Nijmegen, Beuningen, Berg en Dal

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands; it celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 2005. A lot has happened in all these years, of course; just a quick summary:

When it was renamed Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum by the Romans around the year 100, it got market rights. In 1230, it was granted city rights and Nijmegen became a free imperial city. A free city did not fall under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and was therefore actually a kind of mini-state. However, Nijmegen did not enjoy this status for long: in 1247 it came into the hands of the Duchy of Gelre. From 1402, the city was allowed to call itself a Hanseatic city and by establishing the Quaternary Academy (1655-1679) and the Radboud University (1923), it can also call itself a university city.

The Realm of Nijmegen extends beyond the city. The region includes the municipalities of Beuningen, Berg en Dal, Heumen and Wijchen. These places also have a rich history. This cycle route takes you past these villages.

Many Romans used to walk around in Beuningen. Many archaeological finds from Roman times have surfaced in this area. Beuningen has often been flooded, but now water has become a friend. Especially in the new housing estates, you can see how water and housing are combined. The village of Ewijk boasts not only a beautiful old tower in the centre, but also Slot Doddendael. Lent is a village proud of its independence. Yet Nijmegen is steadily advancing: the residential area Waalsprong is already on Lent territory.

The landscapes of the Realm of Nijmegen cannot be put under a single heading. Whereas in Beuningen and Wijchen it is vast, towards Berg en Dal it is - as the name suggests - hilly and wooded. This area is part of the Lower Rhine Ridge, which stretches across the German border. Enjoy the wonderful riches in the Realm of Nijmegen!