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Things to Do in Nijmegen

Things to Do in Nijmegen

Nijmegen The Netherlands Travel Guide

Outdoor Exploration

Nijmegen offers diverse environments for physical activity, from gentle river paths to challenging paths through the woods.

Hiking and Trekking

Ooijpolder

Offers extensive, flat walking and bicycle lanes. These trails wind through expansive river landscapes, past grasslands, and alongside wetlands. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Nijmeegse Heuvelrug

For those seeking somewhat more tough terrain, the mild hills to the to the southeast of the city offer beautiful forest scenery and undulating paths. Routes are typically well-marked.

Trail Navigation

Marked trails are available, making navigation simple. These locations are ideal for a relaxed stroll surrounded by nature. While not strenuous mountain hikes, they provide a pleasant change of elevation.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore smaller rivers and canals around Nijmegen, or paddle through the serene waterways within the Ooijpolder. Local outfitters offer canoe or kayak rentals.
  • Sailing/Boating: Recreational boating is popular on the Waal River. Larger tour boats offer scenic cruises for seeing Nijmegen's skyline and river landscape.
  • Swimming: Lentse Plas, a recreational lake in Nijmegen-Noord, offers designated places to swim over the summer. Public indoor and outdoor swimming pools are also available.
  • No direct high-adrenaline adventure sports in the city. Look for specialized centers in the wider region encircling the city for pastimes such as paintball or indoor climbing.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Ooijpolder is the best place for wildlife viewing near Nijmegen.
  • Tourists can spot herds of wild Konik horses and Galloway cattle grazing freely.
  • The area is a significant a natural home for diverse birdlife.
  • Have binoculars for an enhanced viewing experience.

City Cycling

  • Nijmegen is a cycling paradise, exemplifying the Dutch cycling culture.
  • An extensive network of well-maintained, dedicated cycle paths.
  • Cycle to all major attractions, through parks, and by the riverfront.
  • Often the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around the city.

Specialty Cycling

  • River Routes: Follow the Waal River east into the Ooijpolder for flat, scenic routes.
  • Hilly Routes: Head southeast towards Berg en Dal and Groesbeek for undulating terrain.
  • Mountain Biking: Dedicated trails exist in forested, hilly areas south of Nijmegen.
  • Provides a different type of cycling experience than the typical flat Dutch landscape.

Important Cycling Tips

For more challenging cycling, head southeast towards Berg en Dal and Groesbeek for undulating terrain and forest routes.

Dedicated mountain bike trails exist in forested, hilly areas south of Nijmegen (e.g., around Berg en Dal) for technical, off-road riding.

Cultural Immersion

Nijmegen features different opportunities to tour its rich the cultural makeup, from hands-on workshops to festivals.

Workshops and Classes

  • Handicrafts: Check local community centers (Lindenberg Cultuurhuis) or independent studios for short classes or taster lessons in various arts, crafts, or dance.
  • Brewing Workshops: Brouwerij de Hemel, a craft brewery located in a former monastery, sometimes offers brewing workshops. This provides an unique insight into the local beer culture.
  • Cooking Classes: While less common for general tourism, inquire locally about private cooking workshops centered on Dutch or Indonesian cuisine for a personalized culinary immersion.
  • These can offer a hands-on experience of local creative pursuits.

Cultural Performances

Theater and Music

Attend performances at Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen (the city theater) or Concertgebouw De Vereeniging (concert hall) for a range of heritage shows, including plays, musicals, classical concerts, and contemporary music.

Local Events

Review local listings for traditional music performances, folk dance groups, or specific ceremonies that could take place during festivals. These happenings offer an authentic glimpse into Dutch heritage.

Four Days Marches

International Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse) held annually in mid-July. A world-famous walking event with participants and spectators from around the globe.

Summer Festival

Nijmegen Summer Festival (Zomerfeesten) runs concurrently with the Four Days Marches, providing a week of diverse entertainment.

Winter Events

WinterWelVaart (December): A charming event along the Waalkade, featuring historic ships, a Christmas market, and various cultural things to do.

Relaxation & Wellness

After active exploration, Nijmegen provides options for relaxation and rejuvenation, from luxurious spas to calm and natural settings.

Spa and Wellness

  • Sanadome Hotel & Spa Nijmegen: Large, luxurious spa and wellness complex on the city outskirts. Provides comprehensive thermal baths, various saunas, and a broad range of treatments.
  • Sanadome utilizes natural spring waters for its spa baths, providing a therapeutic and mineral-rich bathing experience. An ideal destination for a full day of relaxation and pampering.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
  • Throughout the city, find smaller beauty salons and independent massage therapists offering a range of services.

Mind & Body

Yoga and Meditation

Nijmegen has various yoga studios offering a range of styles (e.g., Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin Yoga).

Drop-in Classes

Many studios have drop-in classes for visitors, making it easy to participate.

Retreats

Full, multi-day retreats for yoga or meditation are more likely to be discovered in the peaceful rural areas surrounding Nijmegen. Inquire with local studios for recommendations or schedules.

Beaches and Pools

Lentse Plas

A recreational lake located in Nijmegen-Noord. It includes a small beach region and designated swimming opportunities during the summer months, providing a refreshing escape on hot days.

Public Pools

Nijmegen has public indoor and outdoor swimming pools (e.g., Zwembad Erica) that give facilities for swimming and recreation.

Hotel Pools

Some hotels may additionally have their own swimming facilities for guests.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Nijmegen boasts a lively entertainment and nightlife scene, especially as a result of its large student population. From live music to classic pubs, there is something for every evening preference.

Live Music & Venues

  • Doornroosje: Nijmegen's premier pop and rock music venue. It hosts a diverse lineup of national and international acts, ranging from emerging bands to established artists.
  • Lux: Mainly known as a cinema and cultural center, Lux also frequently hosts live music events, with a particular focus on jazz, world music, and more experimental genres.
  • Smaller Venues: Various smaller bars and cafes throughout the city center often feature local bands, open mic nights, or DJ sets, offering intimate locations for live music.
  • Check their program for upcoming concerts.

Theater and Performance Spaces

Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen

The main municipal theater, hosting a varied program of plays, musicals, dance performances, and cabaret throughout the year. It offers a formal setting for theatrical productions.

Concertgebouw De Vereeniging

A historic concert hall known for its excellent acoustics. It hosts classical concerts by national and international orchestras, in addition to larger pop/rock acts and comedy shows.

Lux

Besides music, Lux also screens art-house films, documentaries, and hosts theater performances, presenting a more alternative cultural experience.

Nightlife Districts

  • Molenstraat is Nijmegen's main nightlife street.
  • Densely packed with bars and a few nightclubs.
  • The go-to area for dancing and late-night revelry.
  • Popular with students and young adults.

Bar & Pub Crawls

  • Waalkade features many restaurants that transform into lively bars.
  • Especially during summer, enjoy drinks with riverside scenery.
  • Grote Markt is surrounded by grand cafes and traditional bars.
  • Offers a more relaxed atmosphere for drinks and conversation.

Late-Night Entertainment

  • Clubs on Molenstraat often stay open late (until 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM on weekends).
  • Provides ample opportunity for dancing and socializing.
  • Some snack stands and takeaways remain open late.
  • Catering to post-clubbing cravings for fries or other Dutch snacks.

Late Night & Beyond

Nightclubs and Dancing
  • Molenstraat: Main nightlife street, packed with clubs.
  • Other clubs and dance venues found throughout the wider city center.
  • Offering different music genres and atmospheres.
Late-Night Dining
  • Places for snacks plus getaways remain open late.
  • Catering to post-clubbing cravings for fries or Dutch snacks.
  • Various international takeaway options.

Tips for Nightlife

Nijmegen's nightlife is notably on weekends. Weekdays are generally quieter.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

  • Grote Markt: Main the market on Saturdays (general goods, fresh food, flowers) and Mondays (mainly textiles, household goods).
  • BioMarkt (Organic Market): Taking place on Fridays at Kelfkensbos. This market specializes in organic produce and products.
  • Used Book Market: A monthly used book market takes place at Kelfkensbos, a treasure hunt for book lovers. Check local listings for exact dates.
  • Check local listings for exact dates and times.

Artisan & Boutique

  • Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Explore the side streets of downtown, specifically around the Honigcomplex, for boutique galleries and non-chain shops. These often showcase local crafts, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and design items made by regional artisans.
  • Luxury and Boutique Shopping: Broerstraat and Marikenstraat are the primary shopping streets in Nijmegen's city center, featuring popular international and national chain stores. Lange Hezelstraat offers an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and specialized stores.
  • This street is ideal for finding unique items away from large chains.
  • An excellent way to find real local keepsakes and support local talent.