Holiday apartment in Nijmegen: 2,000 years of cultural history and river landscapes

Nijmegen combines two protected townscapes with a rich cultural history dating back 2,000 years to the settlement of the Romans. Between museums, historic buildings, parks and the Waal, you will encounter very different facets of the city.

Culture and history

At Museum De Bastei, the visit takes you past the Roman defensive wall, which is described as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same time, the museum conveys Nijmegen’s subterranean, layered past. Interactive presentations and games are also aimed at younger visitors.

The late Gothic Stevenskerk stands in the heart of Nijmegen. It houses the King organ and is regarded as a place for culture, reflection, encounters and connection in Nijmegen. St. Stevenstoren was built in the Renaissance style in the mid-14th century. From the tower’s gallery, you can enjoy a view over the city and its surroundings.

The historic setting also includes St. Nicolaaskapel and the Barbarossaruïne. The Municipality of Nijmegen saved the chapel from demolition and subsequently incorporated it, together with the Barbarossaruïne, into a new city park at the beginning of the 19th century. The Barbarossaruïne itself was also preserved and incorporated into the new city park at the beginning of the 19th century.

Museums and experiences

The Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama displays original running machines, vélocipedes, high-wheel bicycles, wooden bicycles and bicycles with special drive systems. At the Valkhof Museum, the exhibitions tell stories at the intersection of eras, people, cultures and ideas, as well as about art and history. They present an art collection and more than 40,000 years of history.

Infocentrum WO2 Nijmegen conveys the stories, historical heritage, events and museums of the region relating to the Second World War. Admission to the Infocentrum is free for visitors. The muZIEum’s Expeditie Ribbelroute offers a different form of interpretation: it is an interactive outdoor experience using augmented reality through the centre of Nijmegen.

The city’s brewing history also has a place of its own. Brouwerij de Hemel operates a brewery museum for individual visitors and small groups. Texts, photos, educational films, machines and tools provide information about brewing.

Routes through the city

The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse has a history spanning more than 120 years. Every year, 42,000 hikers take part. Over four consecutive days, they cover 30, 40 or 50 kilometres each day. Much more compact is the 5-kilometre stadswandeling, a self-guided walking tour through the cultural history of Nijmegen’s centre.

River landscape and green spaces

Veur Lent near Snelbinder lies between the Natura 2000 areas Uiterwaarden Waal and de Gelderse Poort, and between the side channel, also known as the Spiegelwaal, and the River Waal. The area can be reached by train and bus; from Nijmegen Lent railway station, the walk there takes 15 minutes. Veur Lent is used as a recreational area, particularly in summer, and has a sandy beach.

The city’s green side includes Valkhofpark, one of the oldest landscape parks in the Netherlands, and Kronenburgerpark, with more than 150 different tree species. At the Waalkade, there are terraces for eating and drinking, as well as a view over the Waal.

The Ooijpolder is located near Nijmegen. From the Waalkade, you can walk across the Ooypoort pedestrian bridge into the floodplains.

More location pages: Nijmegen, Doetinchem, Wijchen, Overbetuwe, Druten, Nijkerk, Beuningen, Putten.

For the overarching travel overview: Gelderland.