Dutch Charm and History in Arnhem, Netherlands
With a 2007 population of 143,000, Arnhem is one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, and is located in the eastern part of the country. Arnhem is known for its parks and open spaces, and has in fact earned the reputation as a “green and pleasant city”.
Arnhem was a favorite spot for the Dutch elite in the 19th century, and thus became a picturesque resort. The city sustained a serious amount of damage during World War II, but was painstakingly reconstructed and remains an attractive destination, with many historic buildings and plenty of things to do.
The city is centered around the old corn market (Korenmarkt), which is where you would go to relax at an outdoor cafe, find a fine place to eat, or spend your day exploring the many interesting and diverse little shops down the lanes and alleyways off the main streets.
Arnhem is also famous for Burger’s Zoo, which is the largest and most popular in the Netherlands. It features various sections such as a rainforest, desert, mangrove, and even an underwater walk-through. The open air National Heritage Museum is just outside the city, and features historical buildings which were brought to the site from all over the Netherlands. Another site to see is the Saint Eusebius Church, where you can go up the rebuilt Tower for panoramic views of the green city. And to enjoy the green aspect of Arnhem, visit Park Sonsbeek, which was formally a country estate and now is the city’s largest and most popular park.
There are many other historical monuments and buildings worth touring in Arnhem, as well as the terrain around the city, making Arnhem a worthwhile destination for any European tourist seeking a dose of Dutch charm and history.