Five Van Gogh monuments in the centre give the Van Gogh Cycling Route Etten-Leur Zuid its cultural character. The Oude Raadhuis is also part of a Van Gogh route: this is where Vincent van Gogh first registered as an artist in 1881. In Etten-Leur, you can also explore the artist’s history through a wall featuring dozens of drawings from his time in Etten and a multimedia experience.

Van Gogh and Life in His Time

The Van Gogh Experience explores the period when Van Gogh decided to become an artist in Etten-Leur. Museum Sint Paulushofje offers a different perspective. It shows how people lived, worked and made their homes in Van Gogh’s time and afterwards. The museum occupies the entire rear wing of the Sint Paulushofje; guided tours cover Etten-Leur’s historical development, the hofje and its residents. Check in advance how to book a guided tour.

The Van Gogh Beleeftuin & Labyrint includes a fruit-tree avenue, flower strips, a butterfly garden and a frog pond. In the labyrinth, living willow branches form the paths. The Trouwkerkje offers a different historical highlight: this national monument dates from 1614 and can be visited during events. Inside is a Jacobus Zeemans organ dating from 1716.

Mills, Crafts and Technology

The Molenroute Etten-Leur passes three mills: Korenmolen De Lelie, Bisschopsmolen and Zwartenbergse Molen. De Lelie operates as a grain mill at weekends and is open to visitors then. It has been a municipal monument since 2018; receptions and guided tours for small groups are available by appointment. Bisschopsmolen was built in 1744 for the Bishop of Antwerp, replacing three centuries-old post mills. Built in 1889, Zwartenbergse Molen is considered a polder mill unique to Brabant. It is regularly open to visitors on Sundays, approximately between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check the opening hours before you travel.

Technology is the focus at the Van Osch Museum, where you can see steam engines and internal combustion engines, with demonstrations offered on selected opening days. A large library of old textbooks and documents complements the exhibition. As opening days are limited and may change, it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information. Those interested in crafts can also visit the Klompenmuseum in a nature area south of Etten-Leur. The museum also introduces visitors to the various aspects of traditional hand-set printing.

Explore Water and Nature

Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and diving are possible at Westpolderplas. A dedicated nature area for birds is equipped with a sand martin wall and separated by a nature island. Westpolderplas therefore offers both water sports and a protected natural area. At De Turfvaart, you can rent WANNAsup SUP boards; check in advance whether they are available for your visit. A separate SUP route runs from Geerkade in Etten-Leur to the mill in Zwartenberg and back. It is about six kilometres long.

For a walk, Het Laarzenpad runs through Kelsdonk. The 3.8-kilometre route crosses bridges and a large wooden platform; after weather-related changes, check local access conditions. There is also a nature area in the north of Etten-Leur, with the Het Molenpad walking route. A wooded area lies to the south.

The Leursche Vaart also offers a link to the waterways: from the Mark between Zevenbergen and Zwartenberg, it is navigable towards Etten-Leur for about five kilometres and has been open to navigation again since April 2001. As navigation conditions and restrictions may change, check them before setting off. For a culinary treat, De Turfvaart serves High Tea with sweet and savoury treats. Outside Etten-Leur, in a rural setting, the De Santspuy wine and asparagus farm invites visitors to wine tastings; its farm shop sells freshly cut asparagus and regional products. Check availability in advance.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Van Gogh Etten-Leur is easily accessible by car, bicycle and public transport. It is about a ten-minute walk from Etten-Leur NS railway station. For help finding your way around, the Tourist Information Centre at Markt 4 welcomes visitors and can point you in the right direction.

Discover more destinations: Etten-Leur, Someren, Tilburg, Bergen Op Zoom, Valkenswaard, Woensdrecht, Boxtel, Halderberge.

View the main travel overview: North Brabant.