Nijmegen: Roman History, Museums and City Walks

Nijmegen combines Roman history with museums, nature, walks and a cross-border cycling route. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether to focus on historic sites, exhibitions, a self-guided tour or a cycling connection.

Roman History and the Valkhof

The Romans founded the capital of the Batavians at the Valkhof. The site of the Valkhof Chapel was also used strategically: first by the Batavians, and later by the Romans. Valkhof Park is Nijmegen’s oldest park. Together, these sites and their history offer several ways to explore the city’s historical layers.

The Valkhof Museum displays Roman archaeological finds, including a limestone column dedicated to the gods and a Roman battle helmet from the first century. The museum has been open to the public since Saturday, 6 June 2026. Check the current opening arrangements before your trip.

Fortifications and River Nature

Museum De Bastei is located in the only surviving bastion in the Netherlands. When it was built, it was named De Stratemakerstoren. The structure has fourteen gun ports; a cannon passage connects them and leads into two casemates. Archaeological remains are presented in situ, meaning at their original location. The exhibition thus brings together structural evidence and archaeological traces.

The permanent exhibition Schatkamer van de Rivier explores the diversity of species living in the city, on the glacial ridge, in the floodplains and in the river. It thus spans a range of habitats, from the urban environment to the river. Visitors interested in nature and different habitats will find a different focus here than in the Roman finds and fortification architecture.

City Walks and Special Experiences

Stadswandeling Nijmegen is a five-kilometre self-guided walking tour through the city’s cultural history. This history dates back to a Roman settlement around 2,000 years ago. The tour combines a set route with a historical theme. The Via Romana, by contrast, offers a cross-border experience: this cycling route runs between Nijmegen and Xanten along the centuries-old Roman Limes Road. The two options therefore differ in both scale and mode of travel.

Expeditie ribbelroute is an interactive outdoor augmented reality experience through Nijmegen city centre. For Expeditie in het donker, you can book online; a guide will be waiting for you afterwards. These formats add different experiences to exploring on foot or by bicycle. Check the booking information for Expeditie in het donker when planning your visit.

Getting There and Planning Your Cycling Trip

Nijmegen is well connected by public transport, with many train and bus services. As transport services may change, check the connections for your travel date before setting off. There are free, supervised bicycle parking facilities in the city centre and at the station. If you are travelling by bicycle, these locations may be useful for planning; check the facilities’ current conditions before your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Nijmegen.