Van Gogh and cycling are inextricably linked to Dutch culture—and in Brabant, these two worlds come together in a bike path that radiates art and light, an experience you can truly appreciate only in the dark. Inspired by The Starry Night, the Van Gogh–Roosegaarde bike path is a striking creation by Dutch innovator and artist Daan Roosegaarde. By blending art and technology, it offers one of the most original tributes to the famous painter. Grab your bike and follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps on a journey that literally immerses you in The Starry Night. But instead of looking up, you look down and see how the twinkling lights beneath your wheels outshine the starry sky above you.
Cycling through Van Gogh’s art
The place where the artist first saw the light of day is now the place to experience light at night: the Van Gogh–Roosegaarde bike path. The path lies between Eindhoven and Nuenen and is part of a 435-kilometer route through the entire province of North Brabant. This 600-meter-long light trail connects the Opwettense Watermill in Nuenen with the Collse Watermill in Eindhoven, both locations that were also painted by Van Gogh. This beautiful bike path feels like stepping into a painting and makes nighttime cycling even more magical.
Van Gogh Bike Path: The Magic of Art and Innovation
The Van Gogh–Roosegaarde bike path is part of the Smart Highway project, which develops innovative and sustainable roads. Studio Roosegaarde and Heijmans designed this 600-meter-long solar-powered path and launched it in 2012. The illuminated section consists of thousands of colored stones that absorb sunlight during the day. At night, they emit a soft green glow, transforming the path into a shimmering scene inspired by Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. The path safely guides cyclists through the dark while honoring Dutch culture. It is free to use and serves as a lasting, unique tribute to one of the Netherlands’ most famous artists. This project is a clear example of how the Smart Highway initiative is building innovative, green, and inspiring infrastructure.
