Hoogeveen

Hoogeveen - Maroon terrace

Hoogeveen - From peat colony to vibrant city

Welcome to Hoogeveen, a town that once arose in the middle of the vast peat bogs of Drenthe. What started with peat diggers in the 17th century grew into a lively place with its own character, waterways and a cosy city centre.

Walk along the Hoogeveense Vaart, discover stories from the past and experience for yourself why even Vincent van Gogh was inspired here.

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  • Van Gogh

    Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who spent some time in Hoogeveen in 1883 and was inspired by the landscape of Drenthe. In the town and its surroundings, murals, cycling and walking routes recall his stay and you will discover Hoogeveen through the eyes of the famous painter.

    Van Gogh Van Gogh mural in Hoogeveen

  • Inner city Hoogeveen

    Hoogeveen's city centre offers plenty of shopping among some 250 shops, catering establishments and other entrepreneurs. The wide Hoofdstraat forms the heart of the city centre, with the Cascade as the eye-catcher: an impressive water artwork some 250 metres long.

    Inner city Hoogeveen

  • City festival

    The City Festival Hoogeveen is an annual highlight in Steenbergerpark! On 4 July, the party erupts with several stages, popular Dutch artists and a vibrant summer atmosphere enjoyed by young and old alike.

    City festival Stock photo festival

  • Pulled Days

    On six Thursdays in the summer holidays, Hoogeveen's Main Street is buzzing during the Pulled Days! Stroll through the flea market, discover children's flea markets, enjoy live music and get carried away by the cheerful, summer atmosphere in the heart of the city.

    Pulled Days Pulledag Hoogeveen - men with music through city centre

  • City Light Festival

    On 11, 12 and 13 December 2026, Hoogeveen will transform into a sparkling winter wonderland during the Stadslichtfestival! Stroll through the centre full of light art, enjoy live music, atmospheric Christmas markets and winter delicacies, and be enchanted by the amazing light shows.

    City Light Festival City Light Festival Hoogeveen

  • Pavilion Nijstad

    Pavilion Nijstad is the place to get a breath of fresh air by the water. Relax on the beach, stroll along the shore or enjoy a drink in the brasserie.

    Pavilion Nijstad Pavilion Nijstad

Want to discover more? - All addresses in Hoogeveen for you

Routes in Hoogeveen

Discover where Vincent van Gogh took his first steps in Drenthe and be transported to the Hoogeveen of 1883. Here he sought peace, inspiration and a new perspective on life and nature. Elements that later recurred in his masterpieces.

During the Van Gogh city walk, a guide will lead you past places that touched him at the time. Old photos and stories bring to life the Hoogeveen of the time and give a unique view of the area that fascinated Van Gogh so much.

New in 2026 is Illumilab, the audiovisual experience room in Hoogeveen Library. In the show Dark Lights, Van Gogh himself talks about his time in Drenthe, and with light, sound and images you will experience his search for inspiration and his early artistic development as never before.

Read more about Van Gogh in Drenthe
street art vincent van gogh inner city Hoogeveen centre cycling drenthe

Events in Hoogeveen

Hoogeveen on the map

On the interactive map, you can see at a glance where to find the most beautiful overnight accommodations, nicest day recreations and best catering establishments. From here you can also easily discover cycling and walking routes.

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