The Van Gogh Drenthe is the top cycling route of the year

An increasingly popular way to travel and see the sights is on two wheels. And, Europe is adding beautiful new cycling routes as a rapid rate. One, the Van Gogh Drenthe Route has been recognized as the cycle route of the year 2024, marking a significant achievement for the relatively new cycling paths.

Competing against four other European routes, including Cykelleden Skåne (Sweden), Lech Radweg (Germany and Austria), Unionsleden (Sweden and Norway), and La Vélobuissonnière (France), the Van Gogh Drenthe cycle route stood out for its unique features and attractions. Ranging between 52 and 600 kilometers in length, all the nominated routes catered to multi-day cyclists seeking challenging rides.

The routes were introduced just last March, and within a short span, they garnered immense popularity, with more than 4,000 cyclists exploring them in the past year. Developed by Shary on behalf of Van Gogh Drenthe, these routes offer three options of 50 kilometers each, developed in collaboration with local partners from the municipalities of Coevorden, Emmen, and Hoogeveen. Alternatively, cyclists can combine the routes into a single 150-kilometer journey. Along the way, cyclists encounter numerous sites in Drenthe where Vincent van Gogh once roamed in 1883. Detailed route guides and informational panels provide insights into Van Gogh’s time in Drenthe, enriching the cycling experience.

The success of the Van Gogh Drenthe Route owes much to collaborative efforts. Van Gogh Drenthe, comprising the province of Drenthe, municipalities of Coevorden, Emmen, and Hoogeveen, Recreatieschap Drenthe, Drents Museum, and Marketing Drenthe, played pivotal roles in commissioning and supporting these routes.

Van Gogh Drenthe bicycle route

The Routes

Vincent’s Arrival route, a 50-kilometer cycling tour dedicated to Vincent van Gogh’s arrival in Hoogeveen in 1883, immerses cyclists in the scenic landscapes of Drenthe. Starting from Hoogeveen train station, cyclists journey through picturesque villages and historical landmarks, experiencing the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s artistic vision. Along the route, informative panels and see-through panels provide insights into Vincent’s time in Drenthe, enriching the cycling experience. Additionally, cyclists can purchase a comprehensive cycling guide covering all three Van Gogh cycling routes for further exploration. Convenient parking is available at Hoogeveen station, ensuring easy access for cyclists.

Vincent’s Day Trip route, spanning 53 kilometers and dedicated to Vincent van Gogh’s journey to Zweeloo in 1883, offers cyclists an immersive experience through the charming villages of Drenthe. Commencing from Van Goghstraat 1 in Veenoord, cyclists embark on a scenic ride, retracing Van Gogh’s footsteps as he sought fellow artists, including Max Liebermann. Along the route, cyclists encounter landmarks such as the Van Gogh House Drenthe, the former drawbridge immortalized in Vincent’s paintings, and historic churches in Sleen and Zweeloo. Engaging listening stories and informative panels provide insights into Van Gogh’s time in the region, enriching the cycling journey. The route concludes back at Van Goghstraat 1 in Veenoord, encapsulating the essence of Drenthe’s artistic heritage.

Vincent’s Inspiration route, spanning 50 kilometers, offers a captivating exploration into the landscapes that fueled Vincent van Gogh’s creative spirit. Commencing from Van Goghstraat 1 in Veenoord, this cycling journey follows the path Vincent undertook from Den Haag, as he studied a map of Drenthe, in search of the picturesque scenery he sought. The route takes cyclists through the heart of Drenthe, passing landmarks such as the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe and the former drawbridge at Schooldijk 41. Engage with the region’s history through listening stories, such as “vrouwen in het veen,” and discover cultural sites like the Reformed Church in Sleen. The route concludes back at Van Goghstraat 1 in Veenoord, providing a profound connection to the artistic inspiration that Drenthe offered to Vincent van Gogh.

The accolade bestowed upon the Van Gogh Drenthe Route reaffirms its status as a premier cycling destination in Europe, celebrating the intersection of art, culture, and outdoor recreation in the picturesque landscapes of Drenthe.