Wageningen

Wageningen lies close to the right bank of the branch of the Rhine estuary known in the Netherlands as the Nederrijn. Excavations date a settlement at this site back to the Stone Age. The hills to the east of the town provided protection for a Bronze Age tribe from flooding of the Rhine and from enemies and the earliest record of the name (in 838AD) is from the same hilly area. The town has had a chequered history, being occupied or destroyed on several occasions. Also, in 1421 the Rhine changed course, moving further south and, in the process, having a detrimental effect on Wageningen's trade. In the 17th century the town started tobacco cultivation and there were several cigar manufacturers. The floodplain of the Rhine to the south also had several brick factories, one of which can still be seen. In 1876 the Dutch government decided to build the first agricultural school in Wageningen on the grounds that it was in the heart of the country and was surrounded by a wide variety of soils. Since then the town has boomed and Wageningen University is now a world-renowned Life Sciences university. Wageningen also has the largest inland port in the Netherlands. The story goes that Wageningen was given the choice of getting a university or a train station. It chose the university, and still doesn't have a station. There is a station called Ede-Wageningen but it is close to

By Train

Wageningen is connected to the Dutch railway network, with regular train services from major cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. The station is typically within cycling distance or a short walk from the town center.

By Car / Road

Wageningen is well-connected by Dutch highways and regional roads. Ample parking is available on the outskirts of the town center. Regular bus services connect Wageningen to neighboring towns and cities.

Cycling is the best mode of transport and there are several stores downtown that can provide bike rentals. For those staying longer it is possible to buy second-hand bikes. A stall in the main square on Saturdays has good bargains. New bikes range from around €200 for a Chinese-made one (looked upon contemptuously by the Dutch) to up to €1000 for a real Dutch bike. All of the main roads have separate cycling lanes. These have their own traffic signals and you are expected to obey them. At roundabouts and other junctions cyclists usually have the right of way but this cannot be guaranteed so be careful. You have to give way if there are white triangles on the track that point towards you. Bus No.88 also takes you around most of Wageningen but it really doesn't make much sense to ride the bus here.

Detailed information in English can be found at . There is a Tourist Office in the Kniphorst Bookshop in Hoogstraat 49.

• • Cycling through the scenic Dutch landscape, along canals and past historic farms
• • Boating or canal tours (where waterways are present)
• • Attending local festivals and cultural events
• • Shopping at weekly markets for fresh produce, cheese, and flowers
• • Day trips to nearby cities and attractions

Wageningen offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Dutch brown cafés serving hearty pub fare to international restaurants. Local specialties may include fresh seafood (particularly in coastal areas), Dutch cheeses, and regional dishes. Most restaurants offer gezelligheid (a cozy, convivial atmosphere) and outdoor terraces in good weather.

There are many cafes located around the church in the centre with good selection of beers. Most student residences (triangular-looking buildings) also have their own bar downstairs. Wageningen does not have a particularly thriving nightlife, but still there are a few nice cafes and pubs to hang around, drink beers and listen to live music. The main hangout places in Wageningen are:

Hotel de Wageningse Berg

The main shopping street in Wageningen is the Hoogstraat although selection is limited. Apart from a shop selling wooden clogs, there are no obvious souvenirs to purchase. For visiting students setting up home for a time, inexpensive household items are available at HEMA and BLOKKER on Hoogstraat. Shopping hours are limited. Most shops close around 18:00 during the week and at 17:00 on Saturdays, except on Friday evening when they are open until 21.00. Supermarkets stay open until 20:00 most evenings and are also open on Sunday afternoons.

• Nearby towns in Gelderland — Explore neighboring communities and their unique character
• Amsterdam — The capital city is within easy reach by train for a day trip
• Other Dutch cities — The excellent rail network connects Wageningen to cities across the Netherlands