Arnhem, located in the eastern Netherlands, has a rich and diverse history. The city was first mentioned in the 9th century and gained prominence in the medieval period due to its strategic location on the Rhine River.
One of the most well-known historical events associated with Arnhem is the Battle of Arnhem during World War II (September 1944). This was part of Operation Market Garden, where Allied forces attempted to capture key bridges to secure a route into Germany. The battle resulted in heavy casualties and a temporary German victory, which delayed the Allied advance. The story was later popularized in the book and movie A Bridge Too Far.
After the war, Arnhem was rebuilt and transformed into a modern city while preserving its historical heritage.
Description of Arnhem
Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland and has around 160,000 residents. It is known for its green spaces, cultural institutions, and proximity to the Veluwe, one of the Netherlands' most beautiful national parks.
Key features of Arnhem:
Green City: Arnhem is known for its parks and nature, including Sonsbeek Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Netherlands.
Fashion & Creativity: The city has a strong reputation in fashion, being home to ArtEZ Institute of the Arts, a well-known fashion and design academy.
Historic and Modern Blend: While Arnhem has historical landmarks like the Eusebius Church and the John Frost Bridge, it also features modern shopping streets, trendy cafes, and museums.
Transportation Hub: Arnhem has an important train station and is well connected to other Dutch cities and Germany. It is also one of the few cities in the Netherlands with trolleybuses.
Typical Food in Arnhem
While Arnhem shares many Dutch food traditions, it also has some regional specialties.
Arnhemse Meisjes: A local biscuit made from puff pastry and sugar, originally created in Arnhem.
Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes): A popular dish in Arnhem, often served in pancake restaurants near nature areas.
Haring (Raw Herring): A Dutch specialty, available in markets and fish shops in Arnhem.
Kroketten & Bitterballen: Popular Dutch snacks made of deep-fried ragout, commonly found in Arnhem’s cafes.
Indonesian Cuisine: Due to the Netherlands' colonial history, Arnhem has excellent Indonesian restaurants serving dishes like rijsttafel (rice table).
Activities in Arnhem
There are plenty of things to do in Arnhem, whether you're interested in nature, history, or shopping.
1. Museums & Culture
Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’: Learn about the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden.
Openluchtmuseum (Netherlands Open Air Museum): A fantastic museum showcasing Dutch history and culture with traditional houses, windmills, and crafts.
Museum Arnhem: A modern art museum with a focus on contemporary and applied arts.
2. Outdoor & Nature
Sonsbeek Park: A beautiful park with walking trails, waterfalls, and a historic watermill.
Veluwezoom National Park: Just outside Arnhem, this park offers forests, heathlands, and great hiking and biking routes.
Burgers' Zoo: One of the best zoos in the Netherlands, featuring eco-displays like a desert, rainforest, and ocean environments.
3. Shopping & Fashion
Modekwartier (Fashion Quarter): A district with designer shops, art studios, and boutiques from Arnhem’s top fashion designers.
City Center Shopping: Arnhem has a mix of local shops and international brands, with streets like Rijnstraat and Koningstraat being popular shopping areas.
4. Historical Sites
John Frost Bridge: Named after Major John Frost, this bridge played a central role in the Battle of Arnhem.
Eusebius Church: Arnhem’s main church with a glass elevator that offers panoramic views from the top.
5. Seasonal Events
Arnhemse Stockdagen (Fashion & Design Fair) – A showcase of Dutch fashion and sustainable design.
Sonsbeek Theater Avenue – An outdoor theater festival in Sonsbeek Park.
Airborne Commemoration Events – Every September, Arnhem hosts memorials and parades for the Battle of Arnhem.