4x in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh

Let me start with Nuenen. Nuenen is a village, located in North Brabant, where Vincent van Gogh lived and worked for two years of his life. Perhaps the most famous painting from this time is "The Potato Eaters". It was 1883 when Vincent van Gogh left for Nuenen to move back in with his parents. He soon developed a bond with the people and the surrounding area of Nuenen. Besides his work, he often went out to paint landscapes. Nuenen is proud of this former resident and this has resulted in beautiful places dedicated to Vincent van Gogh.

Nuenen exudes Van Gogh – from the Vincentre to the Reformed Church
The Vincentre, a museum dedicated to Vincent van Gogh. Here you can learn about Van Gogh’s life through modern audiovisual technology. In addition to this museum, there are also outdoor sites that played a significant role in Vincent’s life. Take the Old Church Tower, for instance – this tower is said to have been one of Vincent’s favourite spots in Nuenen! The Reformed Church, also known as‘the Van Gogh church’,is certainly not to be missed either. This little church is a sight to behold in every season. I would, however, recommend visiting in spring, as that’s when the flowers are in bloom and the neoclassical church is set in a beautifully picturesque setting. As can be seen in the header image.

A special cycle route in Eindhoven
Not far from Nuenen lies the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path. Definitely worth a visit! This path consists of thousands of small stones that absorb light during the day and, in the evening when it gets dark, give off that light again. The stones have been laid out in a specific pattern, making it seem as though you’re cycling across parts of Van Gogh’s painting ‘Starry Night’. It’s truly breathtaking to see! The interplay of light and poetry comes together beautifully here. Roosegaarde, you rock!

Cycle after sunset and imagine yourself in a “Starry Night” dream world.

• viewing tip: Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path

The Hague was Vincent van Gogh's home base twice in his life. First from 1869 to 1873 and then from 1881 to 1883. When he first moved to The Hague in 1869, he went to work for art gallery Goupil & Cie. An international art gallery with French roots, he enjoyed working here for many years before being transferred to the London branch. At first, Vincent was not very happy about this.

The Hague has many locations that played a role in Vincent van Gogh's life. Besides some locations that can be visited to this day, there are also locations that have disappeared. Nevertheless, you can certainly follow in Vincent van Gogh's footsteps in this city by visiting the following special places.

Vincent van Gogh’s book dealer
Take the Binnenhof, for example. Three days a week, there used to be a stall here where Vincent van Gogh bought prints. This stall belonged to Jozef and David Blok, or as Vincent often called them:‘Blok the book Jew’. You might find it interesting to know that Vincent van Gogh regularly sketched Jozef Blok. See one of these sketches below on the left!

Panorama Mesdag
The Panorama Mesdag also played a significant role in Van Gogh’s life. Panorama Mesdag is a painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, which Vincent van Gogh visited together with Théophile de Bock (a close friend of Vincent’s). Vincent had this to say about the painting: “Le seul défaut de ce tableau est de ne pas avoir de défaut”. Are you, like me, not very good at French? Never mind! I’ve translated it for you:“The only flaw in the painting is that it has no flaws”.

The Weeskinderendijk
In 1877, Vincent van Gogh lived in Dordrecht, and when he travelled by train from The Hague to Etten in 1881, he made a stopover in Dordrecht. He had always wanted to paint the Weeskinderendijk, and this was his chance. Fancy actively following in Van Gogh’s footsteps? Then take a walk along the Weeskinderendijk. After all, Vincent van Gogh used to walk along this dyke himself! The painting of the Weeskinderendijk can now be seen at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo.

The Trinity Chapel
Churches and faith played a major role in Vincent’s life. With his father being a minister, Vincent was a regular visitor to church. For instance, he visited the Trinity Chapel in Dordrecht. This historic church building dates back to the^14th century and continues to serve as a venue for worship services to this day. Pay a visit here, have a look around, close your eyes and try to imagine what it was like here in the past. What might Vincent have seen and felt back then?

The Grote Kerk
Furthermore, the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht is a place that should not be overlooked. Vincent visited it regularly, and he would invariably pass by it during his walks through the city. This remarkable church is a cultural and historical heritage site and the city’s most recognisable landmark. Just like Vincent, take a stroll through the centre and the surrounding area of Dordrecht and discover the spots he loved to visit.

The home of the Van Gogh family. On 30 March 1853, baby howls echo through the streets of Zundert. Vincent van Gogh was born. Together with his siblings, Vincent grew up in the village of Zundert. Here he received a rich upbringing. In the Parsonage, the Van Gogh family home, life was easy-going. The children played outside a lot and this is most likely where Vincent's passion for nature and walks originated.

Vincent van Gogh House
Vincent lived in Zundert until he was sixteen, after which he moved to The Hague. Today, the Vincent van Gogh House is housed in the vicarage. It is an arts centre that offers a wealth of interactive experiences. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Zundert!

• Tip: Also take a look at the Van Gogh Garden, where Vincent played a lot in his younger years!

Mosaic made from paving stones
If you look closely, you can spot Vincent van Gogh on the Markt in Zundert. Architect Ton van Beek has created a huge mosaic artwork here, based on an iconic print by Van Gogh (one in which he is wearing a hat). From the museum window, you can get a good view of the artwork, and the paving stones will transform into a street painting.