Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

Attraction, Historic Building and Historic Site in Arnhem

Historical Foundation Arnhem Cellars
Historical Foundation Arnhem Cellars
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wouter Hagens

Beneath Arnhem's central shopping streets, Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem reveals a surprising underground world of connected medieval cellars, vaulted ceilings, and old passageways. The entrance is in the city center area, making it an easy add-on to a day of strolling Rijnstraat, the nearby squares, and the riverside.

The experience is at its best when you treat it as part of a wider old-town walk: pair it with a city-center wander above ground, then head below to understand how Arnhem's historic layers literally sit under today's streets. If you can, time your visit to coincide with a guided walking tour for the most context and storytelling.

History and Significance of the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

These cellars are part of Arnhem’s older urban fabric: storage and working spaces that once supported daily life in a trading town, tucked beneath the streets where commerce still happens today. What makes the site compelling is the sense of continuity—modern storefronts above, centuries-old brickwork and vaults below.

Over time, the underground spaces were restored and connected into a walkable route, turning what would otherwise be isolated basements into a coherent visit. Rather than a traditional museum filled with objects, the “exhibit” is the architecture itself: the scale of the chambers, the masonry, and the atmosphere of an older Arnhem.

Because the experience is subtle, the historical significance lands best when you have context—either by reading the on-site panels carefully or, better yet, by joining a guided tour that links what you see underground to the streets, gates, and riverfront history above.

Things to See and Do in the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

Start by taking in the structure: the barrel vaults, the changing room sizes, and the way the route connects multiple cellar spaces into one underground walk. Move slowly and look for details in the brickwork and doorways; the small variations from room to room are part of the charm.

If you’re visiting independently, treat it like an architectural “micro-adventure” rather than a collection-based museum. The best moments come from the mood—cool air, echoing corridors, and the sense of being directly under Arnhem’s busiest streets.

For the most rewarding visit, plan around a guided tour if one is running. A guide can help you connect the underground spaces to the city’s medieval street plan and explain what you’re seeing, which can make the difference between a quick look and a memorable stop.

How to Get to the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in the Netherlands, Arnhem is straightforward by train, with frequent services into Arnhem Centraal; from there it's a short walk or quick bus/taxi into the city-center streets near the entrance. 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, aim for a central Arnhem parking garage and continue on foot into the pedestrian-friendly center around Rijnstraat. .

Practical Tips on Visiting the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

  • Official website: https://rozet.nl/historischekelders/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6 (self-guided) or €10 (guided tour); Youth 13–18: €6 (self-guided) or €7.50 (guided tour); Children 4–12: €4.50 (self-guided); Children under 4: free (with paying adult).
  • Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00–17:00. (Special) First Sunday of the month: 12:00–17:00. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Go on a weekday afternoon for a calmer feel and better photos; weekends can be busier in the city center above ground.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for a self-guided look, or longer if you’re joining a guided tour and pairing it with a city-center walk.
  • Accessibility: Expect underground spaces, steps, and uneven surfaces in places; if you have mobility needs, confirm the current access route before you go.
  • Facilities: Keep expectations simple—this is more “historic space” than “full museum,” so plan cafés and restrooms in the surrounding city center.

Where to Stay Close to the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

Base yourself in central Arnhem near Arnhem Centraal and the inner-city shopping streets; it's the easiest setup for walking to the cellars, restaurants, and other sights.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A practical, well-located option near the station and the river, ideal if you want a simple, efficient base for exploring on foot.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic, central pick right by Arnhem Centraal—great for travelers arriving by train and wanting maximum convenience.

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

ibis Styles Arnhem Centre A modern, budget-friendly stay near the station with an easy walk into the center for sightseeing.

Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem Best if you’re driving and prefer more space and amenities; it’s outside the center but convenient by car and taxi.

Is the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you enjoy atmospheric historic spaces and like seeing the “hidden layers” of a city, it's a distinctive Arnhem experience that's easy to combine with a central walking route. The architecture and underground scale can be genuinely impressive, especially when you take your time.

Honest Pivot: if you expect a museum-style visit with lots of artifacts, displays, and curated storytelling, you may feel underwhelmed on a self-guided visit. In that case, either join a guided tour for context or skip it and focus on Arnhem’s more interpretive museums and viewpoints.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.5 (216)

Overall reviews are mixed, with an average rating around 3.5 from a few hundred visitors. Many people like the impressive scale of the connected underground vaults and describe the atmosphere as a fun, unusual glimpse into medieval Arnhem—especially when paired with an enthusiastic guided tour. Common critiques are that the self-guided experience can feel sparse on objects and context, signage can be hard to read in low light, and some visitors feel the price is high if you only spend a short time inside.

M B
3 months ago
"We visited this place in less than 5 min. It is an empty space underground with no plates, no objects or historical images to see. At the backdownstairs, there were people putting school desks and it felt like we were in a storage room rather than in a historical place. It's not worth 6€. Maybe visited with a tour guide makes the difference...."
Raymond Delno
2 years ago
"The ancient cellars of Arnhem let you experience the medieval times and the sublevel architecture of those times. The cellars have been dug out andall co ected contributing to an overall experience. The mysterious writings and doors in the adjacent 'Rijnstraat' at ground level come all to sense when visiting the cellars. Reasonable priced. Total visit will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Guided tours available too. Good for warm summer days as the temperature in the cellars is at a constant 15°C. Please like this review if useful. Thank you...."
Floris Cramer
9 months ago
"Fun to visit. It's really big and looks very impressive. I would appreciate more information and maybe more historic finds to look at with stuff fromthe area. Aside from that the information signs could be lit up better. It was really cool to visit nonetheless though and I had a great time there..."

For Different Travelers

Different visitors get different value here: some will love the moody underground walk, while others will want more explanation and “things to look at.” Plan your visit style (self-guided vs guided) based on what you enjoy most when traveling.

Families with Kids

For kids who like tunnels, hidden doors, and slightly spooky spaces, the cellars can feel like a mini-adventure right in the city center. Keep the visit short and focused, and turn it into a “spot the details” game (arches, old bricks, passageways).

If your family prefers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, consider pairing this with a more kid-oriented attraction afterward. A guided tour can also help keep attention spans engaged by adding stories to the spaces.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The cellars are a fun, unusual stop for couples who like offbeat city experiences—cool, quiet, and different from the typical museum circuit. It works well as a short shared detour between shopping streets and a café.

For a more date-like feel, aim for a guided tour and then plan a drink or dinner nearby in central Arnhem. The contrast between lively streets above and the calm underground spaces makes the visit feel special.

Budget Travelers

If you’re watching costs, this can still be worthwhile as a short, unique experience—especially if you’re already exploring the center on foot. You’ll get the most value by slowing down and reading what information is available rather than rushing through.

If you’re choosing between attractions, prioritize the ones that match your interests: the cellars are about atmosphere and architecture more than exhibits. Consider timing your visit with a tour if you want more “bang for your buck.”

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate the rare chance to walk through preserved underground spaces that reflect how the medieval city functioned. Look closely at the construction details and how the rooms connect; it’s a physical, spatial kind of history.

To deepen the experience, combine the cellars with an above-ground walk through central Arnhem and the river area, then revisit what you saw below with the city's layout in mind. A guided tour is strongly recommended for the richest context.

FAQs for Visiting Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy city-center walk from Arnhem Centraal. If you prefer, local buses and taxis can shorten the trip.
Head toward the central shopping streets around Rijnstraat and follow signage for the historical cellars. If you’re unsure, ask at a nearby visitor-oriented counter in the center.
Yes, it fits perfectly into a central Arnhem loop that includes shopping streets, squares, and the riverside. Plan it as a short underground stop between above-ground sights.

Tickets & Entry

For self-guided entry, you can often visit without much planning, but tours may run at set times. If you’re visiting on a tight schedule, check ahead.
Most visitors get more out of the cellars with a guide because it adds context and stories. If you’re otherwise likely to do a quick walk-through, the tour is the better value.
Typically, children’s pricing is lower and very young kids may be free with a paying adult. Confirm the exact age brackets before you go.

Visiting Experience

Expect connected underground rooms and vaulted spaces rather than a display-heavy museum. The main draw is the atmosphere and architecture.
It’s generally calm and manageable, but it is underground and can feel enclosed in places. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces, go slowly and consider visiting when it’s quieter.
Yes, you can do a short visit, but it’s more rewarding if you take your time. A guided tour naturally extends the experience.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, guided tours are offered at certain times and are a great way to add meaning to what you’re seeing. They often link the underground spaces to the city above.
Start with a walk through central Arnhem, visit the cellars, then continue toward the riverfront for views and a café stop. This keeps the day varied and walkable.
Visit earlier in your day if you want the calmest experience underground. It also works well as a mid-afternoon break from shopping streets.

Photography

Usually yes for personal use, but rules can vary during events or tours. Be considerate of other visitors and your guide.
Some areas can be dim, so steady your phone and use available light rather than harsh flash. If you care about photos, visit at a quieter time so you can pause.
Focus on arches, long corridors, and repeating vault patterns. Wide-angle shots tend to capture the scale best.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be limited due to steps and historic surfaces. Contact the venue ahead of time to confirm current access options.
Facilities may be limited inside the cellars themselves. Plan to use cafés and public facilities in the surrounding city center.
It depends on the route and current setup, but historic underground spaces often involve uneven ground. If mobility is a concern, confirm details before visiting.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes—because it’s in Arnhem’s center, you’ll have plenty of cafés and lunch spots within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to plan a warm drink after the cool underground visit.
Generally, it’s best not to eat or drink in historic indoor spaces unless explicitly allowed. Have your snack break above ground.
Walk back into the shopping streets for coffee, then continue toward the riverfront for a change of scenery. This balances indoor and outdoor time.

Safety & Timing

Yes, but watch your step—historic floors and stairways can be uneven. Take extra care in dimmer sections.
Weekday afternoons are often calmer than weekends in the city center. Arriving near opening can also help.
You may feel rushed, especially if you want to read signage or take photos. Aim to arrive with enough buffer time to enjoy it slowly.

Nearby Attractions to the Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem

  • Rozet (library and culture hub) for architecture, exhibitions, and a city-center viewpoint.
  • Eusebius Church for a landmark tower and a strong sense of Arnhem’s historic skyline.
  • John Frost Bridge for an iconic river crossing tied to Arnhem's WWII history.
  • Airborne at the Bridge for compact, accessible context on the Battle of Arnhem near the river.
  • Sonsbeek Park for a scenic green escape with paths, views, and a classic Arnhem stroll.

The Historische Kelders Rijnstraat Arnhem 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!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Wednesday - Saturday: 12:00-17:00.

(Special) First Sunday of the month: 12:00-17:00.

Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Sunday.

Price:

Adults: €6 (self-guided) or €10 (guided tour); Youth 13-18: €6 (self-guided) or €7.50 (guided tour); Children 4-12: €4.50 (self-guided); Children under 4: free (with paying adult).

Address: Oude Oeverstraat 4A, 6811 JX Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km
Telephone: +31 26 442 1092
Official Website

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