City tour Nijmegen

With this city walk, we invite you to discover the oldest city in the Netherlands. The rich cultural history of Nijmegen dates back two thousand years when the Romans arrived here, and Nijmegen grew to be the largest city in what was then the Netherlands. Several centuries later, Emperor Charlemagne chose the Valkhof as the site to build a palace, and it became one of the most important places in his empire. In the following centuries, many other princes, dukes, and emperors also chose Nijmegen as their residence. Nijmegen fell under the direct rule of the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire as an imperial city. As a result, the people of Nijmegen were among the most privileged citizens of Europe. It was not until centuries later that the city was surpassed in significance and wealth by flourishing trading cities in the Dutch provinces. Due to its strategic location, the city was often a focal point of conflict. The last time this happened was during World War II when the Allies accidentally bombed the city. Alongside hundreds of deaths, a large part of the old town was devastated. Thanks to a successful reconstruction, Nijmegen was able to maintain its cozy, vibrant character. The city exudes a Mediterranean and cozy atmosphere. If you have an eye for the past, you can fully enjoy the rich variety of cultural history that Nijmegen has to offer.