Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum, Arnhem

Historic Building, Historic Site and Notable Building in Arnhem

Arnhem Duivelshuis
Arnhem Duivelshuis
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Michielverbeek

The Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum is one of Arnhem's most distinctive historic buildings, tucked into the city center on Koningstraat and physically connected to the modern City Hall complex. Even if you never step inside, the exterior is a must-see: the Renaissance-style frontage and the mischievous satyr figures (often mistaken for “devils”) make it a standout stop on any Arnhem stroll.

It's easiest to appreciate the Duivelshuis as part of a walking tour of central Arnhem, pairing it with nearby highlights like the Eusebius Church and the compact shopping streets around the old core. The best views are from the street directly in front of the façade, where you can take your time spotting the sculpted details and imagining the building's long civic life.

History and Significance of the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

The Duivelshuis began as a late-medieval city residence and later became closely associated with Maarten van Rossum, a 16th-century military commander from the Duchy of Guelders. Under his ownership, the building was transformed and given the kind of showpiece façade that signaled power, wealth, and modern taste for the time.

Its significance today is twofold: architecturally, it’s celebrated for an early Renaissance façade in the Netherlands; culturally, it’s woven into Arnhem’s civic identity because it became part of the city’s municipal functions and remains tied to City Hall. The satyr figures on the façade are the detail most visitors remember, and they’re widely linked to the building’s “Devil’s House” nickname.

Arnhem's center suffered heavily during World War II, which makes the Duivelshuis feel even more precious as a surviving historic landmark in the rebuilt heart of the city. Seeing it in person adds texture to your understanding of Arnhem beyond the better-known WWII sites.

Things to See and Do in the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

Start with the façade. Stand back far enough to take in the symmetry and Renaissance lines, then move closer to pick out the sculpted faces and the satyr figures that sparked the building’s nickname. It’s a quick stop, but the details reward slow looking.

Next, treat it as a “context stop” on a city walk: from here you can easily continue to the Eusebius Church area, browse the nearby streets for cafés, or loop toward other central monuments. If you enjoy architecture, it's also a great comparison point between old Arnhem and the postwar modern buildings around it.

If you happen to be in Arnhem during special open-house days or guided programs, this is one of those places that can jump from “beautiful exterior” to “memorable visit” because you may get access to historic rooms that are otherwise not routinely open.

How to Get to the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), all of which can work depending on your route and budget. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

From the airport, the simplest plan is usually to travel to Arnhem by train, as the Netherlands' rail network makes it straightforward to connect into the city and arrive near the center. Train tickets and schedules are available directly through NS Dutch Railways and NS International for international services. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

If you're driving, Arnhem is well-connected by Dutch motorways and you can use a central parking garage and finish on foot through the pedestrian-friendly core.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

  • Official website: https://www.arnhem.nl
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday: 12:00–20:00. Tuesday: 09:00–17:00. Wednesday: 09:00–17:00. Thursday: 09:00–17:00. Friday: 09:00–17:00. Closed on Saturday, Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning or late afternoon for calmer streets and better light on the façade for photos.
  • How long to spend: Plan 10–20 minutes for the exterior, or 45–90 minutes if you’re combining it with nearby landmarks on a walking loop.
  • Accessibility: The street-level viewing is easy, but interior access (when available) can be limited by historic stairs and tight spaces.
  • Facilities: There are plenty of cafés, restrooms, and shops nearby in central Arnhem, but the building itself is not set up like a typical visitor attraction.

Where to Stay Close to the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

Base yourself in central Arnhem if you want to walk everywhere and keep your evenings flexible for dining, riverside strolls, and quick museum visits.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A reliable, practical pick close to the station and an easy walk into the center, ideal if you want simple comfort and a smooth arrival/departure.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic, full-service option right by Arnhem Centraal, great for travelers who want amenities on-site and minimal transit hassle.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel Chosen for its riverside setting and quieter feel while still being close enough to reach the center quickly.

Hotel Modez A more design-forward stay that fits Arnhem’s creative side, perfect if you like boutique hotels with personality.

Stayokay Arnhem A budget-friendly base near green space, good for social travelers who don’t mind a short ride or bike trip into the center.

Is the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum Worth Visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting, especially if you enjoy architecture, city history, or collecting “small but meaningful” landmarks that make a place feel real. The Duivelshuis is quick to see, easy to add to a central Arnhem walk, and visually distinctive enough to justify a stop even on a tight schedule.

Honest Pivot: If you only like attractions with guaranteed interior access, exhibitions, or a structured visitor experience, you may find this one underwhelming on a normal day. In that case, treat it as a photo stop and invest your time in Arnhem’s museums, parks, or WWII-focused sites instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

4.5 (19)
Andrey Play
2 years ago
"A very interesting combination of a new building with the architecture of the past tense. Angels and demons, wooden windows with sashes."
Mario Ghijs
2 months ago
"During our walk through Arnhem's city center, we passed the Duivelshuis (Duivelshuis), also known as the Maarten van Rossumhuis. This 16th-centuryRenaissance-style city palace once served as the residence of the Gelderland general Maarten van Rossum. Its richly decorated facade with statues and ornaments—including the famous "devils"—makes it a real eye-catcher. Atop it stands a statue of Van Rossum himself, proudly overlooking the city. Today, the building is part of the City Hall, but its historic charm and grandeur are still palpable...."
Michael Gansel
a year ago
"A very beautiful building with some interesting details. The church opposite is also worth a visit."

For Different Travelers

The Duivelshuis works best as a flexible, low-effort highlight: you can enjoy it in minutes, or use it as a starting point for a deeper walk through Arnhem's layers of history.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “spot the devils” game on the façade, which turns the stop into a quick scavenger hunt. Keep it short and pair it with a nearby treat stop so it feels like part of a fun city walk.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, the surrounding streets are generally manageable for an exterior visit. For interior access during special openings, be prepared for historic layouts that may not be stroller-friendly.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Duivelshuis is a great “in-between” stop: a few photos, a bit of story, then on to a café or a slow walk toward the church and the older streets. It's especially nice in softer light when the stone details stand out.

Make it part of a relaxed itinerary rather than the main event. The charm is in the atmosphere of central Arnhem and the sense of discovering a historic façade hiding in plain sight.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy win for budget travelers because you can appreciate the building from the street while exploring the city center on foot. It fits naturally into a DIY walking route with other free-to-see landmarks.

If you’re watching spending, plan your day around free architecture and public spaces, then choose one paid attraction nearby to balance the itinerary.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the Duivelshuis connects local power politics, Renaissance influence, and Arnhem's civic identity in one compact site. The Maarten van Rossum association adds a strong narrative hook to what might otherwise be “just a pretty building.”

To deepen the context, pair it with nearby churches, memorials, and museums so you can trace Arnhem’s story from medieval roots through modern history. If you can catch a guided opening, it’s the best way to turn the building’s backstory into something tangible.

FAQs for Visiting Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the city center and is walkable from Arnhem Centraal for most visitors. If you prefer, local buses and taxis can shorten the walk.
Use Koningstraat 38, 6811 DG Arnhem. That places you at the City Hall complex where the Duivelshuis is located.
Yes, it’s ideal for a self-guided route through central Arnhem. Link it with the Eusebius Church area and nearby streets for an easy loop.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to view the exterior from the street. Interior access is not set up like a standard ticketed attraction.
There isn’t a consistent published entry fee for casual visits because it functions as part of the municipal complex. If you’re visiting during a special program, fees (if any) depend on that event.
For normal sightseeing, no. For guided openings or special access days, booking or on-the-day registration may be required.

Visiting Experience

The Renaissance façade and the satyr figures are the signature details. Take a moment to scan the sculpted elements across the frontage.
Not usually; most people spend a short time outside. It’s best as a quick highlight on a broader Arnhem itinerary.
It’s rarely “attraction crowded,” but the street can be busy with city-center foot traffic. Early or late in the day feels calmer.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it can appear in city-history walks and special heritage programs. Check local listings if you want a guide-led narrative.
Start at Arnhem Centraal, walk through the center to the Duivelshuis, continue to the Eusebius Church area, then choose a museum or riverside walk. This keeps the day compact and walkable.
A guide helps if you want deeper historical context and access opportunities. If you mainly want architecture photos, self-guided is enough.

Photography

Across the street, where you can frame the full façade and its details. Step closer afterward for texture shots of the sculptures.
Morning and late afternoon often give more flattering angles and less harsh contrast. Cloudy days can also be great for stone detail.
On busy sidewalks it may be inconvenient and could obstruct pedestrians. If you use one, keep it compact and be considerate.

Accessibility & Facilities

The exterior viewing from the street is generally accessible. Interior access, when offered, may be limited by historic features.
Yes, central Arnhem has plenty of cafés and public-facing venues where you can take a break. Plan a café stop as part of your walk.
Yes for an exterior visit because it’s a short, flat stop. For interior viewing during special openings, ask about the route in advance.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, you’re in the heart of Arnhem, so you’ll have many options within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to turn this into a coffee-and-architecture stop.
Yes, the surrounding center is one of the best places in Arnhem for casual lunches and quick bites. You can choose based on your budget and timing.
For a true picnic, you’re better off heading toward a park or riverside green space after your visit. The immediate area is more urban and street-based.

Safety & Timing

Central Arnhem is generally safe and busy, especially during daytime. As in any city center, keep an eye on your belongings.
Visit earlier in the day or later in the afternoon and avoid peak shopping hours. Weekdays can feel calmer than weekends.
You can still enjoy the façade quickly, then duck into nearby cafés or indoor attractions. Rain can also make the stonework look more dramatic in photos.

Nearby Attractions to the Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum

  • Eusebius Church (Grote Kerk): Arnhem’s landmark church, great for architecture and city views.
  • Markt (Arnhem): The central square area that anchors the old core and is easy to combine with a walking route.
  • Airborne at the Bridge (John Frost Bridge area): A key WWII-related stop for understanding Arnhem's wartime history.
  • Museum Arnhem: A strong choice for art and culture with a scenic setting.
  • Sonsbeek Park: A beloved green escape near the center, ideal for a longer walk after city sightseeing.

The Duivelshuis van Maarten van Rossum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arnhem!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday: 12:00-20:00.

Tuesday: 09:00-17:00.

Wednesday: 09:00-17:00.

Thursday: 09:00-17:00.

Friday: 09:00-17:00.

Closed on Saturday, Sunday.

Price:

Free.

Address: Koningstraat 38, 6811 CD Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs