Hotels in Nijmegen

Nijmegen: Rome on the Waal

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, settled by the Romans as Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum around 100 AD. It sits on the south bank of the Waal river, roughly 120 km southeast of Amsterdam and 10 km from the German border. The Valkhof hilltop park preserves remnants of a Carolingian chapel and a Roman fortress, giving the city a layered history rare for the region. Radboud University keeps the population young — around 180,000 residents, with students making up a significant share.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster in the Stadscentrum around Grote Markt and along Keizer Karelplein, both walkable to the Valkhof and the main train station. The Waalfront district, redeveloped after 2010, offers newer riverside properties with views toward the floodplains. Budget travellers find hostels near the university campus in Heyendaal, about 3 km south of the centre.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Direct trains from Amsterdam Centraal run every 30 minutes; journey time is around 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Best time to visit: Book hotels months ahead for the Nijmegen Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse) each July — the world's largest multi-day walking event, held annually since 1909.
• Getting around: A bicycle covers the city centre to Heyendaal in under 15 minutes; rental shops operate near the station.