Vincent van Gogh loved to walk a lot through the Brabant landscape. He knew the area like the back of his hand and liked to be inspired during his walks. Could you also use some natural inspiration and are you curious about the most picturesque spots in Van Gogh National Park? Then take one of the five Van Gogh walking routes.
Traverse the landscape where Vincent grew up and where his work came to life. Immerse yourself in tranquility and take ample time along the way to visit locations that were part of his life. The walking routes start from Zundert (8 km), Etten-Leur (14 km), Nuenen (10 km), Helvoirt (15 km), and Tilburg (16 km). You follow the well-known walking junctions.
From his birthplace Zundert, you pass places where Van Gogh already walked as a child with his parents, brothers, and sisters. Where he played with animals and made his first little drawings. Where he fantasized and dreamed. About the future, about what he wanted to become. But besides a glimpse into the past, you can also focus on the current landscape. Where in Van Gogh's time there were vast rye fields, a new park-like area is now blossoming, with street names that remind you of Van Gogh's sketches and paintings.
The Vincent van GoghHuis brings you even closer to the life of Vincent. For example, you can learn more about the Zundert period of the painter, but you will also find temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary artists who are inspired by Van Gogh.
Etten-Leur is the village where Vincent van Gogh regularly sought refuge. His family lived there from 1875 to 1882, and he mainly came to enjoy the warmth and to take long walks in the surrounding nature. At the age of 27, he started an atelier in the annex of the rectory to really get started as an artist. A dream that became reality? He followed his heart.
This route takes you through the Pannenhoef nature reserve. Therefore, you won't encounter the Van Gogh Monuments in the center of Etten-Leur (sights 11 to 16). But they are certainly worth visiting.
In Nuenen, Van Gogh's past comes fully to life. It is the place with the most buildings, images, and landscapes that have a direct connection to the era in which the artist moved here. That's not surprising since he lived and worked there from 1883 to 1885. During this productive period, he created almost a quarter of his total oeuvre, including his first masterpiece: 'The Potato Eaters'.
This route starts at the Van Gogh Village Museum in Nuenen. A true recommendation to visit. During the walk, you pass through the nature reserve Het Nuenens Broek, which is being returned to a more natural state. Additionally, you will be guided past old hamlets and the church village Gerwen, where Vincent drew the St. Clemens Church.
Vincent wrote letters in which he vividly described his views, the people he met, and his development as a painter. The audiowalk Vanishing Points is inspired by these letters. So if you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh, search for 'echoes' on 'Vanishing Points' in the App Store/Google Play Store.
The young Van Gogh receives his first drawing lessons from master Huijsmans in Tilburg in 1866. At the age of 13, he becomes acquainted with the city, which then had about 8,500 inhabitants. The Tilburg-Breda railway line and the station have been there for just three years. Most people earn their living as weavers and factory workers. In the immediate surroundings of Tilburg are the stream landscapes of the Leij and the Voorste Stroom, with its small fields and characteristic pollard willows. That is still the case today. Walk out of the city, into the greenery and discover the cozy Piushaven, the viewing tower De Nieuwe Herdgang, and the Landschapspark Moerenburg-Koningshoeven.
The Van Gogh NP Walking Route in Helvoirt takes you through the Brabant landscape and the places where the Van Gogh family lived and where Vincent felt at home. The 15-kilometer walk starts at the Saint Nicholas Church and continues through forests, open meadows, and past fens. Along the way, you'll pass historical buildings, such as Castle Zwijnsbergen, and natural attractions, such as the Loonse and Drunense Dunes and the Hengstven. Rest stops along the way give you the chance to enjoy the view. You can also visit farm shops for local products and Hotel De Guldenberg for a culinary break. With this route, you walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh and discover the beautiful landscape he loved so much.
