Via Düsseldorf and Venlo to Eindhoven

Heading to Eindhoven is a great choice – the city of bold architecture, design, and that raw industrial edge. You could jump in the car, stare at the highway for two hours, and arrive exhausted. Or you could take the train and turn the journey itself into an adventure. Start with a dose of design and greenery in Düsseldorf, explore the cozy alleys and street art of Venlo, and roll into Eindhoven at the end of the day, relaxed and full of new experiences.

Good to know: by train, it takes just over an hour to travel from Düsseldorf to Venlo. From there, it’s another 40 minutes to Eindhoven. Both Düsseldorf and Venlo have luggage lockers, so you don’t have to drag your suitcase around the city.

First stop: Düsseldorf 

Düsseldorf is a great preview of what awaits you in Eindhoven: historic buildings, industrial heritage, plenty of green spaces, and inspiring design. You will be at the heart of the action in ten minutes from the station.

Our tips
Start your day at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, a museum with two locations. At K20, you’ll find classic modern masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Andy Warhol. K21 focuses on design, hypermodern art, and interactive installations. Can’t choose? Visit both! It’s a 15-minute walk between K21 and K20 – or hop on the shuttle bus, which is free with a combo ticket.

Next, head to Kö-Bogen II, an architectural highlight with a green facade that changes with the seasons – much like the Trudo Tower in Eindhoven (but just a little less extraordinary, of course). From K20 it’s a five-minute walk; from K21, about fifteen. Want more green? Continue to the Hofgarten, a large park with striking sculptures. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle.

Wrap up your morning with lunch at Spoerl Fabrik, a creative hotspot in a former industrial building – think of it as Düsseldorf’s version of Ketelhuis or Radio Royaal, two former-factory hotspots in Eindhoven. So remember those names if you like the Spoerl Fabrik. A fifteen-minute walk later, you’ll be back at the station, ready for the next stop.

Second stop: Venlo 

This charming town, with its historic facades and charming streets, is exactly the kind of place you’d usually rush past. Too bad, because like Eindhoven, Venlo offers plenty of greenery, water, and inviting terraces that can turn you into a true bon vivant in no time. Perfect for a short stopover!

Our tips
From the station, it’s a five-minute walk to Museum van Bommel van Dam, a former 1930s post office now filled with modern and contemporary art. Upstairs, you'll find De Bovenkamer – Dutch for 'the upstairs room', but also a common expression for your brain. Fitting, since this is exactly where you discover how creative ideas come to life and create your own mini inspiration booklet. 

Nice weather? Go on a street art safari. Check out the cozy Mooder Maas strip along the Lage Loswal, or the large mural behind Theater De Maaspoort. Once you're done, time your visit to the historic market square for borreltijd, the Dutch late-afternoon tradition of sitting outside with a drink and a snack. Order a round of bitterballen, small crispy fried snacks with a warm savory filling, and you'll be in the perfect mood for the final leg of your journey.

Final destination: Eindhoven

After two stops filled with greenery, design, and a taste of the good life, you’ll arrive in a city where it all comes together: Eindhoven. We’ve gathered our best tips in a mini guide so you can continue exploring right away. You’ll find it here: the ultimate city trip to Eindhoven.