Nijmegen

 

Nijmegen is the oldest town in Holland. It was founded by the Romans and is set high above the river Waal and Rhine in the midst of dense woodlands and hills. In this bustling, lively city you’ll find treasured historic buildings and parks. Museums of interest include the Museum Het Valkenhof, The Afrika Museum, Biblical Museum and the National Liberation Museum (1944-1945). It's also the place for shopping, should you require a little retail therapy. Its modern shopping centres, specialist shops and bustling market.

Culture and natural beauty
Exploring the Nijmegen area and its surrounding polders, heaths and valleys is both easy and family friendly, with numerous cycle and walking routes mapped out for you. A wealth of museums, galleries and small theatres have programmes with broad appeal and there are festivals and music events to keep you entertained all year round.

Museum Het Valkhof
Trace back the Roman history of Nijmegen as well as its strategic importance to Emperor Charlemange. Situated on the border of the Valkhof Park and on what once used to be a Roman army base, the Valkhof museum houses an important archeology collection as well as various impressive art collections, ranging from ancient to modern art.

Afrika Museum
This large open-air museum has many authentic copies of African art and implements on display. Outside, you’ll find reconstructions of African residential areas. It’s truly a ‘living’ museum, with special activities and often actors to introduce you to the wealth of African cultures.

National Liberation Museum 1944-1945
Experience occupation and liberation. Situated southeast of Nijmegen, the National Liberation Museum recreates the period before the war, the occupation of 1944-1945 and the liberation. Interactive presentations vividly recreate the sights, sounds and smells of the time.

Liberation in Holland began in autumn 1944 with Operation Market Garden. This was a British plan to finish the war fast by creating a corridor stretching from Eindhoven to Arnhem and gaining control of the three main rivers en route, isolating the occupying forces to the west of Holland and pushing straight into Germany.

Biblical Open Air Museum
Step into biblical times and discover the origins, traditions and background of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The main building shows the history of the Bible, Koran and the Tenach. Outside you can visit recreations of villages, camps and houses of the time.

After hours
Has all this exploring worn you out? Stroll along the river and enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the hundreds of cosy bars or grand cafés situated in the shadow of Nijmegen’s historic buildings.

For the ultimate relaxation, visit the splendid Scandic Sanadome. Here you can pamper yourself and enjoy the mineral-rich thermal water, supplied to both the hotel and spa. Or enjoy a dip in the saltwater baths, herbal bubble baths and the carbonated whirlpool for ultimate rejuvenation.