Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, is a place where every cobblestone tells a story and history is palpable. Situated on the banks of the Waal river, this city combines a rich past with a lively, modern atmosphere. It's a destination that invites you to wander, discover, and be surprised by the layers of its heritage. From Roman foundations to medieval fortifications and contemporary art, Nijmegen offers a unique journey through time.
From Medieval Walls to Modern Art
Your journey through Nijmegen begins in Kronenburgerpark, a green oasis built on the foundations of the city's medieval defenses. Here, you breathe in the fresh air while surrounded by the old city walls and the robust Kruittoren (Gunpowder Tower). This sturdy watchtower has protected the city for centuries and formerly served as a storage place for gunpowder, a crucial part of Nijmegen's defense as a fortified city. An imposing statue of a lion guards the park, a symbol of the resilience of this ancient city. Nearby, you'll find 'Het Labyrint' (The Labyrinth), an intriguing corten steel artwork that plays with perception and invites you to pause and reflect on your own path. It offers a modern contrast to the ancient structures surrounding it.
The Power of the River and Imperial Past
Nijmegen's connection to the Waal is inseparable. At the Landhoofd (Bridgehead), you stand at the remains of the old railway bridge over the Waal, an impressive construction that once connected Nijmegen with the rest of the Netherlands. It tells stories of engineering prowess and the impact of war. This river connection further comes to life in De Bastei, a museum seamlessly integrated into the old city wall. From here, you enjoy a view over the Waal and delve into the history of the river, nature, and the city, from mammoths to Romans. Afterwards, you step into Valkhofpark, a place steeped in imperial history. Charlemagne once had a palace here, and the ruins of the Barbarossa Chapel still stand proudly. The park is an open-air museum with a view over the Waal, where every step tells a story of Romans, Franks, and medieval power.
A City Full of Art, Archaeology, and New Perspectives
In the heart of the city, the Sint-Stevenskerk (St. Stephen's Church) towers, a Gothic colossus that has overlooked Nijmegen for centuries. Inside, the high vaults and stained-glass windows reveal a world of devotion and art. Nearby, you walk under the Kerkboog (Church Arch), a passage that is a silent witness to centuries of market days and city life, where merchants and citizens experienced their daily hustle and bustle. Nijmegen's rich history is further unveiled in the Valkhof Museum, an architectural building that brings together art and archaeology. Here, you discover the fascinating stories of the Romans and medieval rulers who inhabited the Valkhof, with an impressive Roman collection. A tribute to creativity can be found at the Museum Van Lymborch Brothers House, the house where the medieval artists, the Van Lymborch Brothers, created their world-famous miniatures. For a completely different experience, visit the muZIEum, housed in a building with modern architecture. This museum challenges you to experience the world in a new way, with a unique dark experience that sharpens your senses and makes you reflect on perception and inclusion.
This selection is just a glimpse of what Nijmegen has to offer. The city is full of many more hidden details and surprising places waiting to be discovered. For a complete and interactive experience, we invite you to choose the full walking tour through Nijmegen in the 'CityWalkGems' app and immerse yourself in all the stories this historic city has to tell.
- 12 stops
- ~3,8 km route length
- ~739 m longest stretch
- about 1,5–2 h duration
- Free