Nijmegen’s Best Outdoor Activities: Your Top 5 Guide

Nijmegen, that very old Dutch city with quite a story to tell, is so more than just pretty buildings and really fascinating history. So, there’s also a surprisingly big amount of opportunities to get outside and have some pretty cool adventures. Arguably, you’ve got some awesome parks, rivers, and landscapes kinda right at your fingertips. So, let’s explore the five best outdoor things you might want to do in Nijmegen, perfect for when you’re visiting or maybe just kinda want to switch up your routine.

1. Hiking or Biking in the Ooijpolder

The Ooijpolder, that place kinda right outside Nijmegen, is just almost begging you to grab your hiking shoes or maybe your bike and take it for a spin. It’s, in some respects, this floodplain area is just full of totally dreamy landscapes. So, you can kinda expect winding trails that take you past super cute villages, you know, riversides that just sparkle in that light, and very green fields kinda going on forever. Arguably, it’s a flat landscape, making it actually super accessible for most fitness levels. Very easy and scenic.

I, for example, one time went with some friends for a kinda sunset bike ride here, and like the light reflecting off the water? Like, really awesome and almost indescribable. In fact, we even stopped at that local farm for, really, a taste of their cheese. Totally worthwhile.

Why it’s awesome: Seriously breathtaking views, and like, totally perfect for different abilities, also lots of nice stopping places.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ooijpolder Bike Rentals)

2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on the Waal River

That Waal River, like slicing through Nijmegen, so, is that super opportunity for like, getting out on the water. Anyway, one activity that’s become kinda super popular is stand-up paddleboarding. Usually it’s actually surprisingly easy to pick up, even if that’s your first time.

I remember like, when I first tried it, was kind of worried that I was just, gonna be falling off constantly, but really it’s rather surprisingly stable, that board, and so peaceful as well. We usually rent boards right by the Honigcomplex. Just a cool area, arguably, a hip area.

Why it’s awesome: Really unique perspective of Nijmegen from a water viewpoint, as well as kinda a good workout too.

Read our full review: Waal River SUP Full Review and Details

3. Exploring Valkhof Park

Valkhof Park, kinda resting on this very old spot where emperors once kinda hung out, is just such, a very, lovely place. It offers like, super great views over that Waal River and kinda tons of little pathways and spots to just, you know, relax. You can literally still see, more or less, things that kinda show what’s been there since forever. The park almost feels like, literally, a history class but, as a matter of fact, it’s fun and very pretty.

You might like, take a blanket, that, some books, and almost spend, literally, all afternoon there. Me? What do I enjoy doing, arguably? That little cafe really, where the views never disappoint.

Why it’s awesome: Just, awesome combo of nature and like, literally ancient history. Always cool to kinda experience some of that. Plus super convenient since it’s that central.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Valkhof Park Guided Tours)

4. Kayaking or Canoeing on the Spiegelwaal

That Spiegelwaal, a river that runs very kinda parallel to that main Waal, so offers very, almost peaceful kinda conditions, alright, for kayaking and canoeing. You get, literally, super up close with water wildlife, very interesting little plants and birds.

I literally once saw, like, a family of ducks waddling right along kinda the banks of this. Anyway it’s almost awesome to get outta those crowds and, kind of, relax kinda while literally still doing stuff.

Why it’s awesome: The super serene waterways, and a big, you know, like literally great opportunity to kinda peek at nature without as many crowds, very enjoyable.

Read our full review: Spiegelwaal Kayak Rental Full Review and Details

5. Relaxing at Goffertpark

Goffertpark, kinda on, more or less, the bigger side, and is almost known in that area for big events and tons of kinda green space to just kinda chill. You can maybe find lots of places to play a game of frisbee. So, maybe setup picnics, and, almost take walks.

There’s quite a history to kinda this spot. Kinda goes way back before that more recent use as a venue space.

Why it’s awesome: Super spacious. So really, versatile. Nice to relax and hang. Great area for groups.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Goffertpark Events Calendar)

Read our full review: Nijmegen Outdoor Activities Full Review and Details