Port information & tips for Nijmegen
Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, welcomes river cruise passengers with a fascinating blend of Roman history and modern joie de vivre. Located directly on the banks of the Waal, the city captivates visitors with its picturesque promenade and a charming old town that invites you to enjoy a relaxed stroll through historic alleys. Cultural highlights in the immediate vicinity include the history-steeped Valkhof Park with its ancient chapel as well as the lively Grote Markt with the majestic St. Stevenskerk. Cruise ships dock centrally at the Waalkade, from where visitors can conveniently reach the city center and the main shopping streets in just a few minutes on foot, all while enjoying the expansive views of the river.
Nijmegen is excellently connected to the European transport network thanks to its proximity to the German border and boasts a central pier directly on the Waalkade. The ships are moored in the immediate vicinity of the historic old town, which allows for easy orientation upon arrival.
Car
Via the A57 motorway from the direction of Köln or the A3 via Arnhem, you can reach the port quickly and directly. Comfortable parking options such as the Kelfkensbos parking garage are available on site; in addition, many cruise lines offer secure long-term parking in cooperation with local partners, including a transfer to the ship.
Train
Nijmegen Centraal station is excellently connected to the international ICE network via Arnhem and offers travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland a relaxed arrival. The distance from the station to the Waalkade is around 1.5 kilometers, which allows for a short taxi ride of about five minutes or a pleasant walk through the city center.
Airplane
For guests with a longer journey, the airports of Düsseldorf (DUS) and Weeze (NRN) are available, located approximately 110 kilometers and 50 kilometers away respectively. Regular train connections run from Düsseldorf Airport to Nijmegen, while from Weeze, private shuttle services or rental cars guarantee a comfortable onward journey in less than an hour.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: When going ashore, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Nijmegen is excellently connected to the European transport network thanks to its proximity to the German border and boasts a central pier directly on the Waalkade. The ships are moored in the immediate vicinity of the historic old town, which allows for easy orientation upon arrival.
Car
Via the A57 motorway from the direction of Köln or the A3 via Arnhem, you can reach the port quickly and directly. Comfortable parking options such as the Kelfkensbos parking garage are available on site; in addition, many cruise lines offer secure long-term parking in cooperation with local partners, including a transfer to the ship.
Train
Nijmegen Centraal station is excellently connected to the international ICE network via Arnhem and offers travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland a relaxed arrival. The distance from the station to the Waalkade is around 1.5 kilometers, which allows for a short taxi ride of about five minutes or a pleasant walk through the city center.
Airplane
For guests with a longer journey, the airports of Düsseldorf (DUS) and Weeze (NRN) are available, located approximately 110 kilometers and 50 kilometers away respectively. Regular train connections run from Düsseldorf Airport to Nijmegen, while from Weeze, private shuttle services or rental cars guarantee a comfortable onward journey in less than an hour.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: When going ashore, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The docking points at the Waalkade are located directly on the edge of the historic city center and, thanks to their central location, offer an ideal starting point for exploration.
On Foot
The center of Nijmegen with the Grote Markt and the Stevenskerk can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes. The short path leads along the lively riverside promenade directly into the charming shopping streets of the oldest city in the Netherlands.
Breng Buses
The well-developed bus network of the Breng brand connects the Waalkade and the nearby main station conveniently with all districts as well as sights in the surrounding area. The stops are located within walking distance of the ship and allow for flexible movement throughout the entire city area.
Taxi
Official taxis are available at the central squares in the city center and can also be called directly to the Waalkade. Thanks to the short distances within the city, you can reach more distant destinations or the station within a few minutes and enjoy a comfortable service.
To make the most of your stay in the oldest city in the Netherlands, we recommend a combined walking tour through the historic center and a detour to the modern riverbank directly opposite the pier.
Grote Markt & Altstadt
In the charming alleys around the historic market square, you can stroll past magnificent guild houses and the imposing Stevenskerk, while enjoying the lively atmosphere in the numerous cafes and small boutiques.
Spiegelwaal & Veur-Lent
The newly designed Stadseiland offers extensive sandy beaches and green meadows for relaxation, which are perfectly accessible via architecturally impressive bridges for a relaxed walk with a panoramic view of the Nijmegen skyline.
Valkhof Park
This history-steeped park is home to fascinating Roman ruins as well as the Barbarossa ruins and is ideal for a cultural excursion, as it also offers one of the most beautiful vantage points over the busy Waal River.
Valkhof Park and Grote Markt
The historic Valkhof Park is located just five to ten minutes' walk from the pier at the Waalkade and impresses with its fascinating Roman ruins and the well-preserved Barbarossa Chapel. From the heights of the park, you can also enjoy a first-class view of the busy shipping traffic on the Waal and reach the Grote Markt with its magnificent historic facades in no time at all thanks to the central location. The area is perfect for a relaxed stroll and offers a variety of inviting cafes with outdoor terraces for an enjoyable break in the heart of the oldest city in the Netherlands. Ideally, start your tour in the morning to explore the historic backdrop in peace, and enjoy the lively hustle and bustle on the marketplace in the early afternoon before returning to the ship on foot in a relaxed manner.
The way back to the landing stage at the Waalkade is very straightforward thanks to the central location of the berths, allowing for a relaxed conclusion to your shore excursion.
On foot through the historic old town
From the Grote Markt or the Stevenskerk, you can walk directly down to the Waalkade in just a few minutes. The striking silhouette of the ships on the riverbank serves as an ideal orientation aid and guides you safely back to the pier.
Taxi and local transport services
Taxi ranks can be found at central locations such as the Nijmegen Centraal railway station and at Plein 1944. In addition, staff in the surrounding hotels and restaurants will be happy to order a car for a comfortable transfer directly to your gangway.
Public transport and orientation
Local bus lines reliably connect the outer districts with the Waalkade stop in the immediate vicinity of the ship moorings. Thanks to the clear signage in the center, you can reach the shore easily and on time before the scheduled departure.
