15 Amazing Things to Do in Arnhem

The city of Arnhem, located in the eastern Netherlands, is the capital city of the Gelderland province. The city is steeped in history, being one of the sites of one of the most infamous battles of WWII.

It also boasts an array of historical buildings located within its borders and the Nederrijn River (a branch of the Rhine River) runs through the city, which serves as a major source of the city’s development.

Another interesting fact is that the city is surrounded by amazing greenery and is completely contained by these areas, with immediate proximity to two Dutch national parks: Hoge Veluwe National Park and Veluwezoom National Park.

Aside from these beautiful heathlands and wide-open spaces, there are many other things to do in Arnhem, whether it’s a shopping spree or enjoying some of the regional cuisines. By the end of this article, you should be well-informed about the Arnhem tourist attractions so that you can pass by next time you’re in the Netherlands. After all, there’s so much more to see than Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Let’s get started and discover what are the best things to do in Arnhem!

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How to get to Arnhem

Arnhem lies in the eastern part of the Netherlands, close to the border with Germany. It’s well connected by train with the other major cities in the country, which makes it the perfect day-trip destination from places like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam.

As there are two Dutch national parks at the doorstep of the city, which are a popular destination for the spring break or the summer holidays, Arnhem is the go-to city for a day trip and may not be missed.

Tip: Read this post about using the public transport in the Netherlands. It’s packed with tips that only a local knows!

Pro tip: Buy your train tickets online with the Dutch Railways (NS) for hassle-free travel. On the website of NS you can also check for any discounts.

Here are some distances from other major cities in the Netherlands to Arnhem by car and the time it takes both by car and by train:

• Amsterdam – Arnhem: 95 km/1 hr 10 min; by train: 1 hr 10 min
• Schiphol – Arnhem: 110 km/1 hr 20 min; by train: 1 hr 15 min
• Groningen – Arnhem: 170 km/2 hrs; by train: 2 hrs
• Utrecht – Arnhem: 65 km/50 min; by train: 35 min
• The Hague – Arnhem: 120 km/1 hr 20 min; by train: 1 hr 35 min
• Rotterdam – Arnhem: 115 km/1 hr 15 min; by train: 1 hr 25 min
• Eindhoven – Arnhem: 90 km/1 hr; by train: 1 hr 20 min
• Maastricht – Arnhem: 165 km/1 hr 45 min; by train: 2 hrs 20 min

The nearest international airports to Arnhem are Schiphol (100 km) and Eindhoven (90 km) in the Netherlands, and Weeze (70 km) and Dusseldorf (120 km) in Germany.

Pro tip: If you are flying with KLM, there’s a direct bus from Schiphol to Arnhem, and vice versa, which is absolutely free of charge. I would say, the best way to get to Arnhem!

For international travel options, check out Omio, where you can also buy train and bus tickets.

Top Things to do in Arnhem

On the handy map below I’ve marked all tourist attractions in Arnhem. You can add the map to your Google Maps and use it even if you are offline.

So here they are, the best things to see and do in Arnhem:

1. The Battle of Arnhem / Operation Market Garden

The Battle of Arnhem took place between the 17th and the 26th of September 1944 and was deemed one of the most infamous battles of WWII. It was fought in and around the city as well as the town of Oosterbeek and the villages of Wolfheze and Driel. During Operation Market Garden, the Allied attempted to liberate the north and west of Holland by conquering bridges over the Meuse, Rhine, and Waal Rivers.

Tip: If you are into old movies, A Bridge Too Far (1977) tells the story of the Battle of Arnhem.

Airborne Museum Hartenstein

At Villa Hartenstein, you’re able to learn all about the atrocities of the Battle of Arnhem as well as partake in an interactive tour. You will be able to see photographs, movies, and other documents that tell this painful story. The museum was founded as a tribute to British and Polish troops who fought during Operation Market Garden in 1944.

Buy your tickets here for the Airborne Museum Hartenstein.

Airborne at the Bridge

Airborne at the Bridge is one of the Arnhem museums that are dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem. You can see the famous John Frost Bridge from here and also learn about the bravery of John Grayburn, Viktor Eberhard Gräbner, and Jacob Groenewoud who all fought and died here in 1944. You will learn about the battle through day-to-day accounts, artifacts, interviews, and a video down in the basement.

Arnhem War Museum 40-45

Arnhem War Museum 40-45 is another one of the interesting Arnhem museums that is dedicated to WWII. There are a number of interesting and authentic objects that are housed at the museum from the WWll period from 1940–1945. Some of these objects include vehicles and weapons, uniforms, ration stamps, and even ammunition.

Airborne War Cemetery

Also known as the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, it houses the graves of some 1754 soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Market Garden. Two interesting objects are present in the cemetery – a “Cross of Sacrifice” and a “Stone of Remembrance”. On the stone it reads “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE”.

The John Frost Bridge

The John Frost Bridge, named after Lieutenant Colonel John Frost, was the final bridge that needed capturing during Operation Market Garden that spanned over the Nederrijn River. However, John Frost and his brave men courageously defended the bridge for four days until support arrived and prevented the capture from happening.

Tip: The VVV Arnhem, which is the local tourism board, offers a tour that incorporates all of the main attractions relating to the Battle of Arnhem. It’s a great way to see all of these Arnhem attractions in one fell swoop.

2. St. Eusebius Church (Grote Kerk)

The Eusebius Church (or the Grote Kerk in Dutch) is next on the list of recommended things to see in Arnhem – an impressive 93-meter-high church in the city center. Construction on this amazing architectural sight took more than a century to complete after it began in 1450.

This three-aisle cruciform basilica was designed in the Nether Rhine Gothic style and had to be restored after extensive damage during the Battle of Arnhem. Today, the church is used as an exhibition space and can be viewed on a tour through the city.

Tip: Get to the top of the church tower for some amazing views of the city of Arnhem! The best part of it – you don’t need to climb any stairs! There’s a spectacular panorama elevator in the tower that will take you to one of the two observation decks! Dare to stand on the glass balcony!

3. Duivelshuis (Devils’ House)

The Devil’s House (Duivelshuis) is one of the must-see Arnhem tourist attractions that dates back to the 15th century. The building is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city which lies on a site that was once a city farm. It was rebuilt in 1543 and the name changed to “House of Maarten van Rossum” – named after the new owner himself.

The city of Arnhem bought the building in 1828 and renovated it a couple years later so that it could function as the town hall. The name, interestingly, is derived from the satyrs in its ornamentation.

4. Underground City Cellars

The underground city cellars (historische kelders) are some of the most fascinating places to visit in Arnhem – they span underneath the city. These 36 historic cellars are hidden below the paving stones of the city and tell the tale of the underground trading that once took place in the city.

These underground cellars are located below the former merchant houses between the Rijn and Rijnstraat and tell an interesting story of life that once was. The cellars were joined and made available for the public to discover – definitely one of the more unique things to do in Arnhem.

5. 7 streets

Amsterdam has its 9 Streets (De 9 straatjes) and in Arnhem there are only 7 – the so-called 7 Streets (or 7 straatjes in Dutch). This is a shopping district that encompasses seven streets in the heart of the city in Stegenkwartier – Arke Noachstraat, Bentinckstraat, Eiland, Kerkstraat, Pastoorstraat, Wielakkerstraat and Zwanenstraat. It is here that you can find a diversity of shops ranging from delis to gifts, jewelry, and even lingerie.

It’s a great area to visit when deciding on what to do in Arnhem and there are even a number of historic buildings in the vicinity.

6. Musis Concert Hall

The Musis Concert Hall is one of the best things to do in Arnhem especially if you are a fan of music and musical performances. It is both the House of Music and the home of the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra. Some of the top musical acts in the world have performed here with a variety of music genres too: jazz, classical, blues, and more.

There are many performances here every year so make sure you’re in town when one of them is happening.

7. Museum Arnhem

This is one of the most famous museums in Arnhem and houses an extensive collection of both modern and contemporary art. Museum Arnhem is a short walk from the central station and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Arnhem – the panoramic views of the Nederrijn River can be seen on a walk through the museum grounds.

8. Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum)

When visiting Arnhem, things to do are in no shortage especially if you enjoy visiting open-air museums. The Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum) is located in a park just outside the borders of the city and contains many unique Dutch houses, farms, and factories from all over the country.

It is one of the highly recommended things to do in Arnhem as it transports you back in time and takes you on a historical journey of the Netherlands. There is an array of photos, displays, stories, and even smells and tastes that will give you an idea of what life was like back in the older Dutch times.

It’s an experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family, young and old, and everyone is guaranteed to learn something.

9. Sonsbeek Park

The Sonsbeek Park is a real inner-city oasis and the perfect place to relax and have a walk, go for a run, or even meet a friend for lunch. There are a network of pathways and trails for hiking, running, cycling and even hills for sledding in the winter months.

It’s also a great break after a busy day of exploring the various other things to do in Arnhem where you can read your book or pop in at one of the restaurants. The waterfalls, ponds, and streams give off a sense of relaxation after a busy day in the city and as a bonus, it’s only a short walk from the central station.

10. Bronbeek Museum

The Bronbeek Museum is one of the Arnhem museums that has an interesting story behind it and a unique history. The former estate, also known as “Royal Home for Former Military Personnel and Museum” was a home for disabled soldiers from the Dutch East Indies. Today, it tells the story of the Netherlands’ colonial past with interesting exhibitions.

Aside from being able to see various weapons and uniforms on display, there are also a number of paintings and other objects on display that tell the story of these historical times. The building still serves as a nursing home for military personnel today, although the main function is to form a part of the Arnhem museums and to tell the story of the country’s colonial past.

11. Park Zypendaal and Huis Zypendaal

Park Zypendaal, located within the city, is a public park and national monument complex because of its age. The park is made up of lawns and trees, as well as the Sint-Jansbeek which flows through it and feeds the numerous ponds within the park.

Huis Zypendaal can also be found within the borders of the park – an 18th century old-style country house. The ground floor of the house is open to the public, who can view the various furnishings and souvenirs that are housed there.

12. Nederlands Wijnmuseum (Netherlands Wine Museum)

The Netherlands Wine Museum (Nederlands Wijnmuseum) is one of the most unique Arnhem museums – it is completely dedicated to wine. Here, you can take a look at the history of wine production over the past thousands of years, from start to finish. It is located in one of the underground cellars, so it provides an authentic experience of the complete wine production process – from juice to bottle and everything in between.

13. Royal Burgers’ Zoo

The Royal Burgers’ Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the entire country – a 45-hectare complex located within the Veluwe. It was opened in 1913 and has multiple themes within – Ocean, Mangrove, Bush, and Desert, to name a few. The zoo is a great day out for the whole family and is definitely one of the top things to do in Arnhem.

14. Kröller-Müller Museum

The Kröller-Müller Museum is definitely the highlight of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, located at a stone’s throw from Arnhem. It’s also one of the most popular art museums in the Netherlands. It showcases Helene Kröller-Müller’s collection of contemporary art. There’s a surprising number of works here, including by some of the world’s most famous artists: Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and many others.

The building itself is also quite interesting, with a fascinating 1930s modernist design by Belgian architect Henry van de Velde. The museum building was originally constructed as a hunting lodge and never intended to serve as a museum .

Or check here the availability for this attraction:

15. Rijkerswoerdse Plassen / Rijkerswoerdse Lakes Beach

If you’re still wondering about what to see in Arnhem, there’s one last spot to check out before departing the city – the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen. Here, you’re able to enjoy a great day out, either surfing, fishing, swimming, diving, or just simply taking it easy.

The lakes beach recreational area is open all year round, although it’s more of a warm weather area and the activities are centered on being outdoors. It’s one of the favorite things to do in Arnhem in the summer and fun for the whole family, so be sure to check it out in the summertime.

Final Words

The diverse and interesting city of Arnhem is definitely worth a visit when traveling to the Netherlands. There are amazing nature reserves to explore as well as fantastic shopping opportunities and of course, the Burgers’ Zoo.

The city is also steeped in history, with many architecturally impressive buildings to see and of course, the sites of the Operation Market Garden. So, next time you find yourself in the Netherlands, make a turn past Arnhem – things to do are plentiful and you’ll be sure to have an informative and fun trip.

Do you need some extra help to plan your trip to the Netherlands? Join the dedicated Exploring the Netherlands Facebook Group, where you can get tips from other travellers and locals. Or perhaps you have questions or comments? Join the group and I’ll be happy to answer them.