Arnhem

Did you know that Arnhem has a large, modern train and bus station designed by award-winning architect Ben van Berkel? It offers convenient direct connections to the major cities of the Randstad or other beautiful spots in the province of Gelderland. While you're there, check out the unusual trolleybuses. These electric buses get their power from overhead wires and the system is unique in the Netherlands. The first of these drove around as early as 1949! The buses fit right in with Arnhem, which has developed into an international hub of renewable energy start-ups.

Thanks in part to its renowned fashion and art school ArtEZ, Arnhem is considered one of the forerunners in the creative field. The capital of Gelderland is turning into an international centre for creativity and ideas around sustainable fashion and offers an incredible range of art and culture. The city has centuries-old buildings and beautiful theatres; from studios to artworks and diverse performances. Check out the special Arnhem UITagenda to get an up-to-date overview of what’s going on in and around the city.

Cities don’t come any greener than Arnhem, which is why it was proclaimed the ‘greenest city in Europe’ years ago. The many parks in and around the city are testimony to this. At just a 5-minute walk from Central Station and the city centre, Sonsbeek Park is undoubtedly the most well-known park in Arnhem. Along with the Zypendaal and Gulden Bodem parks, Sonsbeek Park is a green gem in Arnhem’s crown.

The park is home to a magnificent old watchtower, The Belvédère, and the particularly beautiful Steile Tuin (Steep Garden). Locals and visitors come to Sonsbeek Park to relax, play sports, enjoy a picnic, take a stroll and even skate in winter. It’s also the setting for various sustainable goods markets and cultural festivals.

There are also many special green and especially sustainable elements in the centre of Arnhem. Did you know, for example, that the Eusebius Church, Arnhem's most famous urban landmark, is heated for up to 60% by district heating and residual heat from the incineration of waste in the nearby town of Duiven? For the remaining 40%, the church uses radiant heat generated with hydrogen. This makes it the first 100% fossil fuel-free church in the Netherlands!

The Modekwartier district is located in the authentic old working-class neighbourhood of Klarendal, where, as soon as the sun shines, people set up their entire lounge on the pavement. In the middle of this special neighbourhood you will find the Modekwartier, where around 60 designers and other creative people settled with their studios and shops.

The Modekwartier is also a hotspot when it comes to delicious food and drink. It’s the place to be according to many bloggers and a must-see according to travel guides. The combination of designers and trendy restaurants and bars makes shopping in the Modekwartier a very special experience. A good example of this is the Modez Hotel, designed by fashion illustrator Piet Paris. Together with 30 internationally acclaimed but also young designers, Paris created 20 completely different rooms and six studios where every tourist or traveller can unwind and marvel at the unique design.