Street art in the countryside, an unusual but incredibly cool combination! In the Achterhoek, you can follow an art route along imposing, painted silos that bring the stories of the region to life. The Silo Art Tour Achterhoek is a creative movement that found its inspiration in Australia and has since given the Dutch landscape a colorful upgrade. Wondering where you can admire these unique works of art? We take you on this special tour!
From Australia to the Achterhoek: how the Silo Art Tour began
During a tour of Australia, the owner of Farm Westendorp discovered the famous Silo Art Movement in the state of Victoria. In this former grain region, old silos were transformed into gigantic works of art, attracting both the local community and travelers. This inspiring project gave her the idea to set up a similar art tour in the Achterhoek region. The result? A growing collection of impressive murals on farm silos, each with its own story about the region.
The first location: Westendorp Farm
The Silo Art Tour Achterhoek kicked off at Boerderij Westendorp in Aalten, where artist Rosalie de Graaf (RoosArt Paintings) transformed four silos into colorful masterpieces. Each artwork tells a unique story:
Luca (blue silo) - A portrait of Luca, the owner's little son, symbolizes childhood in the Achterhoek. The little pig refers to the farm's pig farming.
Jelle van Gorkom (yellow silo) - Olympic BMX champion Jelle van Gorkom symbolizes sport and resilience in the Achterhoek region.
Ms. Meekes (green silo) - This striking lady still visited Zwarte Cross on her 86th birthday and was sung to by thousands of festival-goers. Her portrait shows that age plays no role in the tight-knit Achterhoek community.
Ronnie Degen (red silo) - As festival director and tour manager of Normaal, he represents entrepreneurship and vibrant events in the region.
There's more! Discover the Silo Art Tour Achterhoek
The Silo Art Tour in the Achterhoek started in November 2020 and has grown into a crazy art project with as many as 10 artworks scattered throughout the region. Each artwork is created by a different artist and tells a unique story about farm life. Exploring the trail and admiring the silos is a fun outing to plan sometime. You can drive here by car and pass by the different locations, or stay nearby and explore the area by bike. In between, you will be amazed by the surprising combination of culture and nature.
Tips for cool road trips through the Netherlands
The Netherlands may be small, but it is a surprising and versatile country for a road trip. From the winding dikes of Friesland to the rolling hills of southern Limburg, there is always a scenic route to be found. For example, drive right through the The Tuscany of the Netherlands, or explore the Vecht region and 't Gooi, which takes you past historical heritage, vast natural landscapes and cozy villages. Prefer a green adventure? Then A road trip in an electric VW-T2 van highly recommended. Wherever you drive, there are plenty of great stops along the way for a good cup of coffee, a walk through nature or a spontaneous overnight stay in a cozy boutique hotel. In short: the Netherlands is road trip-proof!







