Just east of the German border, Nijmegen is one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, with a long and varied history dating back to Roman times. Yet, despite the riverside ruins (that are well worth a visit) and historic center, Nijmegen has a modern heart with a vibrant young population and a plethora of summer events, including festivals and the annual 4Days Marches. Along with soaking up the sights and cruising down the Waal River, things to do in Nijmegen include visiting wineries, cycling through the countryside, and meandering around local museums.
For a lot of visitors, the best times to visit Nijmegen tend to be either spring or fall, when temperatures are warm and pleasant and the countryside is at its colorful best. Summer, on the other hand, tends to be hotter and more happening, with the annual Vierdaagsefeesten (Four Days Festival) and 4Days Marches bringing crowds from around the world to the city’s streets and parks.
Nijmegen is a very accessible city, with most visitors exploring the city on foot or by bicycle. You can rent electric bikes by the day at Nijmegen Centraal Station; however, if you prefer four wheels, you can also drive or take taxis. Like much of the Netherlands, the city is well connected to the rest of the country via public transport. Nijmegen Centraal Station, which operates as both a bus and train station, is within a 5-minute walk from the city center.
Each summer, Nijmegen hosts the largest event in the Netherlands: the Vierdaagsefeesten. The festival is timed to coincide with the annual 4Days Marches, which originated as a military training exercise in 1909 and has since grown into the largest walking event in the world. The free festival brings revelers to the city streets to cheer on the marchers, with fireworks to kick off the celebrations and a closing ceremony to end the event.
