From Waal paintings to hidden murals: experience Nijmegen with a street art tour

Nijmegen is a city full of stories. You can see it in the old streets, the Roman remains, and the lively Waalkade. But those who pay really close attention will discover another special element in the streetscape: the Waalpaintings. These unique murals form a colorful route through the city and literally bring Nijmegen’s rich history to life on the walls.

In this blog, I will take you into the world of the Waalpaintings and tell you how you can book an inspiring Street Art Tour with Gelretours, visiting these historic artworks as well as many more surprising murals in the city center.

What are the Waalpaintings?

The name Waalpaintings is a playful nod to the English word wallpaintings. But because Nijmegen lies proudly along the river Waal, it became: Waalpaintings.

And that immediately makes them extra Nijmegen-centric.

Waalpaintings are large murals in the city center of Nijmegen, created by various artists, each with a story. Every Waalpainting tells something about the history of the city. From Roman roots to war years, from university to culture, and often exactly where it once happened or right next to it.

They are not ordinary works of art, but visual time capsules that take you through the city’s history. You might just walk right past them, but if you know what you are seeing, a whole world opens up for you.

History on the city walls

Each Waalpainting is linked to a historical theme. Think of:

Roman Nijmegen memories of the oldest city in the Netherlands.
Operation Market Garden –the impact of the Second World War on Nijmegen.
The Four Days Marches –the world-famous walking festival that belongs to Nijmegen like the Waal itself.
The history of Radboud University –from its founding to remarkable figures.

The locations have been carefully chosen. An old facade referencing a Roman camp, a low wall near a strategic war zone, a city center building where something special once happened; the Waalpaintings connect past, place, and art in a way you won’t see anywhere else.

The best way to discover the Waalpaintings: a Street Art tour by Gelretours

Zelf langs de Waalpaintings lopen is al leuk, maar met een street art gids gaat het echt leven. Tijdens mijn Street Art Tour met GelreTours neem ik je mee langs een selectie van deze prachtige Waalpaintings en vertel ik je:

Wat het kunstwerk vertelt over Nijmegen
Waarom díe plek is gekozen
Wat je ziet, maar ook wat je misschien niét meteen ziet
Wie de kunstenaar is en wat de stijl bijzonder maakt

Maar de tour bestaat uit méér dan de Waalpaintings alleen.

Street art door de hele stad

Nijmegen has a vibrant street art scene. During the tour, you will also discover:

colorful murals in narrow streets
modern artworks hidden in alleys
large artistic walls in surprising places
small details you would otherwise miss
new street art and older works that have since become iconic

The mix of history + contemporary street art makes this tour unique, varied, and inspiring.

A tour full of stories, surprises, and beautiful photo spots

The Waal paintings are not only historically interesting, but also beautiful to photograph. You will pass by:

impressive murals,
atmospheric streets,
spots with views of the city and the Waal,
unexpected corners with creative street art.

The tour is relaxed, fun for young and old, and perfect for anyone who wants to get to know Nijmegen in a different way.

Why choose the Street Art tour from Gelretours?

What makes this street art tour so special is the unique mix of art and city history. You will not only discover colorful murals, but also hear the stories that have shaped Nijmegen throughout the centuries.

Along the way, you will be guided by an enthusiastic and experienced guide who knows the city like no other and points out details you would otherwise never notice.

The tour is full of variety: from impressively large murals to surprising artworks hidden in small streets. This makes the tour ideal for everyone, whether you are traveling with friends, family, colleagues, or a group. Moreover, the route remains constantly fresh, as new artworks are regularly added. This way, you discover a different, colorful side of Nijmegen every time.

A creative journey of discovery through the oldest city in the Netherlands

The Waalpaintings show how art makes the city more beautiful and more accessible. They connect the present with the past, the street with history, and the passerby with the story.

With a Street Art tour by Gelretours, you walk through the city center, discover these special murals, and gain a new perspective on Nijmegen—more colorful, historical, and surprising than you might have thought.

Want to discover Nijmegen in a different way?

Then book a Street Art tour with Gelretours and let yourself be taken past the Waalpaintings and the city’s most beautiful street art.