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PURE RELAXATION AT HOTEL DE MOLENHOEK-NIJMEGEN
Laughing, delicious food and above all briefly escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what better place to catch up with friends than in the middle of nature, yet close to the city? Pack your bag for a lovely weekend away at Van der Valk Hotel De Molenhoek-Nijmegen.
TEXT: MARTINE VAN DER DEIJL PHOTOGRAPHY: NOPOINT STUDIO'S STYLING: MARTINE REURINGS
As soon as you step into the hotel, you feel it immediately: there's a warm and relaxed atmosphere. With only 56 rooms it's not too large and that means there's plenty of personal attention for the guests. The friendly staff are ready with tips about the area; from the most scenic walking routes to the best sights in charming Nijmegen. But what truly makes this hotel special is the location. The vast Mookerheide lies practically in the backyard, and for many visitors that's the very reason to stay at Hotel De Molenhoek-Nijmegen.
WALKING AMONG THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS
Less than ten minutes' walk from the hotel, you find yourself in the middle of the Mookerheide. This beautiful nature reserve, full of rolling hills, narrow paths and lovely views, is perfect for hours of cozy, pleasant walks with your girlfriends. Along the way you might even come across Scottish Highland cattle grazing calmly. They look impressive with their large horns and shaggy coats, but they are very relaxed. Give them space and they won't hurt a fly.
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'EXPERIENCE NATURE AND THE CITY, WITH NIJMEGEN ONLY A FEW MINUTES AWAY'
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PAUSE FOR A MOMENT
If you want to catch your breath after the walk, Jachtslot Mookerheide is the ideal stop. This beautiful, monumental hunting lodge – owned by Natuurmonumenten, just like the surrounding nature reserve – is located in the middle of the heath. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in this special spot, of course with a delicious pastry, or order a flavorful lunch. Prefer a coffee to go? On Sundays, about a twenty-minute walk from the hotel two food trucks called De Tuin are open, located next to the pick‑your‑own garden and greenhouses of the Mookerheide.
NOT FINISHED TALKING
After a day outdoors, it's wonderful to come back to the hotel. Take off your walking shoes, enjoy a warm shower and you'll be ready for a drink in Bar Mookerheide. Take a moment to go over the day and more, because with your girlfriends you, of course, never run out of things to talk about. After the drink you'll sit down in the restaurant of Hotel De Molenhoek-Nijmegen, or who knows, you might decide to return to Jachtslot Mookerheide for an atmospheric dinner. Everything is possible, everything is allowed.
BACK ON THE ROAD
The next morning an extensive breakfast buffet awaits you. That's a nice way to wake up and a perfect start to the day. Today no nature, but a day trip to Nijmegen. This historic city is only a fifteen-minute drive from the hotel. You can also rent a bike at the hotel reception and cycle to the city via a beautiful, wooded route. There is plenty to see and do in Nijmegen. And let's face it, a bit of shopping is part of a girls' weekend. That's perfectly possible in the cozy shopping streets with well-known chain stores and surprising boutiques. In one of the many cafés you can toast to a weekend full of nature and city: the best of both worlds.
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