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Explore two millennia of history in the German-Dutch border are between Xanten and Nijmegen. This is a region with huge diversity in historic and scenic sights and is home to many important relics from the ancient Roman Empire. Allow yourself to be brought back in time and your imagination to be stimulated during this historical cycling trip through an intimate yet alternating landscape.
Highlights
On the border of antiquity
Forests and meadows
Castles and churches
The basis of the Via Romana forms the Limes or boundary line of the former Roman Empire, which was used by the Romans from approximately 50 BC to 400 AD. This was a military zone consisting of a road, defence works and civilian settlements. It was also a trade route, however, along which cultural exchanges took place. As a connecting road, the Limes was also important after the fall of the Roman Empire, as is testament by the many mediaeval towns along it. It is the largest archaeological monument in our country, and is also a living monument, that connects us with all the other countries that were part of the Roman Empire.
Your trip begins in the mediaeval fortress town of Kalkar. From there you cycle to Colonia Ulpia Traiana, better known today as Xanten. Here you can explore Roman history in the Archaeological Park, with original remains and reconstructed buildings from the Roman era. The following day you cycle via Moyland Castle, where works by modern artist Joseph Beuys are on display, and Kleve, famous for its Schwanenburg Castle, to Groesbeek. Relax in your hotel apartment, in the Roman way in the swimming pool and sauna. A short trip to Cuijk then brings you to the remains of a Roman villa in Plasmolen.
The Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum, which we know as Nijmegen, is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Learn about the citys rich Roman past in the Valkhof museum. On the last day, travel back to Kalkar via the Dόffel nature reserve, along the old arms of the Rhine and Quadriburgium, a former Roman fort.
The Via Romana takes you along quiet cycle paths and small roads. You traverse a varying and sometimes hilly landscape of forests and meadows, moorlands and lakes, picturesque villages and old citadels. From the Roman era, via the Middle Ages, you go to the modern era and back again, passing through mediaeval villages, churches, castles and various museums. This is six days of unrestricted cycling on a historical route but with contemporary comforts.
The route from day to day + km
Day 1 Arrival in Kalkar.
Day 2 Round trip Xanten, 45 km.
Day 3 Kalkar Groesbeek, 57 km.
Day 4 Round trip Cuijk, 62 km.
Day 5 Round trip Nijmegen, 54 km.
Day 6 Groesbeek Kalkar, 60 km and departure.
1 km = 0,6 miles
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