- Nijmegen was the first Dutch city to have a Roman name, Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum.
- The city was mistakenly bombed by American forces in February 1944 during World War II, causing significant destruction to the medieval center.
- Nijmegen hosts the 'Vierdaagse,' the world's largest multiple-day walking event, which attracts tens of thousands of participants annually.
- The city maintains a unique 'Student City' status, with a significant percentage of the population enrolled at Radboud University.
- Archaeological digs frequently uncover Roman artifacts, including a silver cup discovered in the 20th century.
About Nijmegen
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, tracing its history back to Roman times when it served as a vital military settlement. Situated on the Waal River, the city preserves its heritage through sites like the Saint Stephen's Church and the historical collections at the Valkhof Museum. Modern Nijmegen serves as a major university hub with a distinctive riverside atmosphere. Nature enthusiasts utilize the city as a gateway to landscapes like the Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen. The city's landscape is defined by its strategic position on the riverbank, which houses the educational De Bastei.
Highlights of Nijmegen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This historic church serves as the city's most prominent landmark, featuring a tower that offers panoramic views of the Waal river.
Museums
This museum houses a vast collection of Roman antiquities that chronicle the city's origins as a military stronghold.
Parks
This centrally located park is built around the ruins of a 14th-century defensive tower and offers a quiet green space in the city.
Museums
This riverside center focuses on the ecology and geological history of the Waal river and its floodplain.
Parks
These protected marshlands and fens provide an extensive network of trails for hikers and birdwatchers.
Museums
This museum focuses on the liberation of the Netherlands and the major military operations that took place in the region during 1944.
Parks
A recreational area featuring specialized wellness facilities and natural swimming waters just outside the urban core.
Historical places
This estate showcases a historic castle building surrounded by formal gardens and a moat.
Top things to do in Nijmegen
The 159 highest-rated places in Nijmegen, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Kronenburgerpark is a historic English-style landscape park situated within the former defensive fortifications of Nijme...
2
Parks
Recreatiegebied Berendonck is a sprawling outdoor recreation area located between Wijchen and Nijmegen, centered around...
3
Parks
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen is a 500-hectare nature reserve featuring more than 20 small fens created by wind-blown...
4
Museums
The Vrijheidsmuseum is a contemporary museum located in Groesbeek, near the German border, focusing on the liberation of...
5
Temples
Saint Stephen's Church (Stevenskerk) is the oldest and largest church in Nijmegen, dating back to its consecration in 12...
6
Amusement parks
Amusementspark Tivoli is a family-oriented theme park located in the hilly woodlands of Berg en Dal near Nijmegen. The p...
7
Museums
De Bastei serves as a combined nature and history museum situated inside a 16th-century fortification on the Waal riverb...
8
Venues
Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen serves as the city's primary performing arts venue, operating under the same management as Conc...
9
Museums
The Valkhof Museum sits on the edge of the Valkhof park, occupying a distinctive post-modern building designed by Dutch...
10
Venues
Schouwburg Cuijk is a prominent cultural venue located in the town center of Cuijk, Netherlands, positioned directly alo...
11
Museums
Castle Hernen is a rare example of a medieval castle that has never been conquered, demolished, or rebuilt, preserving i...
12
Museums
Museumpark Orientalis, formerly known as Heilig Landstichting, is a 30-hectare open-air museum park located near Nijmege...
13
Historical places
Slot Doddendael is a 14th-century moated castle located in the village of Ewijk, near Nijmegen. The structure currently...
14
Parks
Staddijk is a multifunctional recreational area located in the southwestern outskirts of Nijmegen, serving as a primary...
15
Natural attractions
Heumensoord is a sprawling forested area located on the outskirts of Nijmegen, serving as a primary training ground for...
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Museums
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Temples
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Natural attractions
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Temples
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Historical places
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Natural attractions
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Nijmegen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Nijmegen
July, specifically for the International Four Days Marches which brings a massive festival atmosphere to the city streets.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the city center and nearby natural parks.
The city center is highly walkable, and the region is exceptionally well-connected by an extensive network of cycling paths and local bus services.
The city center (Stadscentrum) is ideal for proximity to historical sites, while the areas near the university offer a quieter, greener environment.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are standard for Dutch regional cities, though demand peaks significantly during the Four Days Marches.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 159 curated attractions in and around Nijmegen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kronenburgerpark is the highest-rated place to visit in Nijmegen right now.
The largest category is temples, with 43 places to explore.
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