In the footsteps of Vincent

Van Gogh Drenthe Landscape Tranquillity Space Nature

Van Gogh in Southwest Drenthe

On 11 September 1883, Vincent van Gogh arrived in Hoogeveen by steam train. In his letters to his brother Theo, he spoke of nature, tranquillity and simplicity. Cycle or walk through the landscape that inspired Vincent and discover those endless landscapes for yourself.

Highlights - You must have seen or done this

  • Cycling route Vincent's Arrival | 50 km

    On this tour, you will look at the landscape as Vincent did. Along the way, you see vista panels where you listen to the podcast about his time in south-west Drenthe. The guidebook 'On the bike with Van Gogh' gives lots of information about the route and his experiences. See the drawings he sketched here reflected in the landscape. Start at Hoogeveen station.

    Cycling route Vincent's Arrival | 50 km Doorkuik panel bicycle tour man on bicycle

  • Walking route New Beginnings | 12 km

    Walk the paths Vincent walked. See and hear what he experienced and who he met. Along the way, listen to the podcast at various points. Start Station Hoogeveen.

    Walking route New Beginnings | 12 km Van Gogh in Drenthe

  • Van Gogh cruises Drentse Praam

    Vincent sailed along the Hoogeveen Vaart further into the hinterland after a few weeks' stay in Hoogeveen. Sail along part of this route yourself on the "Verwisseling". Combine sailing with cycling, walking or a covered wagon ride. Various dates from May to September.

    Van Gogh cruises Drentse Praam Vincent van Gogh boating Drenthe cycling

Mural

In the centre of Hoogeveen, you will find a house-high self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh. This street art mural is the work of 'De Strakke Hand'. You will come across this mural during the bicycle route 'Vincent's Arrival', during the guided Van Gogh city walk. It is also a great selfie spot during the family treasure hunt 'Looking with Vincent'.
You can find this mural at Dekkerplein (opposite the entrance to Theatre de Tamboer).

More information
Streetart Mural Van Gogh Vincent Downtown

Events and activities - On the trail of Van Gogh

Themed cycling and hiking routes

"Unspeakably beautiful"

On 11 September 1883, Vincent van Gogh arrived in Hoogeveen by steam train from The Hague. After several weeks, he travelled further into the hinterland of Drenthe by train barge. In his letters to his brother Theo, Vincent told of the nature, tranquillity and simplicity that gave him great joy. After a few weeks, he also experienced disappointment. The loneliness, the poverty and the struggle to find his place as an artist. His time in Drenthe proved to be of great significance for his development as a painter. Here he found the themes and style that later produced his first masterpiece The Potato Eaters. Cycle or walk through the landscape that inspired Vincent and discover for yourself that infinite nature and ancient landscapes. Back to your primal.

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