Nijmegen between Roman times, museums and the Waal

Nijmegen has a 2,000-year cultural history dating back to the Roman settlement. Two protected townscapes preserve different facets of the place. Between churches, museums and paths by the water, you can discover this history in different ways: on foot through the city centre, in exhibitions or outdoors along the Waal.

City history in churches, museums and parks

The late Gothic Stevenskerk stands in the heart of Nijmegen. It houses the König organ and is regarded as a place for culture, reflection, encounters and connection. The St. Stevenstoren was built in the mid-14th century. When the gallery is open to visitors, it offers views over the city and its surroundings.

At Museum De Bastei, the city’s history can also be encountered underground: the museum presents Nijmegen’s layered past. The visit takes you past the Roman defensive wall, which is described as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interactive presentations and games are also aimed at younger visitors. De Bastei thus combines historical subjects with a visitor experience that goes beyond looking at exhibits.

The Valkhof Museum tells stories of eras, people, cultures and ideas, as well as art and history. Its art collection spans a time horizon of more than 40,000 years. Those wishing to place the city’s history in a broader cultural context will find a different perspective here from the presentation of the underground past at De Bastei.

A distinct historical episode concerns the St. Nicolaaskapel and the Barbarossaruïne: the Municipality of Nijmegen saved both from demolition; at the beginning of the 19th century, they were incorporated into a new city park. Valkhofpark, in turn, is one of the oldest landscape parks in the Netherlands. More than 150 different tree species grow in Kronenburgerpark.

Getting around on foot: from a city walk to the Vierdaagse

The five-kilometre stadswandeling is a self-guided walking route through the cultural history of the city centre. It offers a practical way to explore different historical themes along a route. The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse, whose history goes back more than 120 years, offers a different perspective: participants cover 30, 40 or 50 kilometres each day for four consecutive days. The event format may change; if you are planning to take part, check the latest event information. The city walk and the Vierdaagse therefore involve very different distances on foot and schedules.

The Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama displays original draisines, vélocipèdes, penny-farthings, wooden bicycles and bicycles with special drive systems. The collection spans the history of the bicycle, from early forms to designs with different drive systems. At muZIEum, the Expeditie Ribbelroute takes you through Nijmegen city centre as an interactive outdoor experience with augmented reality. Both offer ways to explore movement, but focus on different things: the development of the bicycle in one case, and a digital experience in the urban environment in the other.

The Waal, Stadseiland and routes into the countryside

Veur Lent near the Snelbinder lies between the Natura 2000 areas Uiterwaarden Waal and de Gelderse Poort. It is also located between the secondary channel, also known as Spiegelwaal, and the River Waal. The area is used for recreation, particularly in summer, and also has a sandy beach. On Stadseiland Veur-Lent, visitors can walk along the water or go stand-up paddleboarding on the Nevengeul. The activity’s availability may vary depending on the season and conditions.

Veur Lent near the Snelbinder can be reached by train and bus. Veur Lent near the Snelbinder is a 15-minute walk from Nijmegen Lent station. The Waalkade has terraces for food and drink, as well as views over the Waal. From the Waalkade, you can cross the pedestrian bridge Ooypoort on foot to reach the floodplains of the Ooijpolder, near Nijmegen.

Brouwerij de Hemel also focuses on a specific subject: its brewery museum is designed for individual visitors and small groups. Texts, photos, instructional films, machines and tools provide information about brewing. The visit offers insight into the technology and history of brewing knowledge, rather than simply adding another stop for art or city history.

Discover more destinations: Nijmegen, Neder-Betuwe, Oldebroek, Druten, Beuningen, Heumen, Winterswijk, Lochem.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.