Wageningen Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Wageningen, Netherlands with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Wageningen

Located in the Veluwe region, Wageningen is a small town situated in Eastern Netherlands and is considered as one of the greenest and most scenic parts of this beautiful country. It’s a university city with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a wide variety of activities and attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Wageningen

If you’re planning a visit to Wageningen, here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum De Casteelse Poort: This museum showcases the history of Wageningen and the surrounding areas, with a particular focus on the World War II events that took place here.
  • Belmonte Arboretum: It’s a beautiful botanical garden, with over 10,000 different kinds of trees and plants from around the world.
  • Grebbelinie Bezoekerscentrum: This place tells the story of the Grebbelinie, a Dutch defense line that protected the country during the Napoleonic wars and both world wars.
  • Nederlands Wijnmuseum: It’s a museum that showcases the history of wine-making and viticulture in the Netherlands, with wine-tasting sessions available.

Natural Attractions of Wageningen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Herenstraat Wandelpad: It’s a beautiful walking trail that boasts scenic views of Wageningen and the nearby areas. The trail is around 3.5 km long, and it’s an easy hike.
  • Uiterwaarden: It’s the meadow between the Rhine River and the dike. During summer, a ferry takes hikers and bikers on a short boat crossing to the Betuwe.
  • Veluwe: It’s a vast, beautiful national park that boasts extensive forests, heathland, sand dunes, and wildlife, including wild boar and deer. It’s also a great destination for hiking, cycling, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wageningen

Wageningen is a great place for hiking and biking with plenty of trails to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Uiterwaarden Wandeling: It’s a 10 km trail that takes hikers on a scenic journey along the Rhine River and through the Uiterwaarden floodplains.
  • Veluwezoom: It’s a 2400 hectares park that encompasses forest, heathland, and dune areas, with plenty of biking and hiking trails.
  • Limespad: It’s a beautiful trail that follows the route of the Roman border defense, running along the Rhine River from Katwijk to Nijmegen.

Best Things to Do in Wageningen: Activities and Tours

Wageningen has plenty of activities and tours to offer. Here are some of them:

  • Wageningen University Campus: Take a tour of Wageningen University, which is renowned for its programs in food science, ecology, and environmental studies.
  • Boat tour on the Rhine: Take a scenic boat tour along the Rhine River, which will take you past beautiful countryside and medieval towns.
  • E-bike Tour: Take an E-bike tour of the Veluwe, which is the best way to explore this beautiful national park.
  • Escape Room Wageningen: It’s a fun and challenging game in which you need to solve puzzles to escape from a locked room.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wageningen

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Wageningen:

Day Activity
1 Explore museums and historical places
2 Hiking and biking in the Veluwe
3 Visit Belmonte Arboretum and explore the Uiterwaarden
4 Take a boat tour on the Rhine River
5 Taste the local cuisine and enjoy the nightlife in Wageningen
6 Take an e-bike tour of the Limespad
7 Spend the day in the Nederrijnse lakes or enjoy Belmonte gardens

Food and Drink Scene of Wageningen

The local cuisine of Wageningen is a blend of traditional Dutch and international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: It’s a Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, usually served with meat, gravy, and smoked sausage.
  • Poffertjes: Bite-sized Dutch pancakes that are traditionally served with butter and powdered sugar.
  • Kroketten: It’s a deep-fried crispy food roll, filled with meat ragout.
  • Hollandse Nieuwe: Fresh raw herring, often served with onions and pickles.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Wageningen has a microbrewery, called Het Spijker, which produces a variety of local beers.
  • Wine: Wageningen is a renowned winemaking region, so tasting the local wine is a must.

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

Wageningen has a variety of accommodation options for travelers, from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels. Below are some of our top picks:

  • Hotel De Wereld: It’s a historic hotel located in the heart of Wageningen, with beautifully furnished rooms and excellent amenities.
  • City Centre: Hostel: It’s a budget-friendly hostel located in the center of town, within walking distance of all major attractions.
  • Gastenverblijf Ietje Kooistra: It’s a lovely guesthouse in a beautiful, peaceful setting, surrounded by a beautiful garden and trees.

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

Wageningen has a lovely selection of souvenirs and local products that make for excellent gifts and keepsakes. Here are some recommendations:

  • Wageningen University merchandise: Buy a souvenir from the university, such as a t-shirt or tote bag, to remember your visit.
  • Local wine: The Netherlands may not be known for its wine, but the local wine from Wageningen is excellent and makes for an excellent gift or souvenir.
  • Wooden clogs and cheese: These are classic Dutch souvenirs, and you’ll find plenty of shops in Wageningen that sell them.

Local Culture and Customs of Wageningen

Wageningen has a laid-back and friendly culture, and people here are generally open-minded and welcoming to visitors. Some of the local customs to keep in mind include:

  • Bicycle Culture: Cycling is an essential mode of transport for most people in Wageningen, so be prepared to share pedestrian paths with bicycles.
  • Politeness: Dutch people appreciate simple courtesies, such as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and greeting people when you meet them.
  • Language: Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, but most people in Wageningen speak English well.

Best Time to Visit Wageningen

The best time to visit Wageningen is from April to October, which is the peak tourist season. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wageningen

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Wageningen:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Dutch food is delicious and unique, so make sure to give it a try.
  • Be mindful of cyclists: Since cycling is an essential mode of transport in Wageningen, be sure to watch out for cyclists when walking on pedestrian paths.
  • Respect the local culture: In general, Dutch culture tends to be laid-back, friendly and open-minded, so be respectful and polite with locals.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public: Smoking is banned in most public places across the Netherlands.
  • Hike off-trail: Stick to designated trails when hiking in the Veluwe and other nature areas.
  • Be loud and disruptive: Dutch people tend to be reserved and don’t make loud noises in public areas, so keep your voice and noise level down.

Safety and Health

Wageningen is a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always a good idea to take general safety precautions when traveling.

Safety in Wageningen

  • Watch out for bicycles: Since cycling is a common mode of transportation in Wageningen, watch out for bikes when walking near roads.
  • Be aware of traffic rules: The Dutch traffic rules differ slightly from the International standards. Especially the high priority given to bicyclists can catch visitors by surprise.
  • Be mindful of pickpockets: While the crime rate is low in Wageningen, it is always good practice to keep an eye on your belongings and valuables.

Health in Wageningen

Wageningen has excellent health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. If you need medical attention, you can visit the Wageningen Medical Center or the Hospital Gelderse Vallei.

Getting to Wageningen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wageningen is well-connected to major cities across the Netherlands and Europe. Here are some transportation options to consider when planning your trip:

Airports Near Wageningen

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: It’s the largest international airport in the Netherlands, located about 80 km away from Wageningen.
  • Eindhoven Airport: It’s located approximately 60 km from Wageningen and offers flights to many European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Wageningen

  • Wageningen Bus Station: Located in the center of town, it offers connections to many destinations across the Netherlands.
  • Ede-Wageningen Railway Station: It’s located in neighboring Ede city, which is about 5 km from Wageningen. It offers train connections to major cities in the Netherlands and Germany.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Car rental is available at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport or Eindhoven Airport, and it’s a great option if you want to explore more rural areas near Wageningen.
  • Bicycle: Bicycles are also available for rent in Wageningen, and this is a great way to explore the town and nearby countryside.

How to Get Around in Wageningen

Wageningen is a compact town, and most of the attractions are within walking or cycling distance. Bicycles are prevalent and can be rented from various providers, including OV-Fiets, a public bike-sharing program available from Ede-Wageningen Railway Station. Buses are also available for short trips.

Where to Go Next from Wageningen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Wageningen is a great starting point for exploring other picturesque Dutch towns and natural areas. Some of our top picks are:

  • Arnhem: A beautiful city located a short distance from Wageningen, known for its lively cultural scene and beautiful parks.
  • Utrecht: A bustling university town with a beautiful medieval city center and many cultural attractions.
  • The Hoge Veluwe National Park: It’s one of the largest nature reserves in Holland and boasts beautiful landscapes, including forests, heathlands, grasslands, and sand dunes.

Conclusion

Wageningen is a beautiful, historic town, famous for its university, scenic countryside, and unique culture. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, friendly locals and plenty of things to see and do, Wageningen is a must-visit destination in the Netherlands. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, or just a relaxing break, you won’t be disappointed by what this beautiful town has to offer.

De Vlijt Windmill De Vlijt Windmill Hotel de Wereld Hotel de Wereld Cafes in the centre. Cafes in the centre.