Arnhem is located in the beautiful province of Gelderland. Its has ancient buildings and lots of history . In my opinion often overlooked during a roadtrip across the Netherlands. Great for a day out during the sunshine.

About Arnhem

Arnhem is the 13th largest city in the Netherlands with more than 150.000 citizens. It is the third largest city in the province of Gelderland and just acrossed the border of Germany. The city is wellknown for me with the signs on the German autobahn with ‘Arnheim’ while driving back towards the Netherlands.

Dutch presentator Ewout Genemans made a popular documentary about the police in Arnhem called ‘Bureau Arnhem’ (‘Office Arnhem’ with all its situations and perks in 2022.

Thie city has the largest open air museum in Europe. The Netherlands Open Air Museum showcases historic houses, windmills, and traditional crafts. Nature lovers will adore the nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can cycle through stunning landscapes for free. This park is popular with people from the ‘Randstad’ to relax during a domestic holiday.

Rich history and vibrant cultural scene

Arnhem, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands, is the capital of the province of Gelderland. Situated near the German border, Arnhem is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is located on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, which played a crucial role in its development. Arnhem is home to several notable institutions, including the Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen and the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts.

The city also boasts a variety of attractions such as the Netherlands Open Air Museum, the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’, and the Royal Burgers’ Zoo. Arnhem’s history dates back to ancient times, with archaeological findings indicating human activity as far back as 70,000 years ago. The city gained prominence in the Middle Ages and was granted city rights in 1233. 

From Nature to Musea

Arnhem offers a wide range of activities that cater to various interests, making it an ideal destination for visitors. For nature enthusiasts, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is a must-visit, offering extensive cycling and walking trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. The park also houses the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings. In the city itself, the Netherlands Open Air Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Dutch history and culture, with historic buildings, traditional crafts, and interactive exhibits.

The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ offers an in-depth look at the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden. Families will enjoy a day at the Royal Burgers’ Zoo, which features a variety of themed habitats, including a tropical rainforest, a desert, and an ocean. Arnhem’s vibrant city center is perfect for shopping and dining, with a mix of high-street stores, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

The city also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, such as the World Living Statues Festival and the Arnhem Fashion Festival, showcasing the city’s creative spirit. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying the local atmosphere, Arnhem has something to offer everyone.

How to reach Arnhem

Getting to Arnhem is easy, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation! By car, the city is well-connected via the Dutch highway network, with the A12 and A50 providing smooth access. From Amsterdam, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive.

If you prefer public transport, Arnhem is a hub on the Dutch rail network. Trains run frequently from major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, and the journey from Amsterdam Central takes just over an hour.

Coming from abroad? International trains like the ICE connect Arnhem directly to Germany, with routes from cities like Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. From Belgium, you can take an Intercity train via Utrecht. For a seamless trip, Arnhem’s central station is right in the heart of the city!

Famous people in relation to Arnhem

Audrey Hepburn
This world famous actress lived in Arnhem under a pseudonym during the second world war. Her breakthrough at Broadway was around the year 1950.

Herman Brood
The Dutch mister ‘Rock and Roll’ and know for ‘Saturday Night Live’. Brood attended the art academy in Arnhem. In his legacy the Herman Brood Academy exists in Utrecht with former alumni such as DJ Martin Garrix.

Emile Ratelband
This positivity guru is well-known by its slogan ‘tsjakka!’. This NLP-coach was born and raised in Arnhem, German speakers might know him from ‘Tsjakka, du schafft es’.