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RECOMMENDED PLACES TO SEE
Number shown on the maps above:
1. Siegfried Line This extensive line of fortifications begins near here at Nijmegen;
2. Museum Valkhof One of the most important sights include the Valkhof with its new museum, which stands on the spot where the fort of the Batavians, Roman engineering works and, later, one of Charlemagne's palaces stood. All that remains of the palace which was rebuilt by Frederick Barbarossa is St Maartenskapel from 1155 and the St Nicolaaskapel one of the earliest stone buildings in all of Holland. This chapel (part of which dates back to 1030) is a rare example of Byzantine architecture in northern Europe. Unfortunately closed during the hours we shall be there. [Kelfkensbos 59 Tel: 024-360-8805);
3. St Stevenskerk the construction of which began in 1254;
4. Waag Adjoining the Kerkbook is the old Weigh House (Waag) and meat market, a handsome Renaissance building in red brick with black and red dormer windows and two arched doorways.;
5. Kronenburgerpark with the remnants of fortifications (the Kruittoren tower)and planetarium;
6. National Fietsmuseum velorama Unique exhibition about the development of the bicycle. Collection of around 250 historic bicycles and tricycles, posters and children’s bicycles. Refreshments also available in the Velocitas Cafe.
(Open 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Waalkade 107 Tel: 04-3225851);
7. Grote Markt For centuries the Grote Markt (Market Square) has been the place for the weekly market. More than that, there are no fewer than two general markets every week, on Mondays and Saturdays, the market stalls stretching from the Grote Markt (Market Square) into the Burchtstraat and the surrounding streets. From 08.00-14.00 hrs the market is for fruit, plants and vegetables. The general market then begins at 10.00 and continues through to 17.00. On Plein 1944 you can buy books every Saturday from 11.00-17.00.
8. Afrika Museum Unique collection of African art and implements. Large open-air museum with authentic copies of African residential areas. The Africa Museum is a "living" museum, which introduces you to the wealth of African cultures by means of inspiring presentations and special activities. (Postweg 6 Berg en Dal, Tel: 024-6842044/024-6841211. Open: 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.).
9. Biblical Open-air Museum The Biblical Open-air Museum shows the story of the origin, traditions and background of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In the indoor museum a presentation shows the origin of the Bible and Koran. In the woody outdoor museum you can visit the oriental village of Beth Juda, a publican's house, the Karavanserai (oriental inn0, the Arabic fishing village of Tell Arab, the city-street of Via Orientalis and the Bedouin camp. Walk-ons regularly bring history to lief. (Profetenlaan 2. Tel: 024-382-3110. Open: 9 A.M. - 5.30 P.M.).
Nijmegen Town
Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands, is a permanent stop on the long road of European History. The Romans used to live here and so did Emperor Charlemagne - he turned Nijmegen into an imperial town by having his palace built here. High above the river and amongst woods and hills, this was thought to be a strategic place to build an army camp. The view is still overwhelming, even today. For centuries a regular guest, the river Waal is one of the busiest waterways in Europe. The hustle and bustle on the quay in years past has been replaced by modern activities. The futuristic high-water landing stage, the modern Holland Casino, the grand cafes and restaurants give the quay style and distinction.
Attractive outdoor cafes, modern shopping centres and cosy little shops as well as a friendly, southern atmosphere have turned Nijmegen into a nice place to stay or go shopping.
No other Dutch town can boast such historical richness. This may not always be obvious as part of the old town centre was destroyed during the Second World War.
Arnhem is also known for its monumental parks, such as the Sonsbeek 1 on map, a romantic landscape park, and Zijpendaal 8 on map. It is also worth allowing time for a visit to the Burgers' Zoo 2 on map and Openluchtmuseum 3 on map (open-air museum), where the staff, dressed up in traditional costume, illustrate the rural way of life, handicrafts and industry in the Netherlands of the 19th century.
The most popular place that attendees said they wanted to visit was the Airborne Museum (9 on map). This is in the next village west at Oostbeek so we will probably take those who wish to go on the coach and leave the others to see the rest of Arnhem. There is a very pleasant walk round the streets of Arnhem written in English which I will try to get copied.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Mercure
Address: Stationsplein 29 Local Tel: 024-323-8888
Has: 104 rooms; Lifts; no smoking areas; air conditioning in rooms; Sauna; cycle hire; takes AMEX, Diners Club, mastercard, VISA.
Restaurant Meals: A La Carte without drinks: 3 course €28/£19, fuller meal €41/£28.
Michelin rated "Comfortable" hotel. Located opposite the station and 1km from the town centre, built 8 stories in a round tower. Rooms of a respectable size.
RESTAURANTS
These are from the Michelin Guide and are listed in order of distance from the Hotel. Michelin uses crossed forks as a rating for the quality of the restaurant cooking; XXX Very comfortable XX Comfortable, X Quite comfortable; and these are shown next to the restaurant name below. The distances are based on taxi rides and some maybe nearer walking. You will notice that the town centre map is crowded with little green squares which are all the other restaurants in Nijmegen. You may well find a very good restaurant closer to the Hotel. If you have a particular request don't forget to ask the Hotel Concierge, that sort of advice is part of his role. The restaurant in the Hotel looks good so maybe its not necessary to go any further:
Mercure our hotel on map - (€28/£19, carte €25-41/£17-28)
Conveniently in our hotel. (From hotel 0 miles 0 mins).
XClaudius - E on map - (carte €31-57/£21-39)
Grills. Usual Rotisserie or grills over a crackling wood fire, since 1970. In the Summer eat out on the terrace on teak furniture. Air conditioned. Meals served outside. 1 crossed forks Michelin. - [Bisschop Hamerstraat 12. 024-322-1456 From hotel 0.4 miles 1 mins).
XX Het Savarijn - D on map - French cuisine (€31-40/£21-27; carte €34-42/£23-29)
Claims homage to the grand French gastronmie; the cooking, according to the menu, does not detract from that. Seasonal menus, attractive, good cellar and competent wine waiter. Air conditioned. Meals served outdoors. 2 crossed forks Michelin and "Good food at moderate prices award". - [Van der Brugghenstraat 14. 024-323-2615 From hotel 0.8 miles 2 mins).
X Liberty - F on map - ( €20/£14; carte €22-33/£15-23)
A restaurant which plays on a soft atmosphere, the modern decor works well, with an atmosphere of a musical lounge and with menus that are inexpensive. Busy terrace in front. Meals served outside. 1 crossed forks Michelin and "Good food at moderate prices award". - [Kelfkensbos 21. 024-360-6656 From hotel 1.0 miles 3 mins).
XX Het Heimwee - C on map - (carte €33-44/£23-30)
Surprising, informal, quality and hospitality. Restaurant built into two homely houses by the river. Quiet modern dining room, terrace by the water, freshly prepared and good ambiance, views, air conditioned Meals served outside. 2 crossed forks Michelin. - [Oude Haven 76. 024-322-2256 From hotel 1.1 miles 6 mins).
XX Belvedere - A on map - French cuisine with modern influences (€38-65/£26-44, carte €45-55/£31-38)
A circular staircase leads to the table in a round watch tower part of the ancient walls of Nijmegen. Views overlooking the river and the town, rooms and terrace. Air conditioned 2 crossed forks Michelin. - [Kelfkensbos 60. 024-322-6861 From hotel 1.2 miles 4 mins).
XX De Schat - B on map - A fusion of gastronomic cultures from all over the world. (€45/£31, carte €56-70/£38-48)
An ambitious cuisine beautifully served in a room overlooking a small esplanade alongside the Waal or on a terrace adorned with vegetation. Meals served outdoors. 2 crossed forks Michelin. - [Waalkade 1. 024-322-4060 From hotel 1.4 miles 6 mins).
XXX Chalet Brakkestein - G on map - French. (€39/£27, carte €49-61/£33-42)
Speciality 'Parade Brakkestein' with sweetbread, lobster, chopped tenderloin and langoustine carpaccio. One of the best in the area. Everything how it should be. It's expensive but after you have enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, that is forgotten. Lovely views in a park. Meals served outdoors. 3 crossed forks Michelin. - [Driehuizerweg 285. 024-355-3949 From hotel 2.4 miles 7 mins).
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