Things To Do
in Malden
Malden is a small, leafy village in the province of Gelderland in the eastern Netherlands, located just west of Nijmegen. It combines a quiet residential atmosphere with easy access to the cultural attractions and transport links of nearby Nijmegen. The village sits amid farmland, small woods and cycling routes, making it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Expect friendly local shops, a relaxed pace of life and a good base for exploring the surrounding river landscapes and nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Malden, start your day with a stroll around the quaint streets, immersing yourself in the charm of this small Dutch town. Visit a local bakery to savor delicious fresh pastries and coffee, soaking in the ambiance. Take note of the historical architecture and the welcoming atmosphere of the community.
In the afternoon, explore the stunning nature surrounding Malden by heading to the nearby Heumensoord nature reserve. Enjoy a leisurely hike through lush landscapes dotted with diverse flora and fauna while capturing beautiful moments on camera. Plan a picnic with local delicacies to enjoy amidst the tranquil settings.
As dusk approaches, treat yourself to a cozy dinner at one of Malden's charming restaurants, featuring traditional Dutch dishes. Engage with the locals over good food and lively conversation, immersing yourself in the culture. Conclude the day with a leisurely walk along the streets, enjoying the serene ambiance illuminated by soft street lights.
Begin your day with a visit to the St. Stephen's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that stands proudly in Malden. Take time to admire its intricate stained glass windows and learn about its historical significance from informative plaques. This peaceful setting provides a moment of reflection amid sightseeing.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem, where you can experience Dutch history and culture through authentic historical buildings and exhibits. Walk through the various local traditions represented in this extensive outdoor museum. The engaging performances and interactive displays will provide you with a deeper understanding of Dutch heritage.
As the evening sets in, head back to Malden and enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery. Indulge in some Dutch specialties like bitterballen or stroopwafels while mingling with the townsfolk. Wrap up the night with a relaxed walk, taking in the beauty of the town under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/train ticket (short) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-6 |
| 🚗Taxi start (local) | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, green village with easy access to Nijmegen
- Great base for cycling, hiking and river landscapes
- Friendly, relaxed local atmosphere
- Close proximity to cultural attractions and transport links
- Limited nightlife and dining options inside Malden itself
- Public transport is good but less frequent late at night
- Fewer specialized shops or international food stores compared with a city
- "Hallo / Hoi" - Hello / Hi
- "Dank je wel / Dankuwel" - Thank you (informal / formal)
- "Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go (informal / formal)
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Malden
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic park and riverside in Nijmegen offering panoramic views over the Waal, old city walls and bridges—great for sunrise or sunset shots.
Heathland, wooded dunes and open vistas with textured landscapes that change colour through the seasons—excellent for wide-angle nature photography.
Expansive river polders with grazing cattle, winding dikes and dramatic skies — ideal for pastoral and wildlife photography.
Quieter residential lanes, traditional houses and village squares provide charming, intimate street scenes and seasonal shots (especially in spring).
Peat bog ponds, boardwalks and mirrored water surfaces create atmospheric images, especially in misty mornings.
Food in Malden
Malden Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dutch mash of potatoes and vegetables (kale, sauerkraut or endive) often served with smoked sausage or bacon; find it in local family restaurants, especially in autumn and winter.
Must-Try!
Raw or pickled herring and battered fried fish pieces are common Netherlands snacks—try haring from a street vendor in Nijmegen or fresh kibbeling at markets.
In autumn and winter many restaurants use local game (venison, wild boar) and root vegetables—check menus in regional inns around Malden.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market in Nijmegen offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, fish and street food stalls—ideal for sampling local specialties and grab-and-go snacks.
Small periodic markets or pop-up food stalls in Malden and neighbouring villages where local bakers, cheesemakers and growers sell seasonal goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Dutch are generally direct and pragmatic in conversation; be polite but expect straightforward answers.
Punctuality is valued for appointments and social meetups — arriving a few minutes early is appreciated.
Respect quiet hours in residential areas (often late evening and early morning); noise rules are taken seriously in villages.
Cyclists have priority on many paths; look both ways and yield to bikes when crossing tracks or cycle lanes.
Safety
Tipping in Malden
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in the Netherlands; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants and taxis is normal. Cafés and casual spots commonly leave small change or round up.
Debit cards (Maestro, V PAY) and contactless payments are widely accepted, as well as credit cards in most places. Carry some cash for very small shops, market stalls or village cafés that may be card-reluctant.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming trees and fields; ideal for cycling and hiking — bring a light jacket and be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Warm but rarely hot (typically comfortable), long daylight hours and lots of outdoor café life; perfect for river walks and terraces — sunscreen and a rainproof layer recommended for unpredictable showers.
Cooler temperatures and colourful foliage on the heaths and woodlands; a great time for mushroom foraging (with local knowledge) and crisp walks—pack layers and waterproof shoes.
Chilly, damp and occasionally frosty or snowy; many outdoor trails are quieter — wear warm, water-resistant clothing and sturdy boots; indoor cultural venues in Nijmegen are good options on cold days.
Malden at Night
Hiking in Malden
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Heathland and rolling dunes offering varied trails, scenic vistas and seasonal purple heather blooms; good for moderate hikes and panoramic photos.
Wooded hills and marlstone quarries with extensive walking routes, viewpoints and tranquillity — a popular local hiking destination.
Flat riverine polders with dikes and meadows; easy walks with birdwatching opportunities and close river views.
A nature reserve of ponds, bogs and forests with boardwalks and short to medium trails — atmospheric, especially in misty conditions.
Large river landscape at the confluence of the Rhine and Waal featuring marshes, floodplains and varied habitats — great for longer hikes and nature exploration.
Airports
How to reach Malden by plane.
Major regional airport about 60–80 km away by car; well-served by low-cost and scheduled flights. Accessible by car or a combination of train and bus from Nijmegen.
The Netherlands’ largest international airport (~120–140 km away); excellent rail connections from Nijmegen for direct trains to Schiphol.
A smaller German airport used by some budget carriers, roughly 70–90 km away; reachable by car or regional bus links.
Small general aviation airfields and heliports are nearby for private flights; regular commercial services use the larger airports listed above.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families attracted by the village atmosphere, schools and green spaces.
People who work in Nijmegen or nearby cities but prefer village living; regular commuting by car, bike or public transport is common.
Nearby Nijmegen has a sizable student population (Radboud University), so you’ll find younger residents and services catering to them close by.
Long-term inhabitants and retirees who value the quiet, community-oriented lifestyle of the village.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally with many amateur clubs and youth teams; Nijmegen hosts competitive clubs and local matches are community events.
Both recreational and commuting cycling are widespread; the area’s cycle infrastructure supports road cycling and touring.
Field hockey is popular in many Dutch towns with active local clubs offering training and league matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malden.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common at cafés and many restaurants in Nijmegen; in Malden you may need to ask for vegetable-based mains or salads, and bakeries offer good breads and pastries.
Vegan choices are increasingly available in Nijmegen (dedicated cafés and vegan-friendly menus). In Malden ask restaurants in advance — many will adapt dishes or offer salads and soups.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is good in the Netherlands; larger restaurants and markets will often have gluten-free bread and label options, but double-check when ordering traditional dishes like pancakes or baked goods.
There are limited halal-specific restaurants in Malden itself; Nijmegen has more options and shops selling halal products. Supermarkets carry basic halal items as well.