Nijmegen: The Dutch City That Has Been A Strategic Hub For Two Millennia

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nijmegen stands as the oldest city in the Netherlands, with a history stretching back to Roman military camps. From its origins as a strategic outpost on the Waal River to its modern identity as a progressive university town, the city has survived sieges, bombings, and radical urban transformations.

The city's roots are deeply tied to the Roman Empire. In the first century BC, Roman forces established a military presence on the hills overlooking the Waal and Rhine valleys. By 98 AD, it became the first settlement in the modern-day Netherlands to be granted Roman city rights. This ancient heritage remains visible today, with recent archaeological discoveries including a 3,600-year-old sauna—the oldest of its kind in mainland Europe—and a 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl unearthed in 2022.

Throughout the medieval period, the city evolved into a significant trade hub, joining the Hanseatic League in 1364. It served as a birthplace for influential figures like the Limbourg brothers and even hosted the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI in 1165. However, its position as a border town often brought conflict. It endured numerous sieges during the Dutch Revolt and later became a focal point of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1702. The 1678 Treaty of Nijmegen, intended to bring peace to Europe, ultimately failed to prevent further warfare.

The 20th century proved particularly transformative. During World War II, the city suffered catastrophic damage from an accidental American bombing in February 1944, which killed over 750 people, followed by months of German shelling. Post-war urban planning further reshaped the landscape, leading to the loss of many historic structures. Today, Nijmegen is known for its progressive politics—earning the nickname 'Havana on the Waal'—and its vibrant university life. It remains a center for endurance, hosting the annual Four Days Marches, which draws over 40,000 participants from across the globe to walk distances of up to 50 kilometers daily.

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