Nijmegen (Netherlands Gelderland)

Nijmegen (Nimeguen) is a Waal River/Rhine River cruise port and city in the Netherlands' Gelderland province, with population around 180,000 (metro around 300,000). Nijmegen is located near the Holland-Germany border (Kranenburg).

Nijmegen is the Netherlands' oldest city, which in 2005 celebrated its 2000 anniversary. To prevent flooding (dike breaches at high water), in 2011-2015 on Waal River was created the artificial island Veur-Lent (project cost EUR 350 million).

Waal River is a very busy freight shipping route, with barges to Nijmegen passing through on their way between Germany's industrial regions and the cargo docks in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Hook of Holland. Maas-Waal Canal (length 14 km / 9 mi) carries cargo through the city, too.

In November 2013 was opened a new bridge (de Oversteek) connecting the town's western part to the northern shore. The city is famous for its annual Nijmeegse Vierdaagse (Four Days Marches), beginning on July's 3rd Tuesday. Participants undertake 4 days of walking distances that range 30-50 km (19-31 mi). These walks are supplemented with festivities. There are usually around 40,000 participants from 30 different countries.

The city is served by 5 train stations connecting to Holland's Intercity railway network. The Arnhem-Nijmegen metro area is served by busses run by Breng. Fast cycle highway links to Arnhem, located 18 km (11 mi) to the north. The nearest Airport (Schiphol) is 9 km (6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam.