MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Nijmegen

Day Trips from Nijmegen

Nijmegen The Netherlands Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several interesting cities and cultural sites lie within easy day-trip distance from Nijmegen.

Most destinations are easily reachable by train. Purchase tickets at the station or by means of OVpay.

Highlights Near Nijmegen

  • Arnhem: WWII history (Airborne Museum Hartenstein), Burgers' Zoo, Netherlands Open Air Museum.
  • 's-Hertogenbosch: St. John'the Main church of, Binnendieze canals, "Bossche Bol".
  • Utrecht: Dom Tower, wharf cellars, Centraal Museum, Miffy Museum.
  • Maastricht: Historic city, squares, Basilica, marlstone caves, culinary scene.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the urban core, the region surrounding Nijmegen has expansive natural landscapes for walking, cycling, and wildlife observation.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Explore unique river landscapes and forests.

Places to discover

  • Ooijpolder: Vast river landscape east of the city, for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
  • Millingerwaard: Further east, another floodplain landscape for quiet nature walks and wildlife.
  • Reichswald Forest (Germany): Large forested area with hiking and cycling trails across the border.

Scenic Landscapes & Seasonal Phenomena

Experience the unique beauty of the region's terrain and changing seasons.

Natural features and timing

  • Nijmeegse Heuvelrug: Gentle hills and forests south and east of Nijmegen.
  • River Landscapes: Broad landscapes along the Waal River with dikes and floodplains.
  • Bird Migration: Ooijpolder has migratory birds in spring and autumn.

Day Trip Logistics

Independent Travel

  • Highly recommended for all suggested day trips due to excellent public transport.
  • Maximum flexibility for pacing and attraction choices.
  • Organized bus tours from Nijmegen for these specific day trips are rare.
  • Organized tours cost more and offer less flexibility.

Time Required & Itineraries

  • Most day trips need 4-6 hours for exploration, plus travel time.
  • Arnhem: Plan a whole day for multiple attractions.
  • Den Bosch: Half to full day for cathedral, center, and boat trip.
  • Utrecht: Dedicate a full day for Dom Tower, canals, and museum.

Suggested Itineraries

  • De Hoge Veluwe National Park:Near Arnhem, connect by bus.
  • Apeldoorn:Approximately 1 hour by train.
  • Utrecht:Approximately 1 hour by train.
  • Maastricht:Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by train.
  • Arnhem:About 15-20 minutes by train.
  • 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch):About 30-35 minutes by train.
  • OV-chipkaart / OVpay:Easy train travel.
  • Book things to do:GetYourGuide Day Trips

Traveler Tip

Consider train travel for all day trips. The Dutch railway network is very reliable and efficient.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Nijmegen's city limits, the surrounding region holds places of history and culture, along with charming rural villages.

Kasteel Hernen

A well-preserved medieval moated castle that has never been conquered, 20 km west.

Sint Agatha Monastery

The oldest still-inhabited monastery in the Netherlands, 10 km south, with a museum.

Groesbeek Vineyards

A local wine region southeast of Nijmegen; visit vineyards and taste wine.

Historical Sites

Discover medieval forts and ancient spiritual centers near Nijmegen.

Historic places to see

  • Heeswijk Castle: An impressive medieval castle, beautifully restored and now a museum.
  • These sites offer insight into Dutch feudal life and nobility.
  • Check for events and re-enactments at the castles.

Rural Villages & Areas

Experience authentic rural Dutch life in charming villages and agricultural landscapes.

Villages and countryside

  • Beek-Ubbergen: Known for fruit orchards, beautiful during spring blossom and autumn harvest.
  • Small Villages: Explore the Maas and Waal river region for traditional ranches and local cafes.
  • Pleasant for cycling tours through peaceful pastoral areas.

Pilgrimage Connection

Sint Agatha Monastery:Historical connection to pilgrimage.
Site of spiritual reflection:A peaceful and unique spiritual experience.
Centuries of religious travelers:A long history as a destination.
Museum about its history:Learn about the Norbertine order.
Located near Cuijk:Easily reachable for a visit.
Oldest inhabited monastery:A significant landmark in the Netherlands.

Exploration Idea

  • Consider pedaling through the fruit orchards of Beek-Ubbergen during blossom season for beautiful scenery.
  • Check out a local vineyard in Groesbeek for a wine tasting.
  • Combine a castle visit with a quiet walk through the surrounding estate.
  • The Sint Agatha Abbey offers a calm and reflective visit.
  • Immerse yourself in authentic rural Dutch life.

Multi-Day Extensions

Nijmegen's excellent transport links make multi-day extensions possible, combining your visit with other major Dutch cities or neighboring countries.

Dutch City Combinations

Extend your trip to experience the diversity of the Netherlands.

Recommendations for 1-3 days

  • Amsterdam: Non-stop and efficient train journey.
  • The Hague & Delft: Combine for a 2-day extension, easy by train.
  • Rotterdam: A strong contrast to historic charm, good transport.

Cross-Border Extensions

Nijmegen's location close to borders enables easy trips to other countries.

Visit nearby countries

  • Belgium: Antwerp (2 hrs), Brussels (2.5-3 hrs), Bruges (with changes).
  • Germany: Düsseldorf (1.FIVE hours), Cologne (2 hrs), for the German Rhine region.
  • European rail systems are efficient and well-integrated.

Transportation Connections

All these extensions are easily done by train from Nijmegen. The Dutch and wider European railway networks are highly efficient.

Seamless Travel

  • Train networks are punctual and well-integrated.
  • Multi-country travel is straightforward.
  • Purchase tickets at the station or online for convenience.

Suggested Routes for Longer Travel

Plan comprehensive tours focusing on different regions or countries.

Broader regional exploration

  • Dutch Cities Loop: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Nijmegen, 's-Hertogenbosch, Rotterdam/The Hague.
  • Benelux Tour: Explore diverse cultures and landscapes of Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
  • Rhine Valley (Germany): After Nijmegen, train to Cologne/Düsseldorf, explore the scenic Rhine.

Plan Your Extended Journey

Consider adding extra days to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and life of the Netherlands and its neighbors. A well-planned extension amplifies your travel experience.

Cultural Immersion

Explore distinct city vibes from modern Rotterdam to historic Bruges.

Seamless Connectivity

Train travel connects major European cities with ease.

Diverse Landscapes

From Dutch polders to German river valleys, experience varied scenery.

Smart Extension Advice

Plan your train journeys well, especially for international travel, to capture good fares and ensure smooth connections.