Holiday home Nijmegen: be amazed by historic parks and rolling natural beauty!

Considering a holiday home in Nijmegen? Don’t hesitate—both the city and its surroundings have everything to offer if you love nature and history! Stroll along the city walls in Kronenburg Park and relax on the grass with medieval towers in view! Don’t miss the Mookerheide and its stunning hunting lodge if you're planning to explore the “Rijk van Nijmegen”! Want to be surprised by beautiful landscapes with a gently rolling character? Discover in this blog why Nijmegen is a must-see destination within the Netherlands!

Explore beautiful city parks from your holiday home in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is an ancient city along the Waal River, rich in history and full of vibrant charm. You’ll feel it at the Grote Markt as well as in the many city parks. The Stevenskerk, dominating the city skyline, is unmissable.

Ponds, sloping lawns, city walls, and sunbathing meadows with views of imposing towers—Kronenburg Park is perfect for a stroll or a peaceful picnic in nature. Want to visit another park with historic traces? Within walking distance lies Valkhof Park. This park is slightly elevated on the eastern edge of the city center and overlooks the Waal River. It’s well worth a visit thanks to its lawns and monumental remnants such as a Romanesque chapel from the early Middle Ages. The Valkhof Castle once stood here, a vast complex with thick walls and a tower house.

Natural History Museum De Bastei

De Bastei is a museum that brings the flora and fauna of Nijmegen to life in an interactive way. Not only through exhibitions, but also via excursions that let you discover the river landscape and the local wildlife. You'll also learn about Nijmegen’s history, including preserved Roman-era wall segments. The museum hosts an impressive collection of objects, from taxidermy animals to ancient fossils.

Hortus Nijmegen

The green city of Nijmegen isn’t just about city parks—it’s also home to Hortus Nijmegen, a botanical garden that began as a project of the Catholic University. You'll find alpine plants, a stream with a waterfall, and a pond. Be sure to make time for a visit to the Tea Garden and enjoy the peaceful park and flower beds. Tip: follow the forest and heath trail on the outskirts of Nijmegen! The car park for this walk is just 1 kilometer from the botanical garden.

Cycling in Berg en Dal from your holiday home in Nijmegen

In addition to the lively city atmosphere, a holiday home in Nijmegen offers you plenty of chances to enjoy the surrounding river and hill landscapes. A great cycling route between the Maas and the Waal is the “Kroegjesroute” through Berg en Dal. As the name suggests, this trail takes you past several inviting pubs where you can take a well-deserved break for a drink or lunch. Tip: be sure to stop at Brasserie Charley in Beek-Ubbergen, a popular café with a lovely inner garden for cyclists and hikers alike.

Hiking in Groesbeek

Groesbeek is a beloved spot for hikers. Both the Pieterpad and the Four Days Marches of Nijmegen pass through this village. The area is known for its open hills, push moraines, forests, and rural scenery with many unpaved roads. A beautiful hiking trail from your holiday home in Nijmegen follows the Groesbeek streams. Walk from the old village church into the countryside and follow a brook toward the German border. Along the way, you’ll pass through heathland and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Walk around the Mookerheide hunting lodge

A hike that deserves a top spot on your list is the trail through the Mookerheide estate near the Maas River. The gently rolling heathland here offers views over the Maas Valley, and the stunning Jugendstil-style Mookerheide hunting lodge is the highlight of the walk. Plan a break at the lodge’s restaurant and consider joining a guided tour to learn about its history. The Mookerheide estate is just a 10-minute drive from Nijmegen. Once there, you’ll see that the lodge is not only a beautiful attraction and dining spot, but also the surrounding park—complete with a varied forest, gardens, and greenhouses—offers the perfect setting for a local walk with the Mookerheide as a rewarding extra.

Typical Nijmegen: Marikenbrood & terraces by the Waal

Nijmegen isn’t just cozy in its city center and parks—you’ll also love relaxing by the river at the Waalkade. Stretch out in a hammock at Opoe Sientje, where the laid-back vibe and spacious terrace offer a lovely view over the river and the Waal Bridge. Nijmegen also offers some local delicacies with a touch of Burgundian flair. Try the famous Marikenbrood, a raisin bread filled with custard, cinnamon, and mandarins. Another sweet treat not to miss is the “Nijmegenaartje”, a meringue dessert filled with mocha cream.

Rent a holiday home in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is a destination in Gelderland that will exceed your expectations! The oldest city in the Netherlands and once the largest Roman city in the country, Nijmegen offers much more than just a historic and charming center. In its city parks, you’ll step back into medieval times as you relax on the grass or stroll through greenery. Rent a holiday home in Nijmegen so you can head out the next day to explore stunning nature areas like the Mookerheide! Cyclists will love the rolling hills of Berg en Dal, while hikers will be amazed by the scenic stream valleys of Groesbeek!