Nieuw-Amsterdam: Van Gogh, Canals and Leisure

Nieuw-Amsterdam combines a direct connection to Van Gogh with local industrial history and a range of leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, you can consider whether cultural history, exploring the landscape, an activity on the water or seasonal ice sports should shape your itinerary. The local connections differ by subject and period, offering several starting points for your plans.

Van Gogh and local history

Vincent van Gogh stayed at the Logement Scholte in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord from October 2 to December 4, 1883. Another Van Gogh connection is two murals at the station, on a former grain silo. On one side, they depict his famous watercolor painting “De ophaalbrug”; on the other, a Drenthe portrait of Vincent. His historic stay and the two images offer different points of connection if you are interested in Van Gogh’s ties to this place.

La Paix offers another historical perspective: the building was the headquarters of the Drentsche Landontginning Maatschappij. The canals also play a role in the town’s history. The Verlengde Hoogeveensche Vaart and the branch of the Stieltjeskanaal drew a large peat industry to Nieuw-Amsterdam and Veenoord. Both La Paix’s role as a company headquarters and the canals’ influence on the peat industry are among the themes that have shaped the town’s history.

The landscape has also changed over a longer period: Thousands of trees have been planted over the years in the area between Vaartweg, Zijtak and Zwarteweg, and along the Dommerskanaal. These plantings offer another point of interest alongside the buildings and canals.

Walking, cycling and time on the water

The “Stay in primeval landscape” walking route is marked in the landscape with brown-and-white signs. There is additional information on information boards along the way. For cycling, the specific local connection is at the starting points: Two of the three cycling routes offered by the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe begin in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord. This gives you different options to choose from: a marked walking route with information boards, and several cycling routes, two of which start in town.

If you would like to plan an activity on the water, the historic trekschuit “Johannes Veldkamp” can be rented for half a day or a full day. These two rental periods give you a concrete timeframe for planning. Check the provider for current availability on your preferred date.

Seasonal activities and speedway history

At Sportpark Veenoord, Ijsvereniging Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord has had a 400-meter ice rink and a skating area for the youngest skaters since the 2023/2024 season. It operates seasonally and depends on the weather, so skating cannot be planned independently of the season and weather conditions.

Speedway is also part of the town’s history. In Veenoord, there is a racetrack at the main football field of the Twedo sports club, used for speedway races. The racing tradition dates back to 1954 and includes regional, national and international races.

Arriving by train

Nieuw-Amsterdam station remains in service on the Zwolle–Emmen railway line. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable for your date, as schedules and services can change. This lets you plan your journey without assuming a specific connection or departure time.

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