Fotowolk photo walks
Join a photo walk [fotowolk] in Nijmegen and learn to look at the place you've been visiting for years with fresh eyes!
A fotowolk (photowalk) is an organized social activity. It's a chance for photographers to capture their surroundings and shoot some photo series. And Nijmegen? It's a fantastic city for street photography!
We have multiple dates throughout the year. We kick off at 9:30 AM, walk until 11:30 AM, and then wrap things up with coffee or tea until 12:00 PM. The starting point changes for each walk, so check the info below.
During my photo walks in Nijmegen, I try to help you see the city in a new light through a fun “Fotowolk” with other photographers. This is definitely not a workshop, but rather a themed walk.
We have multiple dates throughout the year. We kick off at 9:30 AM, walk until 11:30 AM, and then wrap things up with coffee or tea until 12:00 PM. The starting point changes for each walk, so check the info below.
Let's document the NOW. Not that you need to rush into documenting everything, but let's capture it right away. Today. The everyday moments. Those things you only see if you know where to look!
Unique photos. Created together.
The FOTOWOLK photo walks in Nijmegen aren't really workshops, but you learn so much from them! Professional photographer Michiel Heijmans helps you see your surroundings in a whole new light. And by exploring the city you already know so well with a group, you’ll discover something new on every walk!
April '27
Photo Cloud, April 22: Bridge Tour
Theme of this walk: Leading Lines
During this walk, we’ll stroll across the Waal Bridge and head through Veur-Lent to the Snelbinder railroad bridge. It’s a loop we’ve walked many times in recent years, and it always makes for a well-attended and enjoyable walk. This year in May, we’re hoping for lovely weather and beautiful skies! During this walk, we’ll focus—in the broadest sense—on “leading lines.” Choose a subject and see how you can guide the viewer’s eye toward it. I’m really curious to see what we can capture!
This month, we will meet at Kelfkensbos, near the Martin's Place cafeteria, so that we can easily walk to the Waalbrug. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m. we will have a drink together to conclude the walk, for example at De Blonde Pater on the corner of Houtstraat and Hezelstraat.
May '27
Photo Cloud, May 27: Architecture
Theme of this walk: Architecture in Street Photography
During the May photo walk, we’ll focus on people in relation to the city’s buildings. Nijmegen has the richest history of any city in the Netherlands (over 2,000 years!), and features a beautiful mix of old and new architectural styles. We’ll walk through the Hessenberg neighborhood and behind Molenstraat, through narrow alleys and across wide squares, looking for striking compositions for our photos. To add an extra “touch,” we’ll try to find interesting textures: sleek stone walls contrasted with untamed vegetation, or that one statue hidden among a maze of construction site fences.
Of course, during the walk we can apply everything we have practiced in previous walks (you really don't have to have walked with us before, but who knows, maybe you've already become addicted to the monthly walks): Layering, lines, the human element, reflections, etcetera!
This month, we will meet at Café De Blonde Pater on Ganzenheuvel. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m., we will have a drink together to conclude the walk.
June '27
Photo Cloud, June 24: Summer Vibes
Theme of this walk: Vacation
Maybe you’re already on vacation, or maybe it’s still to come, but the vacation season is upon us once again. You can tell by the pool floats and other sun, sea, and beach items in the stores, by the people who seem much happier, and by the tourists who are slowly trickling back into the city. We’re going to look for the things that, for you, define summer. Whether that’s the fantastic colors in a store window or vacationers, or the sunbather in Kronenburg Park.
Photograph whatever you like—the theme is just there to give you a challenge. It’d be great if you joined us!
This month, we're meeting up at Joris Ivensplein, right at the base of that big statue (the 'bottle opener'). The walk starts at 9:30 AM, and then at 11:30 AM, we'll all grab a drink together to finish off at café De Blonde Pater.
September
Fotowolk September 17: Tour of Spiegelwaal
Theme of this walk: Where land meets water
The Spiegelwaal is an impressive side channel of the Waal River near Nijmegen, created as part of the 'Ruimte voor de Rivier' program. This project was designed to give the Waal more space during high water, which helps prevent floods and makes the city safer. Building the Spiegelwaal has really changed the landscape around Nijmegen, creating a cool mix of nature, recreation, and water management.
For street and landscape photographers, the Spiegelwaal is a fantastic location. The blend of modern water structures, natural landscapes, and its proximity to the city offers a wide variety of subjects!
This month, we will meet at the Lent WWII Tank Barrier, where there is also a bus stop around the corner (just after the Waal Bridge). The walk starts at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m., we will have a drink together to conclude the walk, for example at Café De Zon on Veur-Lent.
October
Photo cloud October 15: Animals in the city
Theme of this walk: Animals in the city
We are repeating a theme from previous years. It was surprising how many animals we encountered during our walk. It is also a perfect exercise for a low perspective, practicing interaction on the street, and of course it just produces very nice images! You are, of course, completely free to stick to the theme or not.
This month, we will meet at the statue of Mariken on the Grote Markt. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m., we will have a drink together at café De Blonde Pater to conclude the walk.
Aug. '27
Photo Cloud, August 26: Parks in Nijmegen
Theme of this walk: From Valkhof to Kronenburg
We’ll walk through the parks, moving from tranquility to the chaos of the city and back to tranquility again. It’s August, so the park is usually crowded. Can you capture a moment of stillness in Valkhof Park or Kronenburg Park—or perhaps right in the city in between? Photograph whatever you like; the theme is just meant to give you a challenge. It’d be great if you joined us!
This month, we will meet at Kelfkensbos, near the Martin's Place cafeteria, so that we can easily walk to the Waalbrug. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m. we will have a drink together to conclude the walk, for example at De Blonde Pater on the corner of Houtstraat and Hezelstraat.
Sept. '27
Photo Cloud, September 23: A Walk Around Spiegelwaal
Theme of this walk: Where land meets water
The Spiegelwaal is an impressive side channel of the Waal River near Nijmegen, created as part of the 'Ruimte voor de Rivier' program. This project was designed to give the Waal more space during high water, which helps prevent floods and makes the city safer. Building the Spiegelwaal has really changed the landscape around Nijmegen, creating a cool mix of nature, recreation, and water management.
For street and landscape photographers, the Spiegelwaal is a fantastic location. The blend of modern water structures, natural landscapes, and its proximity to the city offers a wide variety of subjects!
This month, we will meet at the Lent WWII Tank Barrier, where there is also a bus stop around the corner (just after the Waal Bridge). The walk starts at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m., we will have a drink together to conclude the walk, for example at Café De Zon on Veur-Lent.
Oct. '27
Photo Cloud, October 21: Music
Theme of this walk: Music, Audible and Visible
The city moves to a rhythm, whether it’s a hard rock or blues tune. In an age where headphones are everywhere, this month we’re looking for movement, interaction, and harmony in the city. A musician, or a student cycling rhythmically who, unsuspectingly on his way to Rob and Elly’s record palace, is already playing the tune of his favorite record with his bike bell. A song rang out from every scaffold—that’s the idea.
This month, we will meet at the statue of Mariken on the Grote Markt. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m., we will have a drink together at café De Blonde Pater to conclude the walk.
During my photo walks in Nijmegen, I try to help you see the city in a new light through a fun “Fotowolk” with other photographers. This is definitely not a workshop, but rather a themed walk.
We have multiple dates throughout the year. We kick off at 9:30 AM, walk until 11:30 AM, and then wrap things up with coffee or tea until 12:00 PM. The starting point changes for each walk, so check the info below.
Beginners, professionals, nature photographers, and studio photographers. It doesn't really matter if you only have a telephoto lens or just a macro lens; what brings us together is taking photos. A photo walk is fun, interesting, and educational for every type of photographer!
Nijmegen
Photo walks in Nijmegen are a wonderful way to discover the Netherlands’ oldest city through your lens. Think of the Waalkade with its view of the river, the Valkhof Hill with its historic ruins, and the charming streets of the city center.
Nijmegen offers a mix of architecture, nature, and vibrant urban culture, making it ideal for street photography, landscapes, and portraits. The best light can be found early in the morning or during the golden hour, with the sun shining over the Waal River. Whether you’re traveling with a group or on your own, a walk like this sharpens your eye and always yields surprising images. Nijmegen surprises photographers time and time again.
Nijmegen, the oldest and most photogenic city in the Netherlands
Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, is a photographer’s paradise. The combination of centuries-old history, the Waal River, and striking architecture creates a city that looks different at every hour of the day. Here are seven locations you won’t want to miss.
The Waalkade is the perfect starting point. With the river in the foreground and the Nijmegen skyline in the background, this is the ideal spot for atmospheric evening shots, especially with the city lights reflecting off the water.
The Waal Bridge, built in 1936, is a photogenic sight in its own right. Whether you’re on the bridge or on the quay below, you’ll find beautiful lines and perspective, especially at sunset.
Valkhof Park, with St. Martin’s Chapel and the remains of the Carolingian chapel, takes you back to the city’s Roman and medieval history. The ruins set amid the greenery create striking, atmospheric scenes, especially during the golden hour.
The Stevenskerk and the surrounding square form the historic heart of the city. The contrast between the old facades and the hustle and bustle of the square makes this an ideal spot for street photography.
The Grote Markt and Kelfkensbos, with their distinctive facades and terraces, offer a vivid glimpse into Nijmegen’s city life. Especially on market days or during the Four Days Marches festivities, this is a place brimming with photo opportunities.
The Ooijpolder, just outside the city, offers a completely different perspective: vast expanses of nature, the Waal River meandering through the landscape, and—on foggy mornings—an almost picturesque atmosphere. It’s a popular spot among landscape photographers.
Finally, there is Hunnerpark and the statue of Emperor Charlemagne, located on the edge of Valkhofpark with a view of the Waal River. This spot combines greenery, history, and a sweeping view all in one setting.
Nijmegen is the perfect place for a photo walk that combines different worlds: the river, history, architecture, and street life are all close together.
The best light is early in the morning or during the golden hour, when the sun is low over the Waal River and the old buildings take on a warm glow. For those who want to take their photography to the next level, a guided group walk through these areas is a wonderful way to get to know both the city and your own perspective better.
