St. Walburgiskerk, Arnhem

Church, Historic Building and Religious Building in Arnhem

Saint Walburgs Church Arnhem
Saint Walburgs Church Arnhem
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Michielverbeek

St. Walburgiskerk sits right in Arnhem's historic center, a striking old church that still feels like a landmark even as it has evolved into a multi-use space. It's the kind of place you can appreciate in minutes from the outside, but it rewards a slower look if you're interested in heritage, architecture, and how cities creatively reuse historic buildings.

It also works beautifully as a stop on a self-guided walking tour through central Arnhem: pair it with nearby squares, riverside viewpoints, and other historic buildings so you get context, not just a quick photo. For the best views, circle the building first, then return to the square to take in the towers and the surrounding streetscape.

History and Significance of the St. Walburgiskerk

St. Walburgiskerk is widely regarded as one of Arnhem's oldest surviving churches, with roots reaching back to the medieval period. Even if you're not a church-architecture specialist, you can feel the age in the proportions, the masonry, and the way the building anchors its little pocket of the old town.

Like many historic churches in the Netherlands, its story is also about change: shifting religious life, wartime damage and rebuilding, and modern efforts to keep heritage buildings alive through new uses. That “living monument” character is part of what makes it interesting today.

A particularly compelling layer is how locals and visitors talk about the atmosphere: it’s not just a pretty façade, but a place that carries Arnhem’s identity and memory. If you like visiting sites that connect a city’s past to its present, this is a strong stop.

Things to See and Do in the St. Walburgiskerk

Start outside. Walk around the church to appreciate the towers and the way the structure sits within the street grid of central Arnhem. The exterior is the quickest payoff, especially in good light, and it's easy to combine with nearby cafés and short strolls.

Inside, what you can do depends on how the building is being used during your visit. Travelers often mention it as a powerful-feeling historic space, and some visitors also note small, focused displays or collections when exhibitions are on.

If you’re curious about Arnhem’s heritage beyond the usual highlights, look for any scheduled events, guided visits, or temporary cultural programming. Even a brief visit can feel distinctive because the building itself is the main “exhibit.”

How to Get to the St. Walburgiskerk

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 via Arnhem Centraal, with frequent connections from major cities; from the station, you can continue on foot, by bus, or by a quick taxi ride into the historic 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, aim for a central Arnhem parking garage and finish the last stretch on foot through the inner city streets.

Practical Tips on Visiting the St. Walburgiskerk

  • Official website: https://walburgiskerk.nl/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €10; Under 13: free; Students (13–18/CJP/student card): €5; Museumkaart: free.
  • Opening hours: Monday: 11:00–15:00. Tuesday: 11:00–15:00. Wednesday: 11:00–15:00. Thursday: 11:00–15:00. Friday: 11:00–15:00. Saturday: 11:00–15:00. Sunday: 11:00–15:00. Closed on Monday, Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the late morning for a calmer feel and better light for photos around the square; check ahead if there’s an event that could limit access.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for a quick look and photos; allow 60–90 minutes if you’re combining it with nearby sights and a café stop.
  • Accessibility: The area around the church is walkable and mostly flat in the center, but historic buildings can have steps and uneven surfaces; confirm current access arrangements before you go.
  • Facilities: Facilities vary depending on whether you're visiting during an exhibition/event or simply viewing from outside; nearby central Arnhem has plenty of cafés and restrooms in public venues.

Where to Stay Close to the St. Walburgiskerk

Base yourself in central Arnhem (Binnenstad) so you can walk to the church, shops, museums, and restaurants without relying on transport.

If you want the most memorable stay, choose something in or near the old center so you can enjoy early-morning and evening atmosphere when the streets quiet down. Here are five solid options to consider, each for a different travel style.

Walburgis Residenties A standout pick for travelers who want a once-in-a-lifetime stay: themed luxury apartments created in the towers of the historic church itself.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic, convenient choice opposite Arnhem Centraal, ideal if you're arriving by train and want an easy base with quick access to the center.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A practical, good-value option near the station and river area, great for short stays and travelers who prioritize simplicity and location.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel Chosen for its riverside setting and calmer feel while still being close enough to walk or hop into the center for sightseeing.

Boutique Hotel The Church A stylish boutique stay that fits the historic-center vibe, ideal for couples or design-minded travelers who want something more characterful than a chain.

Is the St. Walburgiskerk Worth Visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting if you're already exploring central Arnhem: it's visually impressive, historically meaningful, and easy to fit into a walking route with other highlights nearby. The building's “old-meets-new” identity also makes it more interesting than a standard quick church stop.

Honest Pivot: if you're only in Arnhem for a very short time and you prefer attractions with guaranteed interior access and big exhibitions, you may want to prioritize larger museums or panoramic viewpoints and simply admire St. Walburgiskerk from outside.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (62)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors highlighting the church's beauty, age, and the powerful atmosphere of the site. Several mention its heritage value and how well it works as a memorable stop in central Arnhem, with some noting interesting small-scale displays when available. A minor downside is that the experience can feel brief or limited depending on what's open inside, so it may not satisfy travelers expecting a large, always-accessible interior attraction.

Traveler Developer
a year ago
"Very beautiful and the oldest Church in Arnhem. It has been converted from Church into Restaurant & Hotel"
Ga a Ovrakhova
3 years ago
"Very powerful place 🛕❣️Must be in bucket list 📖 ✅ History and heritage of Arnhem 🇳🇱🫶♥️"
Getjan Lammers
5 years ago
"Small and to the point . Very nice Future City collection."

For Different Travelers

St. Walburgiskerk works best as a flexible stop: you can keep it short for a photo-and-stroll, or build it into a deeper heritage-focused walk through Arnhem's center.

Families with Kids

For families, the easiest win is keeping it simple: a short walk-by, a few photos, and then moving on to a nearby park or kid-friendly museum. The building’s towers and “this used to be a church” story can be a fun hook for curious kids.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, plan a route that avoids unnecessary steps and includes a nearby café break. Keeping the visit brief helps maintain momentum for the rest of the day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will likely enjoy the atmosphere most: the historic setting, the central streets, and the chance to slow down and wander. It’s especially appealing around golden hour when the light softens and the center feels more intimate.

If you want to make it a highlight, pair it with a dinner reservation nearby and a gentle evening walk through the old town. Staying close by lets you enjoy the area after day-trippers leave.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can treat this as a high-impact, low-cost stop: the exterior is impressive, and it fits naturally into a DIY walking tour of Arnhem. Combine it with free city wandering and a picnic-style lunch from a bakery.

To keep costs down, focus on planning a compact route in the center so you’re not paying for extra transport. If you do choose paid entry or a tour, make it the one “splurge” heritage activity of the day.

History Buffs

History buffs will appreciate the layers: medieval origins, the way the building has survived and changed, and how it reflects Arnhem’s broader story. Even without a long interior visit, the site is a strong anchor point for understanding the old city.

To deepen the experience, connect it with other WWII and heritage sites in Arnhem and read up on the neighborhood's evolution. Seeing multiple landmarks in one walk makes the church's role in the city feel clearer.

FAQs for Visiting St. Walburgiskerk

Getting There

Yes, it’s generally walkable from the station through the city center. If you prefer, you can shorten the walk with a quick bus or taxi.
Train to Arnhem Centraal is the simplest option for most visitors. From there, continue on foot or with local transit into the historic core.
Yes, it fits naturally into a central Arnhem loop with nearby squares, shops, and other historic buildings. Plan a route that keeps you mostly on foot to save time.

Tickets & Entry

It depends on whether you’re entering for an exhibition, guided visit, or specific access areas. Check the official website for current entry options.
Discounts are sometimes offered depending on the type of visit or program. Confirm current pricing and eligibility before you go.
Yes, you can always enjoy the exterior and the surrounding square as part of a walk through the center. Interior access may be ticketed or limited.

Visiting Experience

It can be either: a quick exterior look takes only a few minutes, while a fuller visit depends on what’s open inside. It’s best treated as a flexible stop.
It’s typically calmer than the biggest headline attractions, but it can get busier during events. Visiting earlier in the day often feels quieter.
Beyond its age and presence, it stands out for its modern reuse and the way it’s woven into Arnhem’s current cultural life. That blend gives it a distinctive feel.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Guided visits may be offered at certain times or for groups. Check the official website for current tour details and any restrictions.
Pair it with a central Arnhem walk that includes other historic buildings and a riverside viewpoint. Add a museum stop if you want more context.
Yes, because it’s centrally located and easy to see without a big time commitment. Treat it as a “must-pass” landmark on your route.

Photography

Walk around the building to find the most dramatic tower views and cleaner backgrounds. The square-side perspective usually works well for wide shots.
Rules can vary depending on exhibitions or events. Look for posted guidance on-site or confirm ahead of time.
Late afternoon often gives warmer light and a more atmospheric look in the center. Overcast days can also be great for detail shots without harsh shadows.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be limited in historic buildings and may vary by which areas are open. Check ahead for step-free routes and current arrangements.
Restroom availability depends on what’s open inside at the time. In the city center, nearby cafés and public venues are reliable alternatives.
Yes, the surrounding center has plenty of seating options in cafés and public spaces. Plan a short break nearby to make the visit more relaxed.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, central Arnhem has many cafés within a short walk. It’s easy to pair the visit with coffee or lunch.
Yes, the inner city is one of Arnhem’s best areas for dining. Booking ahead is smart on weekends.
Absolutely—grab something from a bakery or takeaway spot nearby. It keeps your itinerary moving while still giving you a break.

Safety & Timing

Central Arnhem is generally safe and busy, especially during the day. Use normal city precautions, particularly at night.
Yes, events can change access and the feel of the visit. A quick check of the official website can prevent surprises.
Confirm opening times and any closures before you go. If you’re traveling on a tight schedule, prioritize seeing the exterior first.

Nearby Attractions to the St. Walburgiskerk

  • Eusebius Church: Arnhem’s most iconic church tower area, great for city-center sightseeing and skyline views.
  • Rozet: A modern cultural building with library and exhibitions, a nice contrast to Arnhem's medieval landmarks.
  • Museum Arnhem: An art-focused museum that's a strong add-on if you want a bigger indoor attraction.
  • Park Sonsbeek: Arnhem's beloved city park for scenic walks, viewpoints, and a nature break.
  • John Frost Bridge: A key WWII landmark and a meaningful stop for history-minded visitors.

The St. Walburgiskerk 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:

Monday: 11:00-15:00.

Tuesday: 11:00-15:00.

Wednesday: 11:00-15:00.

Thursday: 11:00-15:00.

Friday: 11:00-15:00.

Saturday: 11:00-15:00.

Sunday: 11:00-15:00.

Closed on Monday, Sunday.

Price:

Adults: €10; Under 13: free; Students (13-18/CJP/student card): €5; Museumkaart: free.

Address: Sint Walburgisplein 1, 6811 BZ Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km
Official Website

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