The best walks and hikes around Nijmegen

Nijmegen offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 700 trails recorded on komoot. This includes routes for all skill levels, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.

Unlike many flatter regions in the Netherlands, Nijmegen boasts significant elevation changes, particularly in areas like Berg en Dal and Duivelsberg. This hilly terrain, combined with dense forests, expansive river floodplains, and unique polder landscapes, provides a diverse and varied hiking experience.

The hiking routes in Nijmegen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 4100 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the surprising elevation changes that offer rewarding views.

Yes, Nijmegen offers several trails with notable elevation. The famous N70 hiking route, for example, traverses eight 'mountains' like Boterberg and Duivelsberg, providing challenging climbs and stunning views. The Heerlijkheid Beek area also features surprising height differences, making for tough but scenic hikes.

Absolutely. Many trails are suitable for families, including the Fun on the Zeegsepad – Clogs Trails with children, an easy 5.3 km route. The Duivelsberg also offers a 2 km family route with varied vistas and cozy forest paths. Overall, nearly 500 easy routes are available in the region.

For stunning river views and polder landscapes, explore the Ooijpolder. The Bastei to the Ooijpolder Geopad – views from the plateau offers panoramic vistas over this unique area, where you might even spot wild horses or Galloway cattle. The Rivierpark Nijmegen also provides a unique riverine environment for walks.

Yes, extensive forested areas like Heumensoord offer beautiful beech trees and heathland with well-marked trails. The Duivelsberg is another popular wooded area known for its hills and forest paths. For a spectacular autumn experience, the Mookerheide nature reserve transforms with royal purple hues, making it a particularly attractive hiking spot.

Certainly. Some trails near Heilig Landstichting incorporate historical elements like a Roman aqueduct. Within the city, Valkhof Park offers historical significance with Roman ruins and a chapel, along with scenic views over the Waal river. You can also visit the Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, a historical site.

While large waterfalls are rare, Kronenburgerpark within Nijmegen features a charming cave with a small waterfall, perfect for a leisurely stroll. South of Nijmegen, the Hatertse and Overasseltse Vennen nature reserve offers diverse hiking through fens, plains, and even dunes, where you can observe badgers and various bird species.

Yes, for those seeking a longer adventure, the Nijmegen Regional Trail (Streekpad Nijmegen) is a 125-kilometer route divided into 7 day stages. It allows hikers to explore the Waal river, forests, hills, picturesque villages, and areas like the Gelderse Poort and the Mookerheide, even extending to the German border.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill), a prominent natural monument, or the Oude Waal Nature Reserve. There are also beautiful lakes like Groenewater Pond and the expansive Kraaijenbergse Plassen to discover.

Yes, many trails around Nijmegen are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Bison Bay – Oude Waal Nature Reserve loop from Nijmegen is a popular moderate circular hike exploring the nature reserve.