The quaint little town of Nijmegen is one of the oldest places nestled away in The Netherlands. Seated on the Waal River and close to the German Border, this catholic university town is home to over 15 000 students. If you’re looking for more information on this little Dutch town, you’ve come to the right place! Here is a quick guide to Nijmegen.
FAST FIVE FACTS:
Population: approximately 170 000
Location: Gelderland Province, The Netherlands
Climate: summer: 20 to 25 degrees; winter -5 to 5 degrees; sporadic rainfall
Time Zone: GMT +1
Local Currency: Euro
WHEN TO GO
The Netherlands climate is often classified as being warm and temperate with most visitors arriving sometime between the summer months of June and August. Early autumn in September is also a beautiful time to roam the city as trees start changing color and leaves drift to the floor, leaving piles of brown and orange everywhere.
You can also plan your visit around some of the major annual events. Tulips are in full bloom around April and May. Queens Day is also celebrated at the end of April, turning the town into a sea of orange. Santa takes over the town in the form of a Sinterklaas Festival around November when children (and adults!) dress up act and as his helpers.
WHAT TO EAT
Poffertjies
These tiny fluffy pancakes covered in icing sugar, a little butter and syrup are delicious on a cold day… or any day for that matter.
Appeltert (apple pie)
The Dutch have been enjoying appeltaart (apple pie) for centuries. It is said that the first printed cookbook in 1514 even contained a recipe for Dutch apple pie! Don’t think we need more justification than that. Add a dollop of whipped cream, order a coffee and you’re good to go.
Stroopwafels
Undoubtedly the most famous eat in The Netherlands. A stroopwafel is a paper-thin waffle sandwich, filled with a sweet and sticky syrup in between. Best after placing over a cup of coffee so that the steam melts the syrup. Yum.
Kibbeling
Deep fried battered cod fish covered in a mayonnaise-based or a garlic sauce. Delicious on a cold day.
Additional Reading: 15 Dutch Foods You Should Try At Least Once
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO
Sint Stevenskerk
Also known as The Great Church, this is one of the oldest and largest churches in Nijmegen. Here you can hear the famous König organ being played, climb the tower or visit the burial vault of Catherine of Bourbon.
Kronenburger Park
Wander through a park filled with weeping willows, ducks and swans.
Grote Markt
This traditional square in the middle of town is beautifully lined with restored buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Additional Reading: Ten things to do in Nijmegen
EASY PHRASES TO REMEMBER:
Hello – hoi / hallo
Yes – ja
No – nee
Thank you! – dank u wel! (dahnk-ew-vehl / dahnk-yuh-vehl)
Your welcome – Graag gedaan (khrahkh khuh-dahn)
Please – Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft (ahlst-ew-bleeft / ahl-shuh-bleeft)