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Nijmegen is officially the oldest city in the Netherlands. It is impossible not to note the democratic spirit of Nijmegen. Representatives of socialists and “greens” are constantly winning elections here. Here there is a community of squatters, on the whole, peace-loving, but at the same time not ceasing to be antisocial elements of the society. Various alternative representatives of the society come here from all the Netherlands for a pleasant pastime and idleness.
Location of Nijmegen Bridge
Nijmegen Bridge is located on the southern bank of the River Vaal (a small channel connecting the Meuse and the Rhine), on low hills, from which the river valleys could easily be seen in ancient times, what actually explained the choice of Romans of the foundation of the city. The modern Nijmegen is a large industrial center. The production of bricks, the chemical industry, the tobacco products and electrical equipment are specially developed. In addition, Nijmegen is a river port. That’s why there is an interesting building on the shore of Baal – the dispatching of the river fleet, made in the form of a whale.
Museums
In Nijmegen, there is the National Museum of Bicycles “Velorama” (Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama). By the way, this is the only such museum in the Netherlands, despite the huge popularity of bicycles in the country. “Velorama” was founded only recently – in 1981. The exhibits are from a private collection and they are exhibited on three floors of the museum. The exhibits represent the whole variety of bicycle transport – from the oldest hulking models to modern racing bikes. To date, the collection of the museum has more than 500 copies.
Features of the city
The main event of the city is the four-day procession “Nijmegen Marchi” (Nijmeegse Vierdaagse), held annually from Tuesday to Wednesday in the third week of July. As a rule, about 40,000 participants gather mainly from English-speaking countries and take place in Nijmegen and its environs. The marathon is divided into three routes – 30, 40, and 50 kilometers. All this is accompanied by four-day festivities with a carnival, fireworks, beer and other pleasures.