A Walker's Paradise
Hills and water meadows - Varied Nijmegen region
You can walk straight into open countryside from Nijmegen. Meandering dikes, abandoned islands and quiet sections of reclaimed land: nature is at its best here. You could even find yourself face to face with Konik horses. Or choose the nature reserve of De Klompenwaard (with Fort Pannerden) and greet one of the friendly ‘Rode Geus’: large red-coated cattle.
Choose the famous N70 hiking route for a unique five-star hike across rolling hills with glimpses of the river and water meadows. Wine lovers can walk from one tasting to another on a route that takes in vast vineyards. Perhaps history is more your thing, in which case take the centuries-old Roman route. If you have always been curious about the Annual 4Days Marches (Vierdaagse) and the spots hikers wax lyrical about, why not try walking parts of the route? You can take your time and walk at your own speed. Spoiler alert: it is indeed as beautiful as they say!
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Get your clogs on, sling on a rucksack and let’s go!
Get your clogs on, sling on a rucksack and let’s go!
Walking through fields, country estates, along streams and across farms Klompenpaden (‘clog paths’) are cultural/historical rights of way across private property such as country estates and farmland. Clog paths follow historical, off-road routes as much as possible. A klompenpad walk is varied and can sometimes even be a little ‘adventurous’, requiring you to climb over stiles, cross wobbly bridges or walk through a field of cows.
Please note: No dogs allowed in order to avoid worrying the wild animals. Furthermore, the narrow unpaved paths are unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
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Historical city walk
The city Nijmegen is exciting, interesting and with a turbulent history. You can find evidence of past times everywhere, both in old buildings and in the city architecture. An English-language guidebook is available for both cities including a historical city walk past the most significant highlights.
The guide to Nijmegen is available from:
Tourist Information (VVV)
Keizer Karelplein 32H, Nijmegen -
Roaming routes full of adventure
Walking is fun, but roaming is more exciting! Stroll along winding cattle paths, often right next to the river, clamber over dikes and tree trunks and encounter Galloway cattle and Konik horses. There are numerous marked roaming routes along the banks of the Waal, Meuse and IJssel rivers. The routes range from 4 to around 10 kilometres and are clearly signposted. Please note: walk at your own risk, do not feed or disturb the animals, and dogs must be kept on a lead.
Stroll among blossoming trees and flowers buzzing with bees in the heart of the Betuwe
Everything is in full bloom and an abundance of colour in the spring. Or do you prefer the summer and early autumn, when you can savour all the freshly harvested produce at roadside stalls? Besides that, the fertile ground has produced a wealth of creative regional specialities. When you’ve satisfied your hunger pangs, you can go for a walk through Lingezegen park – a large expanse of splendid natural scenery providing a varied mix of fresh-water habitats full of birds, farmers’ fields, buzzing bees and dreamy meadows. Alternatively, you could head to the De Klompenwaard nature reserve to see the unique breed of cattle called the ‘Red Beggars’ (Rode Geuzen).
The Walk of the World
The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse – the 4Days Marches in Nijmegen which is also known as ‘The Walk of the World’ – is the world’s biggest multi-day walking event. Each year, around 42,000 walkers take part from all across the globe, descending on Nijmegen for four days of walking in the splendid countryside around the city. The event is not a race; it’s all about the sense of accomplishment. The participants walk for four consecutive days over a distance of 30, 40 or 50 kilometres, depending on their age and gender. Everyone who completes the event is awarded the coveted Four Days Marches Cross, which has the Dutch royal seal of approval. The finish along the ‘Via Gladiola’ is an unforgettable experience for the participants and spectators alike!
AGENDA 2023
• 15 to 21 July – Vierdaagsefeesten (Festivities in the city of Nijmegen)
• 18 to 21 July – 105th 4Days Marches
