The Vincent van Gogh House: a living arts centre in the birthplace of Brabant’s most famous artist ever, stands on the spot where Vincent van Gogh came into the world on 30 March 1853. The protestant Van Gogh spent his childhood years in catholic Zundert, not far from the Belgian border. A reticent and introvert boy, he was educated at home and it soon became clear that Vincent was ‘different’. In the Vincent van GoghHuis you can experience how his time in Zundert moulded him and eventually enabled him to mature to become a world-famous artist. “A must see if you want to know Van Gogh” Vincent’s life had a tough beginning. As the son of the minister Theodorus van Gogh, he quickly became an outsider in the catholic village. He could often be found in the large garden with his younger brother Theo. He would have a wonderful time outdoors, but could also take comfort in it. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the countryside played such a large role in Van Gogh’s later work? More than a museum In the permanent presentation ‘Vincent van Gogh – the Roots of a Master’, Vincent will take you by the hand and lead you through a re-enactment of his youth and you can learn more about his struggle with faith. Changing exhibitions show the enormous influence of Van Gogh on 20th and 21st century artists, modern art enthusiasts are therefore very much catered for. In addition, the Van GoghHuis has an artist in residence scheme, where an artist can literally step, and live, in Van Gogh’s footsteps every day! Heritage locations in Brabant The Vincent van GoghHuis has its own VVV (Tourist Information) counter and is of course one of the five Van Gogh Heritage locations in Brabant. You can also get to the Van GoghHuis by bike via the Van Gogh Cycle Route that connects all the heritage locations in Brabant.

This 1,000-year old pagoda continues to capture the imagination of the Chinese for the legend behind it - one of captivity, magic and a triumph of good over evil. The top of the five-storey pagoda is accessible by lift and the view over the West Lake from here is truly amazing.

Karlshamn's Golf Club is a pearl on the beach of the Mörrum River with its 36 holes in forest and park nature. The course runs in a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests where each hole is beautifully embedded. The new course is a little narrower than the old one and will be a challenge for those who want to find strategic paths.

West Lake's every scenic spot has a poetic name and a tale associated with it. Any local can point a wandering visitor to the best spot to enjoy the dawn or the setting sun. The best way to appreciate it in all its splendor is to rent a bicycle and take a ride around.