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Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, although the city has quite a gap in its history 'thanks' to the Normans who left the city in ruins and ashes after their departure. As one of the main and largest cities in Gelderland, Nijmegen still plays a major regional role, evolving from Roman settlement to Hanseatic city to university town to provincial knowledge centre. If you take the car and drive up the A15 or A73 to Nijmegen, what can you expect and what should you really not miss? And what do you do if you get car windows damaged during your visit to Nijmegen?
On one of the hills along the river Waal you can find the remains of a large castrum that was built by the Romans in the first century. Excavations in Nijmegen and the surrounding area have yielded a particularly large number of Roman remains, which can be explained very well by the fact that the Romans were here for at least 400 years. The Roman fort also played a major role for Nijmegen; trading settlements were built next to it. These were always safe as there were soldiers everywhere, and there was a huge, constant demand for goods.
Nijmegen's position faded when the Romans (partly due to the collapse of the Roman Empire) left Nijmegen, the Normans came and they completely razed Nijmegen to the ground. Only in the Middle Ages did Nijmegen regain status. It received city rights, became a Hanseatic city and at the end of the Middle Ages the Habsburgs gained power in the city, just like in the rest of Gelre.
During World War II, Nijmegen suffered extensive damage. It was the first city to fall into German hands, Operation Market Garden caused massive destruction, and only late after the liberation was Nijmegen rebuilt. Little remained of all the medieval buildings and monumental structures, partly because the Lower Town (the part of the city centre facing the Waal) had already been largely demolished before it could be declared a protected cityscape.
The many expansions in the western and southwestern direction have also greatly reduced the percentage of historic buildings. In order to bring the city back into balance in addition, Nijmegen decided to expand northwards as well after the south-western expansions; the Waalsprong (better known as Vinex-Nijmegen) on the north of the river Waal more or less ensured that the centre of Nijmegen was somewhat in the middle again.
One of the biggest events in and around Nijmegen is of course the Nijmegen Marches. However, there is much more to see and do in the city. For example, in the older parts (especially near the river Waal and the remains of the castrum) you can find Roman history, as well as the old ramparts which you can see especially well in the Hunnerpark and Kronenburgerpark. Speaking of parks; the Goffertpark should also not be missing from your list if you find organized nature worthwhile. The Barbarossa ruins in the Valkhof are also highly recommended for history lovers.
Nijmegen is also rich in museums, where the Romans are of course also discussed. If you want to go out, you can always visit the student city which has its own nightlife master.If you want to enjoy a nice game of foorball, you can go to NEC (en-éé-séé) Nijmegen that plays in the Gofferstadion. Be sure not to tell them that Quick '88 is the only club in Nijmegen that has ever won a major prize. In the field of field hockey the Nimwèègers do considerably better, by the way.
If you know that Nijmegen has been an important Hanseatic city, then you also know that the city should probably be easily accessible. That's right; the connections with the German Ruhr area, North Limburg, North Brabant and even Belgium are particularly good. The A15, A73/E31 and A325 bring you directly to Nijmegen. If you have the chance to cross the Waal bridge in the dark, this is definitely a must. Incidentally, Nijmegen is also easily accessible by train; the intercity trains stop at Nijmegen Station, giving you the opportunity to get on or off the train.
You can park your car in the centre of Nijmegen, but this will cost you at the moment of writing at least € 2.30 per hour and the number of parking spaces is limited. If you choose P7 Wedren, you will pay € 7.90 for a whole day. Woonboulevard Dukenburg can be cheaper with € 1 per 3 hours (this is a fixed rate for any time of the week). Check the parking website of Nijmegen city council to see which option suits you best.
Did you get back to your car and the side window has been smashed or you have parking damage to your rear window? Then there is a good chance the window will need to be replaced in Nijmegen. Side and rear windows usually shatter immediately after damage, because they are made of tempered glass. If you have windscreen damage, the windscreen will not shatter. There is also no immediate need to worry. Provided the crack is not branched or the chip is no more than 20 millimetres in diameter and the damage is not in the driver's field of vision, you can continue driving.
If the damage is more extensive but you still have good visibility, you can simply drive home to have the car window replaced. You can choose to have your car window replaced in Nijmegen, but car window replacement in Arnhem is also possible.
Since we are a price fighter in automotive glass and our certified fitting partners replace car windows throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, you can always come to us for the best price-quality ratio (even if you are not insured against car window damage).
Want to know more about the possibilities or can't find the right replacement car window? Please contact us; we will be happy to help you personally.
