterwijk became a culinary hotspot in the 80s and 90s thanks to chef Cas Spijkers of De Swaen. Today the building houses several restaurants, including the iconic Alma Fine Dining, the beloved Alma Easy and the informal Bodega.
Alma's chef, Van Laarhoven previously cooked a star at De Molen in Kaatsheuvel and then at Wynwood in Eindhoven. And yes, from 2022 it's a hit: the Bodega received the Bib Gourman and the Fine Dining a Michelin star.
As a gateway to Alma Fine Dining, you also have Alma Easy. A bistro-style restaurant for casual bites and no-nonsense à la carte dishes.
A little further on De Lind you will find SOUTHWhether you come for lunch, drinks, or dinner, the Mediterranean menu does not disappoint. But honestly? The terrace is the real star of the show – both at the front and the back. This is where you want to sit when the sun comes out. Inside, by the way, you can enjoy beautiful art on the walls from Gallery van Dun, located just a stone's throw from the restaurant.
Robèrt van Beckhoven (yes, the one from Heel Holland Bakt) has his baking paradise in Oisterwijk. And yes, paradise, because in the Leerfabriek you will find no less than three domains of the Master Patissier and Master Boulanger: lunchroom The Barracks, the shop and bakery 'at Robèrt's and of course the B'academy from Robèrt.
The experience starts right away when you enter. As you walk through the long corridor to the store, you can take a peek into the bakery. Behind the glass you can see the bakers busy with dough, sugar, chocolate and machines that are second to none, while the smell of freshly baked bread comes towards you. Always nice to have a look behind the scenes, even before you have scored something delicious yourself.
Another beautiful place, also located on the grounds of the Leerfabriek. Coffee Sucks It is a lovely spot for a perfect cup of coffee and a sweet snack, but it is also a great place for an extensive lunch. The interior of the building has been left fairly raw. Think: lots of concrete. But with the beautiful high ceilings and large windows, it is a feast for the eyes.
In the same building as Koffiemiep is EKWC, the European Ceramic Work Centre. You can browse around in the shop, which is located in the same space as Koffiemiep. But you can also take a look behind the scenes at the creative process. Visitors are more than welcome to come along during an (almost) weekly tour of about 75 minutes. And then there are the open days – Test Case – where the artists present their experiments to you live.
At Skins is all about scents that you will not find anywhere else. Think of brands like Byredo, Le Labo and Creed. From perfume to skincare, and from make-up to scented candles. They are jacks of all trades and everything from the highest segment.
And then there's also that Qu4ttro, the stylish neighbor of Skins. A menswear store with a big dose of Italian flair. They share a store space, so you can easily grab it.
Do yourself a favor and go to SaranneYou can stop by this patisserie and chocolatier for a good cup of coffee, a slice of cake, breakfast, or a good lunch. They have a lovely terrace at the front and a nice little courtyard at the back. But sitting inside is absolutely no hardship either. And what else isn't a hardship: just about everything behind the display case. Load up and treat yourself.
Women's clothing store Lódz is a nice place with a good atmosphere, service and - not unimportant - nice brands. Think of Lois, American Vintage, Essentiel and MbyM. Everything that hangs here is carefully selected, from timeless basics to something more on trend garments. Whether you are looking for a statement piece or simply want to add to your wardrobe, Lódz is the place to be.
The Oisterwijk bookstore is located in the old, stately building of the former post office. Inside the store it is packed but very cozy. And not only with books but also with lamps, plants and the cozy children's corner with bags, games and cuddly toys. Looking for a birthday present? You are guaranteed to succeed here.
Would you like to furnish your entire home with items from Novalis? Yes please! In this interior design store you will find nothing but splendor and magnificence. Think: large sofas that you want to flop down on immediately, the softest rugs and designer items that will make your mouth water. The store is gigantic: every time you think you have seen everything, but then you discover a new corner full of interior gems. A place where you can dream away.
On the Stationstraat you will find DEPOT30. In this vintage walhalla you will find designer brands such as Dior, R13, Isabel Marant, Prada, Celine and Dries van Noten. From carefully selected clothing items to shoes and accessories that give that little bit extra. Let the treasure hunting begin.
A few doors down on Stationstraat you will find Nicole Vintage Fashion. Here are more fine brands, carefully selected by owner Nicole herself. A good stop for the vintage lovers among us.
Looking for trendy (sun)glasses? Panis is the placeHere you will find brands like Dior, Dita, Matsuda, Loewe, Cartier, and more. A firm favorite in Oisterwijk for years, and when you step inside, it feels like you are walking into a boutique carved straight out of a rock. Not your average optician, that is.
Oisterwijk is a top choice for a weekend away, we think. Good restaurants? Check. Nice shops? Check. Beautiful nature? Triple check. Exactly the right mix for a nice weekend full of different activities. And sleeping? You can do that at one of these places:
- Campinastaete: Hut on the heath! Literally this time: the houses are located in the middle of the Kampina nature reserve.
- Bed & Forest Houses: Tree house in the forest, anyone? It doesn't get any cozier than this.
- B&B Dream in the Forest: A lovely Bed & Breakfast in the green, on a pond, and including a rowing boat. What more could you want?
- Landal Klein Oisterwijk: Holiday park with lots of greenery and comfortable bungalows.
- Hotel Bent: Sustainably built in the middle of the woods, with a big dose of style. Opens end of 2024.
Completely into the forest house and tree house atmosphere? Then take a look at our list of most beautiful tree houses en list of most beautiful cabins in Europe.
Or looking for more Oisterwijk nature, shopping, eating and sleeping tips? Then take a look at Visit Oisterwijk.
More tips
-
New restaurants in Amsterdam: This is the Barts Boekje list
-
A weekend in Kortrijk? This is the place to be!
-
Time to pamper someone: Father's Day June 21, 2026
-
Cheap(er) food in Amsterdam: these are the best budget restaurants in Amsterdam
-
Best of Bart: the best restaurants in The Hague
-
Beach tents in Scheveningen – beach season 2026
-
Tips for fun things to do in Nijmegen
-
The finest hotels in Valencia: where you wake up happy
-
Sleeping and eating delicious food in Limburg: these are the best places
-
A list of London – where we want to eat and drink all day long