Nijmegen is situated on the banks of the River Waal, which is a branch of the Rhine in the region of the ‘Great Rivers’, and a mere 10 kilometers from the German border. It is Roman in origin (its name derives from 'Noviomagus' meaning 'new market') and celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 2005, this makes it the oldest city in the Netherlands. It was also the imperial residence during the Carolingian period. The Carolingian Empire (800–888) was a large Frankish-dominated empire in western and central Europe during the early Middle Ages. The 'Valkhof' (Falcon’s Court’) - is the highest point of the city overlooking the river. It was once the site of Charlemagne’s castle. From this vantage point, which is now a scenic park, the typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful panorama. The Great Rivers marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, and no doubt the Romans settled here because of the splendid strategic view of enemy territory across the river. For similarly strategic reasons, subsequent kings and other rulers chose Nijmegen as their place of residence. Until a century ago, Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings were the scene of many fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city defences were torn down, as they posed an increasing obstacle to the city's prosperity. A period of spectacular growth followed, and within a few decades the railway bridge across the Waal was constructed, and gas, electricity and water mains were installed in the city. The Second World War is a blot in the history of Nijmegen. On February 22, 1944 the city was mistakenly bombed by allied forces bombed, killing 800 people. A few months later, Nijmegen was liberated following the U.S. airborne landings of ‘Operation Market Garden’, which freed the southern part of the Netherlands on September 17, 1944. Badly damaged in the war, much was done to rebuild the city in the post-war period and a new city centre arose in which the remaining monuments of Nijmegen’s rich history occupy a special position.
Brouwerscafé de Hemel, Franseplaats 1
Experience all the venue hasto offer in a unique setting, underneath the heavily beamed ceiling, or on the terrace. Taste, enjoy and experiencethe delights of home-brewed beers, home-distilled spirits and their own roasted coffee! A unique place where people laugh and enjoy life!
Nevel Wild Ales | Wilde bieren uit Gelderland, Waalbandijk 8d
Located in a nice industrial area, formerly the Honig complex, just outside the city centre. Free parking nearby. It is about a 25 minutes walk from the Nijmegen CS train station. There is enough seating space inside and outside. A lot of Nevel beers of course, including their specials, on tap and bottles. Also, a good selection from other breweries us available. Prices are ok. Staff are ok. The place to go if you're into wild/sour ales.
STOOM beer&food /Oersoep Microbrewery, Waalbandijk 14D
Not easy to find. It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from town. Walk down Weurtseweg. Turn right down Nano Waardenaarstraat. Head towards the Honig tower. Go under the tunnel. Turn right. Walk past the silo & you’re there. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Efficient service. Lots of seating inside & out. Brewery can just about be seen through 2 glass doors, and you can arrange to take a tasting session and tour. Worth the walk to get there.
Café Jos Meesterschenkerij, Daalseweg 309
Well established cosy speciality beer café, with over 30 beers on tap and 200+ bottles. An amazing combination of a traditional brown bar and a neighborhood dive which has adark wooden interior with lots of beer memorabilia on the walls. Low wooden ceilings and lots of seating, both inside and out. Knowledgeable bar staff providing a great service. May be a little on the expensive side!
Café van Ouds Nijmegen, Augustijnenstraat 33
As standard they serve Kornuit, Van Ouds Blonde and Triple and Triple Karmeliet. There are no few than 16 taps, with regularly changing beers. A menu of 180 beers and regularly changing specials from both tap and bottle giving plenty of choice for everyone. A long brown bar, with a dark interior, but with plenty of space. Does get quite busy, but staff are friendly and helpful.
Café Samson, Houtstraat 4
Large and spacious but also cosy Dutch brown café, divided in 2 rooms with each their own bar. Heated and sheltered patio in front. Main area has the largest bar, some stools and tables, second area looks a bit more modern. In addition to the 14 regular draft beers, you can choose from over 100 different bottled beers with the focus on Belgian and well-known Dutch beers. It is one of the older Nijmegen bars with knowledgeable staff, and good service. Recommended place when in Nijmegen.
In de Blaauwe Hand, Achter de Hoofdwacht 3
The oldest café in Nijmegen, dating back to medieval times, located in the main square. You can enjoy an extensive beer selection in this beautifully restored historic café, which is small and cosy with friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.
Café De Opera, Konningstraat 34
Located on a square with more beery places. Relatively small, pleasant bar with some tables and stools at the bar and an outside patio. Inviting with a brown café ambiance. There are about 20 taps and a large bottled/canned beer list. Mix of local, foreign, classic and modern beers. Quick and knowledgeable service. The beer menu is sorted by styles and is really helpful, but there is a section for beers from local breweries as well. Prices are decent by Dutch standards, staff is friendly.
Cafe de Deut, Speciaalbier Cafe, Konningstraat 36
Next door to Café De Opera. Cosy, dark vintage interior, surrounded by baroque lighting, “holy” relics and vague trinkets. De Deut has an extensive speciality beer list, both on tap and in bottle, which is complemented by the expertise and friendliness of its staff. Like its neighbough, De Opera it also boasts an outside patio.
De kluizenaar, Burghardt v.d. Berghstraat 96
Located in a nice part of town, between the touristy centre and the railway station, this is a traditional café with a large, but cosy bar area. Broad pavements serve as an outside seating area. They have an extensive beer selection of both Dutch and Belgian beers.
