Saint Martin Church, Arnhem

Church, Historic Building and Religious Building in Arnhem

Saint Martin Church Arnhem
Saint Martin Church Arnhem
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Henk Monster

Saint Martin Church (Sint-Martinuskerk) is a Roman Catholic neo-Gothic church on Steenstraat in Arnhem, just east of the city center and close to the Spijkerkwartier neighborhood. From the outside it's an easy landmark to spot thanks to its tall, slender tower, while inside you'll find a quieter atmosphere that feels a world away from the busy shopping street outside.

It's a rewarding stop to weave into a self-guided walking tour of Arnhem: pair it with a stroll through the center, then continue toward the Rhine riverfront or the city's larger churches and museums. Even if you only have a short window, it's one of the best places in this part of town to step inside, look up, and appreciate Arnhem's mix of historic tradition and modern details.

History and Significance of the Saint Martin Church

Saint Martin Church is a 19th-century Catholic church dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, a widely venerated figure in European Christian history. Its neo-Gothic style reflects a period when many Dutch churches were built or renewed with medieval-inspired forms, emphasizing height, pointed arches, and richly detailed interiors.

Beyond its architectural value, the church has long served as a neighborhood anchor for worship and community life. Over time it has also hosted cultural and social activities, which helps explain why visitors experience it not only as a religious space but also as a living part of Arnhem’s local fabric.

A meaningful detail for history-minded visitors is how churches like this often carry layers of memory: renovations, commemorations, and evolving congregations can all leave visible traces in windows, artworks, and furnishings. Even a quick visit can feel like a small lesson in how Arnhem’s communities have changed while keeping familiar landmarks at their core.

Things to See and Do in the Saint Martin Church

Start with the architecture itself: the vertical lines, the tower profile, and the neo-Gothic structure make the building feel grand without being overwhelming. If the church is open, take a slow walk down the nave and look for the way light moves across the interior as the day changes.

Visitors frequently mention the stained glass as a highlight, including more modern-looking designs that stand out against the traditional church setting. It’s a good place to pause for a few minutes, especially if you enjoy photographing color and geometry (when photography is permitted).

If you’re interested in local religious life, check whether an English-language Mass is scheduled during your stay. Attending a service can add context and help you experience the church as locals do, rather than only as a sightseeing stop.

How to Get to the Saint Martin Church

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Weeze Airport (NRN) just across the German border; from any of these, you can continue to Arnhem by train or car depending on your route and budget. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

Arnhem is well connected by rail, and arriving at Arnhem Centraal makes it straightforward to continue by bus, taxi, or a short walk to Steenstraat and the church area.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 easy to reach via the Dutch motorway network, but parking can be limited closer to the center, so consider using a garage and finishing the last stretch on foot.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Saint Martin Church

  • Official website: https://www.eusebiusparochie.nl
  • Entrance fee: Free; donations appreciated.
  • Opening hours: Saturday: 14:00–16:00. Sunday: 13:00–16:00. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
  • Best time to visit: Aim for a daytime visit when the interior is brightest and stained glass shows best; weekends can be convenient if the church has limited public opening hours.
  • How long to spend: Plan 15–30 minutes for a quick look, or up to 45 minutes if you like architecture, quiet reflection, and detail-spotting.
  • Accessibility: Step-free access may be possible via a side entrance; if you use a wheelchair or stroller, it’s worth checking access arrangements before you go.
  • Facilities: Expect limited tourist-style facilities inside; plan for restrooms, snacks, and longer breaks at nearby cafés along Steenstraat or closer to the center.

Where to Stay Close to the Saint Martin Church

The best area to base yourself is central Arnhem near Arnhem Centraal, so you can walk to sights easily and keep day trips simple.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A practical pick for short stays: reliable comfort, strong transport connections, and an easy walk or quick bus ride to Steenstraat.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic, central option right by the station, ideal if you want to maximize walking time and keep evenings flexible.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel Chosen for its riverside setting and calmer feel, while still being close enough to reach the church and city center without hassle.

Boutique Hotel The Church A memorable boutique stay in the heart of town, great if you like character properties and being steps from cafés and shops.

Stayokay Arnhem A budget-friendly base with a social vibe, useful if you’re balancing city sightseeing with time in nearby parks and green spaces.

Is the Saint Martin Church Worth Visiting?

Yes, Saint Martin Church is worth visiting if you enjoy architecture, stained glass, and small, authentic stops that add texture to a city walk. It's not a massive, ticketed attraction, but it's exactly the kind of place that makes Arnhem feel lived-in and layered rather than purely touristic.

Honest Pivot: if your time is extremely tight and you’re prioritizing major “must-sees” with guaranteed opening hours and big exhibits, you may prefer to focus on Arnhem’s larger headline attractions and only stop here if it’s open when you pass by.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (93)

Reviews are very positive overall, with visitors praising the church’s beauty and architecture and frequently calling out the stained glass as a standout feature. Several people also highlight the experience of going up the tower for city views, and some appreciate that English-language Mass is offered at times. A common downside is that access can be limited or dependent on opening times and church activities, so you may need to plan around when it’s open.

Garik
7 years ago
"If you visit this church, it is important to lift up of the church tower: very nice view from there"
Marcus Aurelius Divaspati
4 years ago
"The Church also offers english mass every now and then."
Jimmy Tjon
6 years ago
"Very modern stained glass."

For Different Travelers

Saint Martin Church fits nicely into many Arnhem itineraries because it's easy to combine with neighborhoods, shopping streets, and other cultural stops. Think of it as a flexible add-on: quick when you need it to be, deeper when you have time.

Families with Kids

For families, the church can be a short, calm break between more energetic activities. Kids often enjoy spotting colors and patterns in stained glass and looking up at the height of the interior.

Keep expectations simple: a 10–15 minute “treasure hunt” for shapes, colors, and architectural details works better than a long visit. If the church is hosting a service, families should be mindful of noise and movement.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate the quiet, atmospheric feel, especially when light is filtering through the windows. It's a good stop to slow down and share a reflective moment during a walking tour.

Pair it with a café stop nearby or an evening stroll back toward central Arnhem. The contrast between the busy street outside and the calm interior can feel surprisingly romantic.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get strong value here: it's typically free to enter (or donation-based), and it adds a meaningful cultural stop without stretching your spend. It also sits in an area that's easy to reach on foot from central Arnhem.

Use it as a waypoint while exploring neighborhoods like Spijkerkwartier and the city center. If you’re planning a full day of walking, it’s a good place to rest your feet for a few minutes.

History Buffs

History buffs will enjoy reading the building as a product of 19th-century church design trends and Arnhem’s evolving religious landscape. Even without a formal museum-style interpretation, the structure and details tell a story.

To deepen the visit, connect it to Arnhem’s broader history by pairing it with nearby heritage sites and museums. Seeing multiple churches in one trip also helps you notice how different eras and restorations shape the city.

FAQs for Visiting Saint Martin Church

Getting There

Yes, it’s generally walkable, and the route is straightforward through the city streets. If you prefer, buses and taxis can shorten the trip.
Use Steenstraat 7, Arnhem, which places you right by the church. Double-check the entrance you need, as side entrances may be used at times.
Yes, it fits naturally into a city-center walking route. You can combine it with shopping streets, museums, and riverside viewpoints.

Tickets & Entry

Typically no, but access can depend on services or events. If it’s closed when you arrive, plan to return at another time.
Donations are often appreciated in churches, especially when entry is free. If there’s a donation box, a small contribution is a considerate gesture.
Visitors are usually welcome to attend respectfully. Arrive a bit early, keep quiet, and follow local customs during the service.

Visiting Experience

Many visitors focus on the stained glass and the overall neo-Gothic atmosphere. It’s best enjoyed slowly, looking up and around rather than rushing.
It works well as a quick stop, but architecture lovers can easily spend longer noticing details. Your experience will depend on whether the church is open and how quiet it is.
Yes, it’s a good indoor option when weather turns. Just be mindful of any ongoing services or restricted areas.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It can be a natural add-on for self-guided walks through Arnhem, especially if you’re exploring the east side of the center. Some themed heritage days may also highlight it.
Combine it with a city-center loop: church stop, café break, then continue to a museum or the riverfront. This keeps travel time minimal.
Pair it with another major church or a local history museum to compare styles and eras. Seeing multiple sites makes the architectural differences clearer.

Photography

Often yes, but rules can change during services or events. If signage is unclear, ask or keep photography discreet and respectful.
Stained glass and upward-looking interior angles tend to be most striking. Exterior shots also work well because the tower stands out along Steenstraat.
No, a phone camera is usually enough. If it’s dim inside, steady your hands or use a low-light mode rather than flash.

Accessibility & Facilities

Step-free access may be available via a side entrance depending on how the church is opened that day. If accessibility is essential, confirm before you go.
Churches often have limited public facilities outside of events. Plan to use nearby cafés or public facilities in the center.
Usually yes when the church is open for visitors, but narrow aisles or steps can make it awkward. A lightweight stroller is easiest.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Steenstraat and the surrounding streets have plenty of quick options. Central Arnhem also has a wider range of sit-down spots.
Generally no, and it’s best to keep food and drinks outside. Treat it as a quiet, respectful space.
Head toward the city center near the main shopping streets for more choice. That area is also convenient for continuing your itinerary.

Safety & Timing

Arnhem is generally safe, and this is a normal city neighborhood. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings, especially around busy streets.
Quieter moments are often outside peak shopping times and outside service times. Midday light can be best for seeing stained glass clearly.
Have a flexible plan: treat it as a “bonus stop” and continue your walk to nearby attractions. If you’re in town longer, try again on another day.

Nearby Attractions to the Saint Martin Church

  • Eusebius Church: Arnhem’s iconic main church with panoramic views from its tower and a strong sense of the city’s history.
  • Rozet: A modern cultural hub with library spaces, exhibitions, and a rooftop viewpoint over central Arnhem.
  • Nederlands Openluchtmuseum: A large open-air museum showcasing Dutch heritage buildings, crafts, and everyday life.
  • Park Sonsbeek: Arnhem's beloved city park, ideal for scenic walks, viewpoints, and a relaxing break.
  • Airborne Museum at Hartenstein (Oosterbeek): A powerful museum focused on the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden.

The Saint Martin Church 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:

Saturday: 14:00-16:00.

Sunday: 13:00-16:00.

Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Price:

Free; donations appreciated.

Address: Steenstraat 7, 6828 CA Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km
Telephone: +31 26 442 3116
Official Website

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