The ancient colorful city of Nijmegen is located 100 km from Rotterdam on the banks of the Baal River. The inhabitants of Nijmegen are friendly and smiling. Despite the crushing bombing in 1944, after which almost nothing remained of the historical heritage, the city in the Netherlands did not lose its warmth and ancient charm.
general information
The city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands with a population of almost 170 thousand people is located in the eastern part of the country (Gelderland province) and covers an area of 57.5 km2. The settlement was founded by the Romans, here passed the northern border of the powerful Roman Empire. After crushing conquests, the Roman legions returned to the territory of modern Holland and were based here.
Nijmegen in the Netherlands is a combination of antiquity and modernity. Even today, during archaeological excavations, specialists find ancient objects – weapons, household items of the period of the Roman Empire, dishes.
On a note! All archaeological finds are kept in the city museum of the Falkhov.
Be sure to take a walk along the city promenade, navigation on the Baal River is considered the most active in Europe. Here de is the largest casino in the city, recognized as the most loyal in Holland.
Good to know! For a long period of its history, the region was influenced by the Duchy of Burgundy. That is why Nijmegen in the Netherlands is famous for its hospitality and exquisite, original cuisine.
Interesting facts about Nijmegen in the Netherlands:
- the founder of the famous Philips company was born and raised here;
- the surroundings of the city fascinate with picturesque landscapes that seem fabulous;
- annually in the summer an international pedestrian marathon is held;
- winemaking is actively developing in the vicinity of the city, guests are offered to taste the best varieties of wines;
- Nijmegen has five twin cities.
sights
In the city, despite its small area, many sights have been preserved. Of great interest is the Museum “Africa”, which tells about the colonial period in the history of the city. Be sure to visit the Orientalis Park Museum, where an impressive collection of exhibits about different religions and cultures is collected. You can also visit the National Liberation Museum.
Want to see the most interesting and significant sights of Nijmegen in the Netherlands? Head to the central square – Grote Markt. It is here that a special medieval atmosphere has been preserved. The dominant feature of the square is the city church – Grotekerk, named after St. Stephen. The church building and the nearby Town Hall building have been restored, but the architects have kept the design in the Renaissance style typical of Holland of the 16th century.
Interesting fact! All buildings on the square have been restored and restored, but the flavor of the Middle Ages has been carefully preserved.
In addition to the church, you can see:
- the chamber of weights and measures, built in the 17th century (today a restaurant is open here);
- Latin school, opened in the 15th century, where many statues are installed;
- passage Kerborg dating from the 16th century;
- residential mansions of the 16-17th centuries.
In the center is a statue of Mariken, which is a symbol of Nijmegen. A legend is connected with the girl – she made a deal with the devil, as a result she was chained in metal hoops, but, repenting, she was able to free herself.
Also on the square is a market, as was the custom in every ancient city. Another symbol of Nijmegen is the house of Vaag. It was built in the 17th century in the Renaissance style. In the middle of the 19th century, the house was restored, and today it houses a fashionable restaurant.
Most of the churches in the city seem to be hidden from prying eyes and built behind secular buildings, in narrow streets and small, cozy courtyards. You can see the attraction by the high spire, which is visible from anywhere in the city.
The church is Protestant, therefore, the exterior looks more luxurious and attractive than the inside. The temple is operational, but in addition to services, you can visit the exposition, which is dedicated to its history. You can also get to a concert of medieval music or an exhibition of modern painting.
Interesting fact! There is an Orthodox icon in the church, the appearance of which no one can explain.
During the war, the temple building was almost completely destroyed, so after the war the city authorities made every effort to restore. The grand opening of the attraction took place in 1969, it was visited by Prince Klaus.
The church has four organs, one of them is known for its unique sound.
Services:
- service is held every Sunday;
- every Friday afternoon you can attend a day prayer;
- every month on the first Saturday you can listen to the evening ringing.
Practical information:
- You can get to the temple by public transport – by bus to the stop “Plein 1944”;
- Address: Sint Stevenskerkhof, 62;
- there are three parking lots nearby;
- the attraction can be visited for free, but ministers of the church will be glad to donate – 2 €
The tower receives guests on Monday and Wednesday from 14-00 and 16-00, entrance for adults 4 €, and for children under 12 years old – 2 €.
This is the oldest shopping street in this city of the Netherlands. Located in the center of Nijmegen – it starts 200 meters from the Market Square and ends next to the Nieuwe Hezelpoort (viaduct along which the railway passes). The length of the street is 500 m. Unique residential buildings built in the 15-16 centuries are preserved here.
Interesting fact! During the war, the street was virtually unaffected by shelling and bombing. On the next street – Stikke Hezelstraat – you can see only modern buildings.
The architecture of Lange Hezelstraat is a vivid example of pre-war buildings, many are monuments of national importance and are protected by law. In 2008, the attraction was restored and paved with stone.
The street is pedestrian, a large number of exclusive shops and souvenir shops are concentrated here. People come here to buy original gifts, antiques and, of course, eat in cafes and restaurants.
After a leisurely walk around the city of Nijmegen, you will probably want to retire and relax. The best place for this is the Kronenburgerpark landscape park. Locals come here as families to spend a day off; young people have picnics in the park.
Tourists note that the place is cozy and pleasant. According to historians, criminals and mafia gathered here earlier. Even if this version is true, today it does not remind anything. In 2000, the park was reconstructed, cleaned and turned not only into a bright landmark, but also into a favorite vacation spot of local residents.
Good to know! The green recreation area is located between the train station and the historic city center.
The park has walkways, a pond with swans and a small zoo where you can feed animals. At the top of the hill a playground is organized.
The attraction is located on the hill, where the history of the city of Nijmegen began. More than two thousand years ago, a camp of ancient Roman soldiers was organized here and the residence of Charlemagne was built. In the 12th century, the Frederick fortress was built on this site, which was demolished in the 18th century.
Interesting fact! In 991, the reigning empress Theofano died in Nijmegen. In memory of this tragic event, an octagonal chapel was built in the park, consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas.
The Valkof Park is located next to the Baal River, flowing in Holland. He was landed in the late 18th century, when the fortress was demolished. Today you can visit the remains of the fortress wall and the chapel. The chapel regularly hosts theatrical performances and concerts, you can visit the service in the church.
Important! The attraction is open from April to mid-October, the service can be visited twice a week – on Wednesday and Sunday.
In 1999, at the end of the park, a museum was opened with the same name “Walkhof”, which contains valuable archaeological finds and art objects.
Practical information:
- the museum is open six days a week, closed on Monday;
- work schedule – from 11-00 to 17-00;
- the cost of an adult ticket is 9 €, student and child from 6 to 18 years old – 4.5 €, children under 5 years old admission is free;
- You can eat in the park at the restaurant, which is open in the Belvedere observation tower.
Holidays in Nijmegen
The choice of housing in Nijmegen cannot be called too wide, but you can still choose for yourself convenient accommodation and comfortable conditions for relaxation. Booking.com service offers 14 hotels in the city and another 88 hotels in the vicinity – from 1.5 to 25 km.
Important! Accommodation in a double room in a three-star hotel will cost at least 74 € per day. In a 4 star hotel – 99 €.
There are no apartments directly in Nijmegen, but in the suburbs you can pick up comfortable holiday destinations starting at 75 €.
There will be no problems with food in the city – there are a lot of cafes, restaurants, fast foods. Estimated prices are as follows:
- a check in a mid-level restaurant – from 12 to 20 €;
- a check of three courses for two in the restaurant – from 48 to 60 €;
- to eat in fast food costs from 7 to 8 €.
All prices on the page are for June 2018.
How to get to Nijmegen
The closest airport to Nijmegen in the Netherlands is Weeze, located in western Germany in the Lower Rhine region. Ryanair flights fly here. From the airport, Nijmegen can be reached by bus – transport covers a distance of 30 km in 1 hour 15 minutes.
The nearest airport in the Netherlands is Eindhoven, 60 km from Nijmegen. You can get to the city by train with a transfer, the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Important! It is easy to get to Nijmegen from any city in Holland, since the country has a well-developed railway connection. For example, trains run from Utrecht every 4 hours, and from Roosendaal every 30 minutes.
If you are traveling from Germany, you can choose a bus ride from the cities of Kleve and Emmerich.
Discover the city of Nijmegen – the ancient settlement of the Netherlands. Lively shopping streets, old buildings, restaurants with a sophisticated menu and a rich historical, cultural heritage will not leave you indifferent and give you a lot of pleasant experiences.
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