Nijmegen Travel Guide

Find out all you need to know about Nijmegen, Netherlands with this comprehensive travel guide, including the best things to do, see, eat, and more.


Introduction to Nijmegen

Nijmegen is a beautiful city located in Gelderland, located in Eastern Netherlands. It is also the oldest city in the Netherlands with plenty of historical landmarks and museums. Known for its four-day-long walking march, the international Four Days Marches, it is a popular tourist destination for travelers who want to explore the Netherlands beyond the big cities.

List of Places to Visit in Nijmegen

Whether you’re visiting Nijmegen for a few days or a week, there are plenty of things to see and do in the city. From museums to historical landmarks to natural attractions, here’s a list of the top places to visit in Nijmegen.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Valkhof Museum - Exhibitions provide information on the history of Nijmegen, including artifacts such as ancient Roman coins and medieval sculptures.
  • Museum Het Valkhof - Houses 2,000 years of art, including modern contemporary art, Roman antiquities, and more.
  • Stevenstoren Tower - A popular landmark in Nijmegen with a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Natural Attractions of Nijmegen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ooijpolder Nature Reserve - A beautiful nature reserve located just south of Nijmegen with wetlands, pastures, and woodlands where you can hike or bike.
  • Waalkade - A scenic promenade stretching for over a kilometer along the River Waal, where you can get stunning views of the river.
  • Goffertpark - A large park with plenty of green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nijmegen

Nijmegen lies in the middle of a scenic area filled with hills, woodlands, and rivers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Nijmegen:

  • Mookerheide Loop: A 16km hiking trail offers an extraordinary and picturesque view of the town with rich flora and fauna of the environment.
  • Het Rijk Van Nijmegen Route: A scenic bike route running through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside around Nijmegen.

Best Things to Do in Nijmegen: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Nijmegen, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a laid-back experience. Some of the top activities and tours in Nijmegen include:

  • The Four Day Marches - One of the most renowned annual walking events in the world, involving thousands of participants.
  • Stadswandeling Nijmegen - A walking tour of Nijmegen’s main sights with an English-speaking guide.
  • Ottenbad - A swimming pool complex with waterslides, a wave pool, and other activities to suit your preference.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nijmegen

If you have a week to explore Nijmegen, here’s a sample itinerary you can follow:

Day Activity
1 Visit Valkhof Museum and take a walk around the city center.
2 Spend a day hiking at the Ooijpolder Nature Reserve and explore the Waalkade in the evening.
3 Explore Museum Het Valkhof and walk around the historic Grote Markt.
4 Take a cycling tour of the local area; visit the Stevenstoren Tower for views of Nijmegen.
5 Spend a day at the Goffertpark for a picnic, or take a tour of Ottenbad water park to cool off in the water.
6 Wander around the city gardens and check out Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen.
7 Take a day trip outside of Nijmegen to the nearby city of Arnhem.

Food and Drink Scene of Nijmegen

Nijmegen has a diverse food and drink scene, with plenty of local and international cuisine options.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot - A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
  • Kroket - A deep-fried savory snack filled with beef or veal ragout.
  • Bitterballen - Another deep-fried snack, made with meat and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Beer - Nijmegen has several breweries that produce some of the best beer in the country.
  • Wine - Several local vineyards produce wine in the area; try a glass of local wine with your meal.

Where to Stay in Nijmegen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nijmegen has plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, catering to a range of budgets.

  • Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centre - A four-star hotel located in the city center.
  • Scandic Sanadome Nijmegen - A spa hotel in the southern part of the city.
  • Sleep-Inn Box 5 - A budget hostel located in Nijmegen East.

What to Buy in Nijmegen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Nijmegen has some unique and authentic souvenirs that you can bring home to keep memories of your trip. Some popular souvenirs include:

  • Nijmegen Four Days Marches Medal - A medal given to participants of the Four Days Marches event.
  • Chocolate from Chocolaterie De Marie - A sweet treat made locally in Nijmegen.
  • Handcrafted ceramic pottery - A beautiful souvenir decorated with traditional Dutch designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Nijmegen

Nijmegen is known for its international community, welcoming locals, and unique customs. Here are a few customs and culture tips to keep in mind:

  • Bike everywhere - Like most Dutch cities, Nijmegen is cycle-friendly, with plenty of bike paths and rental options available.
  • Don’t be late - Punctuality is crucial in Nijmegen, and being late to appointments is considered impolite.
  • Respect the environment - Nijmegen is a green city, so make sure to keep the environment clean and tidy.

Best Time to Visit Nijmegen

The best time to visit Nijmegen is during summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Spring (April to May) could be a good option as well due to the beautiful tulip fields and flowers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nijmegen

Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow while visiting Nijmegen:

Do:

  • Try local beers and wine.
  • Rent a bike and explore the city.
  • Visit the Valkhof Museum for a glimpse into Nijmegen’s history.

Don’t:

  • Be late to appointments.
  • Litter on the streets.
  • Ride bikes without proper safety equipment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is generally safe, but make sure to take the necessary precautions when you are out and about. Some tips are:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings at night.
  • Always carry some cash but be aware of pickpockets.

Health in Nijmegen

Nijmegen has a good healthcare system, and insurers are accepted in most cases. Most pharmacies have English-speaking staff, but in case of a medical emergency, call 112 for assistance.

Getting to Nijmegen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Nijmegen is well-connected to other cities and destinations in the Netherlands and Europe. Here are some of the most convenient options for reaching Nijmegen:

  • Plane - The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, followed by Eindhoven Airport and Düsseldorf International Airport.
  • Train - Nijmegen has direct train connections to many cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
  • Bus - Buses run frequently between Nijmegen and other Dutch cities, such as Utrecht and Rotterdam.

Airports Near Nijmegen

  • Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
  • Eindhoven Airport
  • Düsseldorf International Airport

Bus Stations Near Nijmegen

  • Nijmegen Central Station
  • Nijmegen Dukenburg

Other Options

  • Bike rental - Nijmegen is a cycle-friendly city, and you can rent a bike to explore.
  • Car rental - You can rent a car at the airport and drive to Nijmegen.

How to Get Around in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is a small city, and it’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. Public transportation options include buses and trains, and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Nijmegen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of places to visit near Nijmegen, including:

  • Arnhem - A nearby city with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
  • Apeldoorn - A charming city known for its beautiful parks and nature reserves.
  • Utrecht - A vibrant, historic city with plenty of landmarks and beautiful scenery.

Conclusion

Nijmegen is a lively and historic city in the Netherlands, with plenty of activities and attractions for travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historical landmarks or outdoor adventures in scenic landscapes, Nijmegen has something to offer for every traveler.

The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings. The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings. The Kronenburger tower The Kronenburger tower Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches. Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches. The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café. The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café. Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic. Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic.