Nijmegen

Nijmegen lies in the eastern province of Gelderland, on the southern bank of the Waal River, close to the German border, and claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands. It began more than 2,000 years ago as a Roman military camp on the ridge above the river, grew into the Roman town of Noviomagus, and later became a key medieval trading centre. The Roman roots are still visible in archaeological sites, museum collections and the line of the oldest streets. Today the city is known for its youthful energy, thanks to Radboud University, and for its reputation as a centre of culture, festivals and outdoor life.

The historic centre is built around the Grote Markt, lined with cafes and shops and dominated by the Stevenskerk, the Church of St. Stephen, a large Gothic church that can be seen from far across the city. The Valkhof Park, the site of a Roman fortress and later a medieval imperial castle, offers views over the Waal River, and is home to Museum Het Valkhof, which shows Roman artefacts, medieval art and contemporary exhibitions. Remains of the castle chapel survive in the park, and the small Valkhofbunker recalls the wartime past of the site. The muZIEum offers an immersive experience of the world of the visually impaired, and the Mariënburgkapel and the Lange Hezelstraat, one of the city’s most atmospheric streets, add historic character to the old centre.

Nijmegen’s green spaces are a highlight. Kronenburgerpark, a historic park just west of the centre, and the Rivierpark along the Waal offer peaceful places to walk and picnic, and the Ooijpolder, a nature reserve in the river plain just east of the city, is excellent for cycling and birdwatching. The hilly terrain, unusual for the Netherlands, gives scenic viewpoints and a distinctive urban landscape. The Waal riverfront is a lively area for boat tours, riverside dining and summer festivals.

Cultural life is lively and diverse. The city hosts the world-famous International Four Days Marches, the Vierdaagse, which attracts tens of thousands of walkers and many more spectators each July for a week of festivities, music and parades. Theatres, music venues and art galleries ensure that something is always happening, from classical concerts to experimental performance, and Cultuurspinnerij De Vasim, a cultural hub on the former NYMA site, adds studios and events.

Nijmegen also has an important place in World War II history. In September 1944 American paratroopers crossed the Waal under fire to seize the road bridge during Operation Market Garden, and the events are remembered in the city and along the river. The Waalbrug is the bridge that was taken.

The food scene is equally varied, with traditional Dutch fare, international cuisine and a good number of vegetarian cafes. The student population brings a cosmopolitan feel to the nightlife, with bars, clubs and live music scattered through the centre.

Getting to Nijmegen is easy, with direct train connections from Amsterdam, Utrecht and other major Dutch cities. The city is also accessible by car, and public transport within Nijmegen is efficient. Bike rentals are widely available for exploring the city and the surrounding countryside.

The best time to visit Nijmegen is from July to October, when the weather is mild and the outdoor events, parks and riverside are at their best, with July dominated by the marches. Spring and early summer also offer pleasant conditions, with blossom and fewer crowds. In October the foliage on the hills turns, and the city is calmer.

Whether the interest is Roman history, lively festivals or the beauty of the Dutch hills and rivers, Nijmegen is a rewarding city in Gelderland.