Van Gogh National Park

Van Gogh Overview

Van Gogh National Park, located in the southern Netherlands, is a unique and relatively new national park that pays tribute to the landscapes that inspired the famous artist Vincent van Gogh.

Covering approximately 127 square miles (329 square kilometers), the park spans across the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, incorporating a variety of natural reserves, forests, heathlands, and agricultural landscapes.

The park is not a single continuous expanse but a network of green areas connected through ecological corridors, cycling routes, and walking trails, providing an immersive experience of the Dutch countryside that shaped Van Gogh’s early artistic vision.

The terrain of Van Gogh National Park is characterized by a mixture of sandy soils, heathlands, and lush forests interspersed with meandering rivers and wetlands. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen, a striking expanse of shifting sand dunes often referred to as the “Brabant Sahara,” is one of the park’s most notable features.

The sandy plains contrast sharply with the dense woodlands and moors found in other parts of the park, including areas like De Kampina and the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, which feature serene lakes and diverse plant life. The park’s landscape reflects the very scenery that Van Gogh captured in his early works, filled with golden wheat fields, poplar trees, and dramatic skies.

Wildlife is abundant within the park, with a variety of mammals and birds thriving in its diverse ecosystems. Roe deer, red foxes, and European badgers can be spotted moving through the dense forests, while smaller creatures such as hedgehogs and pine martens inhabit the underbrush.

Birdwatchers will find the park particularly rewarding, with species such as the Eurasian nightjar, great egret, and kingfisher commonly seen. Raptors like the buzzard and the kestrel soar above the heathlands, while waterfowl such as grebes and herons populate the many ponds and wetlands. The natural richness of the park makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

One of the most popular aspects of Van Gogh National Park is its strong cultural connection to the artist himself. Several of the trails and routes take visitors through landscapes that directly inspired Van Gogh’s paintings, including areas near his birthplace of Zundert and the village of Nuenen, where he lived and worked. The Vincent van Gogh cycling route allows visitors to explore these significant locations, combining art and nature in a meaningful way.

In addition to hiking and cycling, visitors can explore the park through guided tours, horseback riding, and birdwatching excursions. The varied terrain also supports activities like canoeing in its waterways and educational programs focused on biodiversity and conservation.

Conservation efforts in Van Gogh National Park focus on maintaining the delicate balance between nature, agriculture, and tourism. The park’s ecological corridors are designed to connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move freely and thrive.

Efforts have been made to restore wetlands and protect endangered flora and fauna. Sustainable tourism is a key priority, with measures in place to minimize human impact while promoting environmental awareness. As a relatively new national park, ongoing projects aim to enhance biodiversity and further integrate nature with cultural heritage.

Through careful management, Van Gogh National Park continues to evolve as a unique destination where art, nature, and conservation come together harmoniously.

Park Map

Van Gogh National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a rich diversity of avian species across its various habitats.

Nightjar
A rare and nocturnal bird, the nightjar is known for its distinctive churring call heard during summer nights. They are well-camouflaged and primarily feed on insects.

Stonechat
Often seen perched atop shrubs in open areas, stonechats have striking black heads and orange-red breasts. They are active songbirds, frequently emitting sharp calls.

Raven
The raven, the largest of the crow family, is known for its intelligence and complex vocalizations. They are often observed soaring above the park’s forests and open landscapes.

Black Grouse
Once widespread, the black grouse is now rare and primarily found in the park’s heathlands. Males are known for their distinctive courtship displays during the breeding season.

Eurasian Skylark
Recognized for their melodious songs delivered in flight, skylarks inhabit the park’s open fields and meadows. They are brown, streaked birds with a crest that can be raised.

Meadow Pipit
Common in grasslands, meadow pipits are small, streaked birds known for their fluttering flight and gentle calls. They often serve as hosts for cuckoo eggs.

Yellowhammer
With bright yellow plumage, especially in males, yellowhammers are often seen in farmlands and open areas, singing their characteristic “little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese” song.

Common Crane
During migration periods, common cranes can be spotted in the park’s wetlands. They are large, elegant birds known for their trumpeting calls and graceful flight.

Short-toed Snake Eagle
Occasionally observed soaring above open areas, this raptor specializes in hunting reptiles, particularly snakes. They have broad wings and keen eyesight.

Red-backed Shrike
Often seen perched on shrubs, red-backed shrikes are known for impaling their prey on thorns. Males have a distinctive grey head and reddish-brown back.

Exploring Van Gogh National Park provides an opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity that inspired the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh.