If you find yourself planning an itinerary to explore the Netherlands, you may consider Arnhem as one of the cities to tick off your list. Boasting a great history, which dates back to the Stone Age, in combination with lush, green nature surrounding the area, Arnhem is a beautiful destination with lots to explore and experience. There are plenty of outdoors activities, and a series of museums showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city. Whether you are coming to visit Arnhem by yourself or with a group of friends, this city is the perfect, low-key getaway to refresh your mind from hectic everyday lives. Prepare your sunglasses and water bottle to explore around the vicinity. Check out our list of the top things to do in Arnhem, Netherlands.
1. Take a stroll at the Mountainbike Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mountainbike Museum has the world’s most extensive collection of vintage mountain bikes, showcasing developments of mountain bikes in the last 40 years. Bike enthusiasts will find it fascinating to learn about the materials and the sport itself.
The museum has 160 brands of bicycles collected by founder and owner Jeroen van Roekel. You can see the journey of the bikes from the first mountain bikes made to carbon and aluminum ones. Learn about the development of mountain bikes through the timeline displayed in the museum.
Mountainbike Museum
Address: Kemperbergerweg 5a, 6816 RM Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Mountainbike Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
2. Enjoy different tastes of wine in Wine Museum Arnhem
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
At Wine Museum Arnhem, you can experience the crushing and pressing of grapes and see the fermentation process until you enjoy a glass of wine for yourself. In the cellars, the wines are stored under ideal conditions, at a temperature of 12 degrees. Depending on their rate of development, reservations for bottles can be made.
The huge barrels and bottles of wine in this museum will fascinate the wine connoisseur in you. You can even host small gatherings here for birthdays, weddings, or events with rooms for two to 200 people.
Wine Museum Arnhem
Address: Velperweg 23, 6824 BC Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Wine Museum Arnhem
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 5pm
Price: 11.74 USD
3. Spend your day with rare animals at Burgers' Zoo
Burgers’ Zoo is famous for being one of the largest zoos in the Netherlands, boasting 45-hectare (111 acres) of natural eco-system that consists of a safari park, an indoor tropical rainforest, an indoor desert, a seawater aquarium, and various different sites within the area designed specifically to cater to the needs of rare animal breeds from all over the world. The realistic reconstruction of their habitat is what makes the zoo a must visit for travellers. The Burgers’ Zoo is also a family-friendly establishment, with an indoor playground for kids and themed restaurants, in case you need to take a breather in the middle of your visit and go for a hearty lunch.
Burgers' Zoo
Address: Antoon van Hooffplein 1 6816 SH Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Burgers’ Zoo
Opening hours: Summer Season: 9am - 6pm (daily); Winter Season: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Learn about war history at Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45
If you have ever wondered of what went on behind the scenes during World War II, taking the time to visit Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45. Also known as Arnhems War Museum, it opened in the late 20th century. What started as a private collection becomes extended remnants of weaponry and shield used during the war. The museum also houses several military vehicles and unique artefacts from prominent figures of history.
Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45
Address: Kemperbergerweg 780 6816 RX Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD (adults); 8 USD (kids aged 5-12 & elderly aged above 65)
5. Step back in time at Netherlands Open Air Museum
Visiting museum will not be a complete experience without taking a closer look on how the locals used to live. In Netherlands Open Air Museum, you can catch a glimpse of the old Dutch ways of living before the rapid industrialization and urbanization have taken over the country. The museum is created based on the idea from Frederic Adolph Hoefer, a Dutch liutenant-general, to conserve tradition and regional distinction. Discover monumental events that have shaped Netherlands through detailed film sets in The Canon of Dutch History, an interactive exhibition inside the museum, or wander your way through the numerous historical buildings, ranging from mills to farmhouses, to truly grasp the feeling of living in the past.
Netherlands Open Air Museum
Address: Hoeferlaan 4, 6816 SG Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Netherlands Open Air Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Enjoy a serene walk through Park Angerenstein
Located further away from the city center, Park Angerenstein is a good choice for you who are looking for a little peace of mind and a quite time to recharge. Originally built as a part of an estate inherited by several generations of family ties, coming as early as the fourteenth century, the park is surrounded by beautiful trees, clean ponds, and water streams. There’s also a playground for kids, which makes it popular with families. It is also suitable for a solo trip or couples looking to connect with nature.
Park Angerenstein
Address: Julianalaan, 6824 KE Arnhem, Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Take a refreshing dip in Waterfall Jansbeek
Arnhem has many outdoor spaces to visit, and if you find yourself trudging along the area of Rijnkade, enjoy a nice walk up until the end of the Sint Jansbeek to find a surprise in the form of man-made waterfall that streams onto Rhine river. On a hot summer day, letting stream of water soak your feet will be a delightful break from exploring the area.
Waterfall Jansbeek
Address: Rijnkade, 6811 HB Arnhem, Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Take a peek inside Koninklijk Tehuis voor Oud-militairen en Museum Bronbeek
Equipped with a spacious and well-maintained garden, Koninklijk Tehuis voor Oud-militairen en Museum Bronbeek is a sight to behold, as it retains its original architecture and quality of building. A gift to the state by King William III, this former palace is now home to an overview of Dutch East Indies, particularly Indonesia. In Koninklijk Tehuis voor Oud-militairen en Museum Bronbeek, you will learn a great deal about KNIL (Royal Netherlands Indonesian Army). Not only serving as a public place for visitors, this museum is also intended to house elderly veterans from KNIL. Don’t forget to order a delicious Indonesian meal at the restaurant next to the main building.
Koninklijk Tehuis voor Oud-militairen en Museum Bronbeek
Address: Velperweg 147, 6824 MB Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Koninklijk Tehuis voor Oud-militairen en Museum Bronbeek
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Learn about water supply management at Nederlands Watermuseum
When it comes to learning about something new, an interactive platform makes for an interesting difference. In Nederlands Watermuseum, you can observe directly the inner mechanism of fresh water management inside an ancient mill. It also features a sneaky escape room for you or your little ones to puzzle your way out. This place is well suited for families with eager kids who have genuine curiosity in relation to everything in the world.
Nederlands Watermuseum
Address: Zijpendaalseweg 26-28, 6814 CL Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Nederlands Watermuseum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
10. Visit Airborne Monument and take in the view of John Frost Bridge
Arnhem has an extended history of military combats and significant battles, leaving memorials and historical sites in its wake. When the weather is the right, take an evening stroll around Lower Rhine area and pay a visit to Airborne monument. This monument serves as a reminder from Battle of Arnhem, and also a memorial of those who have fought during the war. The area is equipped with long benches, where you can relax before heading over to the spot where the John Frost Bridge is and snap a picture of the beautiful structure full of lights; it is named after a British general who played a major role in defending the bridge.
Airborne monument and John Frost Bridge
Address: Verlengde Arnhemseweg, 6718 SM Ede, Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Discover tales of war planes at Deelen Airbase Museum
From the outside, the building of Deelen Airbase Museum is quite simple and ordinary, yet it retells the story of an airbase that came to life during the war. Formerly a Dutch military airfield, recount of history shows that it had been utilized as a base by German night fighters, as it became the largest German airport in the Netherlands. The museum showcases remnants of war planes from various sizes and types, as the airbase survived two World Wars.
Deelen Airbase Museum
Address: Delenseweg 20, 6877 AE Deelen, Netherlands
Website: Deelen Airbase Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Fri)
12. Reconnect with nature at Park Sonsbeek
Going on a holiday does not mean you have to rush from one destination to another. You can always take a breather and relax for a while in Park Sonsbeek, an expansive green park open for public. While enjoying the lush view of the gardens, you may notice a stark white, large mansion positioned in the middle of the park, as originally it has changed ownership from different barons before being turned over to the state. Park Sonsbeek also displays water fountains and tea house, making it the perfect spot for a group outing with family or friends.
Park Sonsbeek
Address: Zijpendaalseweg 24A, 6814 CL Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: Park Sonsbeek
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Explore the beautiful city of Arnhem
Whether you’re interested in learning about the rich history and culture of the region or want to take a refreshing walk across the landmarks and beautiful nature, Arnhem is worth a visit. To help you make the most of your trip, check out our above list of the top things to do in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
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